Backgrounder: U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain

Source: Xinhua | 11-05-2008 08:55

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- John Sidney McCain, a 72-year-old Republican, confronted with another significant challenge on Nov. 4 when American voters were choosing their next president between him and his Democratic rival Barack Obama.

If elected, McCain, a senator from Arizona, would make history as the oldest president to have his first term.

EARLY YEARS

McCain was born on Aug. 29, 1936 in the U.S.-administered Panama Canal Zone territory to a military family whose history can be traced back to the 18th century when his ancestors served on the first U.S. President George Washington's staff in the Independent War.

In 1954, McCain graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and then was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. However, in the following four years, he earned a reputation of always being ready for a party but struggling academically.

As the Vietnam War broke out, McCain was sent to the frontline as a pilot. His life changed on Oct. 26, 1967 when his A-4 Skyhawk was hit by a surface-to-air missile. He stayed in a Vietnamese jail for five years as a prisoner of war (POW).

After regaining his freedom in 1973, McCain returned to the United States and attended the National War College. Four years later, he began to work as a Navy liaison officer to the Senate and laid the ground for his later Congress career.

CONGRESS CAREER

In 1982, McCain launched his first bid for a political office in Arizona and was elected as a House Representative. He moved his seat to the Senate four years later, which he has occupied till now.

He focused on issues close to his personal experience in the Senate, including national defense and support for military veterans. He is also well-known as a Republican maverick who always oversteps the political aisle.

McCain made his first run for presidency in 2000. Riding on a campaign bus titled "The Straight Talk Express," he attracted many voters with his straightforward style and candor. However, McCain failed to rally enough supporters to win a Republican presidential nomination and then threw himself behind George W. Bush.