ew Hampshire voters will today decide one of the most hotly contested and perhaps pivotal presidential primaries on record. The Globe reaffirms its endorsement of Vice President Al Gore in the Democratic primary and Senator John McCain for the Republican nomination.
The 16 days of heavy campaigning since we first made these endorsements have only strengthened the case for them.
Gore has shown a steadiness of purpose, a command of the issues, and a determination that have become the hallmarks of his campaign. To this he has managed to add new foresight - on such issues as globalization and technology - and a degree of idealism on such issues as gay rights.
McCain, meanwhile, has continued to emphasize a promise of bold reforms highlighted by his insistence on campaign finance reform. In McCain's presentation, these initiatives are not airy do-good theories, but grow out of a thorough understanding of the way Washington operates and how it could do better.
In competitive races in both parties, Gore and McCain are the clear choices.
