200810312238 | The Economist backs Obama

The Economist backs Obama

barack_obama_ecstatic_on_winning_in_iowa_caucuses_-usa_6.jpg

London - The Economist, the widely-respected weekly current affairs magazine, on Thursday backed Barack Obama "wholeheartedly" to become the next US president, describing him as a gamble America should take. "In terms of painting a brighter future for America and the world, Mr Obama has produced the more compelling and detailed portrait," the London-based magazine said in its leader, published on its website.

"He has campaigned with more style, intelligence and discipline than his opponent. Whether he can fulfil his immense potential remains to be seen. But Mr Obama deserves the presidency."

"The Economist does not have a vote, but if it did, it would cast it for Mr Obama.

"We do so wholeheartedly: the Democratic candidate has clearly shown that he offers the better chance of restoring America's self-confidence."

The Economist has a worldwide circulation of around 1.3 million, with nearly 680 000 readers in the United States alone.