It's time for Obama

We look at the reasons why The Economist has chosen Barack Obama, and not John McCain, as the best candidate to be the next US president. 

The Economist

... The Economist does not have a vote, but if it did, it would cast it for [Barack] 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. ...

There is no getting around the fact that Mr Obama’s résumé is thin for the world’s biggest job. But the exceptionally assured way in which he has run his campaign is a considerable comfort. It is not just that he has more than held his own against Mr McCain in the debates. A man who started with no money and few supporters has out-thought, out-organised and out-fought the two mightiest machines in American politics — the Clintons and the conservative right. ...

On the financial crisis his performance has been as assured as Mr McCain’s has been febrile. He seems a quick learner and has built up an impressive team of advisers. ... Of course, Mr Obama will make mistakes; but this is a man who listens, learns and manages well. ...

Whether he can fulfil his immense potential remains to be seen. But Mr Obama deserves the presidency.