Your endorsement of Sen. John McCain for president on Oct. 21 was very disappointing, not for your endorsement but for the reasons you gave for the endorsement.

Unfortunately, the McCain campaign has used many of the half-truths, lies and misrepresentations found in your editorial. This negative approach was promulgated by the Republican National Committee and proclaimed by the likes of Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh, Vice President Cheney and President Bush. The GOP platform gives no relief to anyone during these troubled economic times other than the very rich.

A positive McCain campaign would have been an easy row to hoe with the military and legislative background of the candidate and one that would have been most acceptable to the public. However, the majority of the American voters have rejected the Republicans' sick and negative method of campaigning, and for this reason are willing to elect a first-term senator of color over an experienced white senator with an outstanding military record.

In any event, Sen. Barack Obama's continued discussion of the issues and his theme of "It's time for change" are matters that have given hope to voters and victory to the Democratic Party.
Ben Frank
Little Rock, Ark.