NEW YORK TIMES ENDORSES – AT 11:06 A.M. ET:  I have no idea why, but the endorsement of The New York Times for political office still has meaning among some people.  I know all three of them.

So today the mighty Times, where I used to labor in better days, endorses Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.  You can read the endorsement here.  It's so exciting. 

The Times portrays Clinton as one of the most qualified candidates in the history of the Universe, almost on the level of George Washington.  Of course, there is no listing of actual accomplishments, for obvious reasons.  Two paragraphs stand out:

As secretary of state, Mrs. Clinton worked tirelessly, and with important successes, for the nation’s benefit. She was the secretary President Obama needed and wanted: someone who knew leaders around the world, who brought star power as well as expertise to the table. The combination of a new president who talked about inclusiveness and a chief diplomat who had been his rival but shared his vision allowed the United States to repair relations around the world that had been completely trashed by the previous administration.

That is complete garbage.  Our relations are in the tank.  The reset with Russia is a farce.  Mideast nations don't trust us.  China is more aggressive than ever.  Maybe we're a hit in Cuba.

And the other paragraph:

Mrs. Clinton has honed a steeliness that will serve her well in negotiating with a difficult Congress on critically important issues like climate change. It will also help her weather what are certain to be more attacks from Republicans and, should she win the White House, the possibility of the same ideological opposition and personal animus that President Obama has endured. Some of the campaign attacks are outrageous, like Donald Trump’s efforts to bring up Bill Clinton’s marital infidelity. Some, like those about Mrs. Clinton's use of a private email server, are legitimate and deserve forthright answers.

Say what?  It's like saying, "Aside from murdering your wife, sir, do you have any issues that might offend the public?" 

In fact, Hillary Clinton is under an intense FBI investigation.  It involves deeply serious matters of national security.  If indicted and convicted, she could go to prison, although I'd imagine they'd work out a plea deal.

But she is not the Superwoman portrayed by The Times, which increasingly operates in its own world.  And I don't think the paper's endorsement will change votes in Iowa.

January 30,  2016