Despite a decided list to starboard I read The Economist every week or more online. Today, this conservative international financial publication has cast a vote from across the sea by endorsing Barack Obama for president.

The Economist does not have a vote, but if it did, it would cast it for Mr Obama. We do so wholeheartedly: the Democratic candidate has clearly shown that he offers the better chance of restoring America’s self-confidence. But we acknowledge it is a gamble. Given Mr Obama’s inexperience, the lack of clarity about some of his beliefs and the prospect of a stridently Democratic Congress, voting for him is a risk. Yet it is one America should take, given the steep road ahead.

Among the reasons given for supporting Obama over McCain is the threat that Sarah Palin may succeed the aging former POW.