The Kansas City Star has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

In a full-page, color editorial Saturday, the Star said Obama is "the right person to lead the country forward" during difficult times.

The Star said Obama "understands the challenges that await George Bush's successor," and called him a "gifted public servant whose roots extend to his mother's birthplace in Kansas."

The editorial also said Obama's election as "America's first biracial president would be a milestone" for the country.

The Star also said Obama has a rare ability to inspire young people and praised his selection of Sen. Joe Biden for his vice presidential running mate.

The newspaper also said Biden would be better prepared to assume the Oval Office than GOP candidate Sen. John McCain's running mate,
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.