ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is endorsing Democrat Barack Obama for president.

In an editorial on Sunday, the newspaper praised Obama's intellect, temperament and ability to handle pressure. The editorial says Obama has surrounded himself with smart advisers "who have helped him refine thorough, nuanced policy positions."

The newspaper criticizes Republican John McCain for his selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

The Post-Dispatch called Palin the least qualified vice presidential contender since shipbuilder Arthur Sewall ran with William Jennings Bryan in 1896. The editorial also says McCain has shrank from his stand for a humane immigration policy, his universal condemnation of torture and his condemnation of smear politics.

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