The Gray Lady endorses ‘tenacious’ Hillary for 2016 vote

American daily newspaper The New York Times has endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential election in the United States, set to be held in November 8.

"A lifetime's commitment to solving problems in the real world qualifies Hillary Clinton for this job, and the country should put her to work," said the Times on Saturday, describing her as "one of the most tenacious politicians of her generation."

The newspaper praised the former secretary of state for her realistic views in regard to foreign policy, which focuses on pursuing matters overseas rather than considering the US as an isolated nation, tacitly denouncing her rival, GOP nominee Donald Trump, for his divisive outlook, which involves building a wall on the Mexican border to keep asylum seekers out and calls for a complete ban on Muslims seeking refuge in the country.

"Mrs. Clinton has shown herself to be a realist who believes America cannot simply withdraw behind oceans and walls, but must engage confidently in the world to protect its interests and be true to its values," the paper said.

On the other hand, Trump, who is a billionaire real estate mogul and reality TV star, "shrinks to his true small-screen, reality-show proportions," it noted.

It also referred to Clinton’s use of private server as the secretary of state, saying it had received the scrutiny it deserved.

The issue was used by the Republican as a means to attack the former New York senator in the run-up to the vote.

For the past 60 years, the Times has only supported Democratic candidates, with US President Dwight Eisenhower being the last Republican so far.

“Over 40 years in public life, Hillary Clinton has studied these forces and weighed responses to these problems. Our endorsement is rooted in respect for her intellect, experience, toughness and courage over a career of almost continuous public service, often as the first or only woman in the arena," read the article, titled “Hillary Clinton For President.”

The former first lady would be the first female president in the history of the country if she wins the bid for the White House.

According to a Real Clear Politics average of recent polls, Clinton currently maintains a three-point lead with 46.2 percent over Trump with 43.2 percent.

This is while Clinton faces harsh criticism for her war-mongering policies, with activists pointing the finger at her particularly for violence raging on in parts of the Middle East.

The two rivals will face off in the first national debate on Monday.

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