ENDORSEMENTS – AT 10:52 A.M. ET:  The power of newspaper endorsements has always been overrated.  We note that in 1936 the overwhelming majority of newspapers endorsed Alf Landon for president, but FDR won a smashing re-election victory.

However, ndorsements might have some effect in very close states, especially if they go against the expected.  There are several swing-state endorsements to report today.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch, in critical Virginia, has endorsed Romney, although that is not a surprise.  But every boost helps in Virginia.

Of far great impact, the Quad-City Times, in Iowa, has also endorsed Romney.  This comes a day after the powerful Des Moines Register endorsed Mitt.  What's important here is that both papers supported Obama in 2008.  Iowa is close.  These endorsements will create buzz.  Maybe, just maybe, they'll make the difference.

The Houston Chronicle, which backed Obama in 2008, has just endorsed Romney.  No great impact, as Texas is solidly GOP.  But it's another editorial switch to the right. 

Oh, and The New York Times has endorsed Obama.  And the whole world yawned.  A New York Times endorsement used to mean something.  People would literally carry copies of the endorsement to the polls.  Now no one really cares.  It's all so predictable.  And so brainless.  The big three lib papers – The New York Times, the Washington Post, and the L.A. Times – have all gone with Obama, and none has made a persuasive argument.  Go back to sleep.

I am surprised, by the way, at the increasing number of Romney endorsements, especially from papers that went with the anointed one in 2008.  Many Americans are returning to their senses.

October 28, 2012