Pointing to his “steadfastness in the face of uncertainty, his clear-eyed vision for a more just America and his potential for rallying the country to do great things,” The Des Moines Register’s editorial board has endorsed Democrat Barack Obama.

Published in Sunday’s paper, The Register said an Obama presidency would work to strengthen the struggling middle class and would “bridge divisions and tackle problems.”

When Obama first met with the Register’s editorial board more than a year ago, he emphasized that when deciding to run, “I wasn’t simply a young man in a hurry.”

“I think there’s this particular window right now where the country is hungry for change, and is also hungry to be brought together, as opposed to being driven apart,” he said. “And I thought that the particular skills that I have, of bringing people from diverse backgrounds across lines of race or party or region or faith to focus on solving problems, was a particularly useful and needed skill right now.”

Indeed, it is. An Obama presidency presents the best hope for a unified America that aspires to greatness again.

The paper also pointed to the campaign of Republican John McCain, calling it erratic and disappointing.

The Register’s editorial board endorsed McCain for the Republican nomination and looked forward to a serious-minded contest between competing ideologies and worthy foes.

But it’s as if McCain has lost his way, forfeiting principle for gain of a few points in the polls. He put on hold his long-sought quest for comprehensive immigration reform. Though widely regarded as a man of honor, he has overseen a campaign premised on purposeful distortions about Obama and his record.

The Register also called into question McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, saying she was “utterly unqualified to ascend to the presidency.”

Before choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain emphasized the importance of experience and sound judgment in fighting terrorism and confronting a restive Russia and a rising China. He has also questioned Obama’s readiness to be commander in chief. Then he picked a running mate who clearly isn’t ready.