America faces a world roiling with economic calamity and shadowed with threats.

The times call for an experienced leader, someone who has been tested, and tested again, someone who can be counted on not only to stand up to enemies, but also to stand up to friends.

John McCain is the best presidential candidate to lead the country through these chaotic times.

While we think Barack Obama’s leadership is a tremendous asset for America, we believe that McCain has a record that justifies greater confidence in his ability to guide the country as president for the next four years.

Our confidence is particularly strong when we envision McCain in the role of commander in chief.

McCain was right, for example, when he told the Bush administration in the early days of the Iraq war that more troops were needed. He was right when he supported the surge in Iraq.

If tactics supported by McCain had been followed in Iraq, the amazing progress that has taken place in recent months could have occurred much earlier.

McCain, who, as every American voter should know, survived five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, was right when he opposed the Bush administration’s loosened restrictions on torture. He was right when he opposed the Bush administration’s infringements on traditional American liberties.

There’s no question that the country hungers for change. Washington is a broken place. Urgent problems fester while so-called leaders play political games.

In that cynical and gridlocked environment, McCain consistently has reached across the aisle to work with members of the opposing party.

He joined with Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, for example, in leading the so-called Gang of 14 to break the impasse on confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court nominees. He supported comprehensive immigration reform when members of his own party tried to use the issue for cheap political advantage.

A favorite McCain axiom is the need for “steady strain” to make meaningful progress. The naval term refers to keeping the right amount of tension on lines between ships as they ride the sea’s crests and troughs.

The term seems fitting in describing the role a McCain administration would have in dealing with what very likely will be a Democratic majority in Congress. A “steady strain” in formulating federal policy on issues such as health care reform could produce a balanced outcome that avoids ideological excess.

McCain also has been a consistent voice for fiscal sanity in Washington in an era in which the federal deficit ballooned by trillions. Although McCain has a long record of voting for tax cuts, he voted against the Bush tax cuts in 2001. Why? They were not accompanied by spending cuts.

McCain has long crusaded against earmarks, which he refers to as the “gateway to corruption.” He’s one of only a handful of senators who consistently refuse to ask for them.

During his long career, McCain has displayed honor, independence and a willingness to work in bipartisan fashion to solve problems. The nation needs proven leadership. McCain has it. The Journal Star endorses him for president.