February 2, 2008: Vol. 31, No. 5

For the first time in a very long time, the New York presidential primary actually matters, thanks to a decision to move the date of the voting to this Tuesday instead of its usual date after the nominating process is all but decided.

As such, New Yorkers have a greater responsibility to make considered choices. The Brooklyn Paper selected candidates who are most likely to restore America’s position as a shining beacon to the world while meeting the needs of our people at home:

Democratic Primary: Barack Obama

After 16 years of virtually non-stop partisan bickering, the nation can ill-afford to elect a Democrat whose candidacy exists — in no small part, mind you — to settle old scores with the GOP.

Sen. Hillary Clinton has touted her experience — but as the popularity of Obama’s campaign shows, the country is crying out for change.

True, on most substantive issues, Clinton and Obama hold similar views. But Obama is the candidate whose message of hope can cut through the partisan morass, bring our nation together and begin to restore America’s damaged credibility overseas. We’re not discounting the challenges ahead, but the time has come for a president who appeals to our idealism, not our partisanship.

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Voters should note that the Democratic Party will distribute delegates on a proportional, rather than winner-take-all, basis this year, meaning that every vote will count. Sen. Clinton’s “home field advantage” may net her the most votes statewide, but Obama can still pick up dozens of delegates — delegates who will be needed if this battle goes all the way to the national convention in August.

Republican Primary: John McCain

The Republican Party has offered Brooklyn voters only one real choice: Sen. John McCain.

The Arizona senator is consistent, candid and intellectually honest. Even when we disagree with McCain, we leave the debate with respect for his position.

We also respect that he has bucked his party on immigration, understanding that America can’t simply arrest and deport all 12 million “illegal” immigrants, whose only crime is that they sought jobs in the Land of Opportunity.

Other candidates talk about “giving back” to the nation by getting elected. But, lest we forget, McCain, who was tortured nearly to death during five years as a prisoner in Vietnam, has lived a life of “public service” in the true sense of the term.

©2008 The Brooklyn Paper