WASHINGTON - THE Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times, two of the most influential US newspapers, backed Democrat Barack Obama on Friday to become the next US president, praising his leadership abilities despite his relative inexperience.

The influential Washington newspaper said its thumbs up was 'without ambivalence', and praised Obama's intelligence and political skill while blasting Republican rival John McCain, 72, and his running mate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, 44.

'The choice is made easy in part by Mr McCain's disappointing campaign, above all his irresponsible selection of a running mate who is not ready to be president,' the newspaper said.

'Mr Obama has the potential to become a great president,' wrote the Post.

'Yes, we have reservations and concerns, almost inevitably, given Mr Obama's relatively brief experience in national politics. But we also have enormous hopes.'

The Post endorsed Democrats Al Gore and John Kerry in the past two presidential elections, which were won by Republican George W. Bush.

Later on Friday, the Los Angeles Times backed Mr Obama in an editorial posted on its website, saying the Democratic nominee answered a need for 'a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure'.

'The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president,' the paper wrote, saying that as the campaign neared the finishing line Mr Obama had impressed with his 'steadiness and maturity'.

'Obama is educated and eloquent, sobre and exciting, steady and mature. He represents the nation as it is, and as it aspires to be,' the paper enthused.

Like the Post, the Times condemned Mr McCain for his decision to choose Mrs Palin, describing the move as 'tactically brilliant but irresponsible'.

The decision 'calls into question just what kind of thinking - if that's the appropriate word - would drive the White House in a McCain presidency,' the Times remarked. -- AFP

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