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US election: Guide to the battle



John McCain - Republican
John McCain
Barack Obama - Democrat
Barack Obama
  • Arizona senator since 1987
  • Age: 72
  • Vietnam war hero, foreign-policy hawk and "maverick" senator ready to work with Democrats on legislation.


  • Slogans: Country First; Reform, Prosperity, Peace.

    Line of attack: Barack Obama is too inexperienced, a celebrity not a real leader.

    Running mate: Sarah Palin
  • Alaska governor since November 2006
  • Age: 44
  • Illinois senator since 2005
  • Age: 47
  • Black politician with post-racial platform, a lawyer who worked with Chicago's poor, author of popular memoirs.


  • Slogan: Change we can believe in. Yes we can!

    Line of attack: McCain presidency would amount to a third term for George Bush.

    Running mate: Joe Biden
  • Delaware senator since 1973
  • Age: 65





  • Electoral College votes

    Winning post 270
    Obama - Democrat
    365
    McCain - Republican
    162
    Select from the list below to view state level results.


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