Crikey

The Economist has made a surprise endorsement of Barack Obama for president, stating he has “clearly shown that he offers the better chance of restoring America’s self-confidence” and taking aim at the “sloppiness” of John McCain’s campaign.

“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. But we acknowledge it is a gamble. Given Mr Obama’s inexperience, the lack of clarity about some of his beliefs and the prospect of a stridently Democratic Congress, voting for him is a risk. Yet it is one America should take, given the steep road ahead.”

Read the full endorsement here.