Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton was endorsed Friday by the editorial board of the largest newspaper in Indiana, five days ahead of the state's tightening Democratic primary election.

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The Indianapolis Star praised both Clinton and her rival, Sen. Barack Obama, but noted the next president "will take office at a time of extraordinary risk for this nation, both at home and abroad," including "a sagging economy, rising energy and food costs, the gap in health care, wars in two countries and threats from Iran."

"Obama offers an attractive vision for the way things could be. He speaks eloquently of hope and change. He connects with voters, many who formerly felt disenfranchised, on a level few political leaders have attained," the editorial said. "Clinton offers a clear-eyed view of the way things are. She offers nuanced positions on how to address the war in Iraq, trade with China and economic expansion. Her depth of knowledge is remarkable."

"Clinton is the better choice, based on her experience and grasp of major issues, to confront those challenges," the editorial writers said.

The endorsement also chided Clinton for pandering to voters on gas taxes and both Democrats for their opposition to trade agreements, saying they were giving in to protectionism.