New York, Oct 24 : After nearly two years of a grueling and ugly campaign, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois has proved that he is the right choice to be the 44th president of the United States, The New York Times has said.

Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment.

At the same time, Obama’s rival Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism.

Alexandria (US), Oct 21: After former US secretary of state endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama in the Nov 4 elections, the White House said last evening that US President George W. Bush has “greatly respects” for Colin Powell.

White House spokesperson Dana Perino said that every American had the right to decide whom to support in an election.

Washington, Oct. 21: U. S. President George W Bush has decided not close down the prison facility at the Guantanamo Bay naval base near Cuba, citing that there are too many legal and political risks for taking such a step.

According to the New York Times, Bush has also never considered proposals drafted by the State Department and the Pentagon that outlined options for transferring the detainees elsewhere.

Washington, Oct 19 : President George W Bush has approved provision of a US anti-submarine frigate to Pakistan, which will be refurbished with latest systems and delivered in August 2010.

Pakistani Embassy in Washington has been informed that the US President signed a bill on Friday, authorizing provision of Frigate FFG-8 McInerney anti-submarine (type Oliver Hazard Perry) from the American fleet. The US Congress has already endorsed the decision.