The Plain Dealer of Cleveland supports a second term for Democratic President Barack Obama. The Columbus Dispatch backs Republican Mitt Romney.

The Dispatch says the United States needs a new direction. The Dispatch states that it warned four years ago about Obama’s lack of experience. It says Romney has the real-world experience to lead the nation out of economic malaise.

The Plain Dealer endorses Obama for a second term, after also endorsing him in 2008. Its endorsement praises Obama’s leadership on issues such as the auto industry bailout, while saying this year’s endorsement comes with less enthusiasm or optimism than four years ago. The newspaper criticizes Romney for frequent changes in positions.