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We Choose ... - It's that time in the campaign cycle when major publications make known their choice for president. Some of the choices are obvious, such as The New York Times' enthusiastic endorsement of President Obama, and surprises, like The Salt Lake Tribune's support for the incumbent and The Des Moines Register backing Republican Mitt Romney, a flip from 2008. The verdict's still out on whether they really make a difference, but the conventional wisdom is that they could help undecideds in battleground states pick a side. – Joyce Jones (Photos from left: Courtesy of The Boston Globe, Courtesy of Cincinnati Enquirer) 

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The New York Times - "[President Obama] has formed sensible budget policies that are not dedicated to protecting the powerful, and has worked to save the social safety net to protect the powerless. Mr. Obama has impressive achievements despite the implacable wall of refusal erected by Congressional Republicans so intent on stopping him that they risked pushing the nation into depression, held its credit rating hostage, and hobbled economic recovery."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courteys of The New York Times)

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The Economist - "[For] all his shortcomings, Mr Obama has dragged America’s economy back from the brink of disaster, and has made a decent fist of foreign policy. So this newspaper would stick with the devil it knows, and re-elect him."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Economist)

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The Salt Lake Tribune - "[Our] endorsement must go to the incumbent, a competent leader who, against tough odds, has guided the country through catastrophe and set a course that, while rocky, is pointing toward a brighter day. The president has earned a second term. Romney, in whatever guise, does not deserve a first."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune)

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The Boston Globe - "If he’s re-elected, amid signs of new life in the job and housing markets, Obama can again be the transformative figure that Washington so desperately needs."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Boston Globe)

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The Miami Herald - "In the end, Mr. Obama’s policies across the board — the environment, social policy, taxes and immigration — offer a more generous vision for America. The issues he has fought for, coupled with the lingering doubts about Mr. Romney’s persona and his true intentions, make this a clear choice. In the race for president, The Miami Herald recommends BARACK OBAMA."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Miami Herald)

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The Charlotte Observer - "The America he believes in celebrates the common good as well as the individual good. When the economy improves – and it will – the country needs a president with that agenda, with those values. We endorse Barack Obama for another four years."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Charlotte Observer)

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Tampa Bay Times - "We wish the economic recovery was more vigorous, and we would like the president to present a sharper vision for a second term. But Obama has capably steered the nation through an incredibly difficult period at home and abroad, often with little help from Congress. The next four years will not be easy for whoever occupies the Oval Office, but Obama has been tested by harsh circumstance and proven himself worthy of a second term."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama. (Photo: Courtesy of Tampa Bay Times)

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The Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Today, we recommend President Obama's re-election. He has led the nation back from the brink of depression. Ohio in particular has benefited from his bold decision to revive the domestic auto industry."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Cleveland Plain Dealer)

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The Denver Post - "This is an election that begs the candidates to demonstrate what they plan to do moving forward. Neither has done enough to lead us to think voters on Nov. 6 aren't, to a certain degree, being asked to make a leap of faith. But Obama's record of accomplishment under trying circumstances and his blueprint for a second term make him the best pick to move the nation forward."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Denver Post)

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The Pittsburgh Post Gazette - "This well may be a generation-defining moment. What will America's future be? Will this still be a land of opportunity and freedom for all people or just for the favored few? Because we still hope, we endorse for president Barack Obama, whose heart – unlike his challenger – has not wavered nor his principles changed."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

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The Des Moines Register - "Romney has made rebuilding the economy his No. 1 campaign priority — and rightly so."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama. (Photo: Courtesy of The Des Moines Register)

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The Las Vegas Review-Journal - "The choice is clear. Only Mitt Romney has the principles and experience needed to put America back on the road to prosperity. The Review-Journal endorses Mitt Romney for president of the United States."In 2008, this publication endorsed Sen. John McCain.(Photo: Courtesy of The Las Vegas Review)

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Richmond Times Dispatch - "Mitt Romney has succeeded as a family man, governor, entrepreneur, Olympic leader. He is a man of character, a problem-solver, a turnaround specialist. He has earned our enthusiastic endorsement. America needs President Romney."In 2008, this publication endorsed Sen. John McCain.(Photo: Courtesy of The Richmond Times Dispatch)

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Tampa Bay Tribune - "President Obama may have good intentions, but he is simply taking the nation in the wrong direction. Seasoned executive Romney would come to office ready to put the country on the course to more freedom and prosperity.The Tampa Tribune, with confidence and enthusiasm, endorses Mitt Romney for president."In 2008, this publication endorsed Sen. John McCain.(Photo: Courtesy of The Tampa Bay Tribune)

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Houston Chronicle - "Let us stipulate: The Mitt Romney we are endorsing is the Massachusetts moderate who worked successfully alongside an 88 percent Democratic majority in the state Legislature to produce what the Obama administration says became its model for national health care reform."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The Houston Chronicle)

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Cincinnati Enquirer - "Romney as president should stay true to who he is – a moderate leader who can work with the left and right, with business and with government, and who will set an example, both as an individual and as the leader of the United States of America."In 2008, this publication endorsed Sen. John McCain(Photo: Courtesy of The Cincinnati Enquirer)

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Orlando Sentinel - "We reject the innuendo that some critics have heaped on the president. We don't think he's a business-hating socialist. We don't think he's intent on weakening the American military. We don't think he's unpatriotic. And, no, we don't think he was born outside the United States. But after reflecting on his four years in the White House, we also don't think that he's the best qualified candidate in this race. We endorse Mitt Romney for president."In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama. (Photo: Courtesy of The Orlando Sentinel)

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Boston Herald - "During the last four years the world has become a more dangerous place. We can’t afford four more years of a leadership vacuum. Not when in Mitt Romney voters have the choice of a strong, smart hand on the helm, a decent, caring man, who lives his faith, who loves his country and would serve it well. For all of those reasons, the Boston Herald is pleased to endorse Mitt Romney for president."In 2008, this publication endorsed Sen. John McCain(Photo: Courtesy of The Boston Herald)

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New York Observer - "This election is a true turning point for the next generation. Mitt Romney is the change the nation needs. And he is the change New York needs." In 2008, this publication endorsed Obama.(Photo: Courtesy of The New York Observer)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy of The New York Observer

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The Detroit News - "Romney's goal is to help all Americans live independent and productive lives, free to rise to the extent of their personal capabilities. He would not shield them from risk or the consequences of their decisions, but neither would he deny them their earned rewards. Our hope is that Mitt Romney would restore faith in the core principles of free men and women, free minds and free markets that made America great, and will keep it so."In 2008, this publication endorsed Sen. John McCain.(Photo: Courtesy of The Detroit News)