August 7, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

John McCain: can he claim a new title?
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, August 7, Graphic News:  Senator John McCain, who clawed his way back from virtual political death to win the Republican nomination for the U.S. presidency, must be hoping that NovemberÕs elections finally give him a chance to trade in his long-time tag of survivor for that of winner.
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A year or so ago it was unthinkable that Vietnam veteran McCain would see off opponents including the former New York Mayor, the ever popular Rudy Giuliani, in his bid to represent his partyÕs challenge for the White House. Now he is hoping to convince voters that -- next to him -- Democratic rival Barack Obama is a lightweight.
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McCain, who at 71 has age against him but experience on his side, spent 22 years as a naval pilot before turning to politics. In 1967 he escaped death when a missile hit his boat, killing 134 troops. He was captured and held by the Vietnamese for five years after refusing an offer of early release because of his navy admiral fatherÕs status.
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In 1986 he became senator for Arizona and in 2000 he ran against George Bush for the Republican nomination. Bush has remained a thorn in his side, with McCain acknowledged as keen to put a distance between himself and the Òlame duckÓ president.
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McCain has a reputation as a tough maverick unafraid to go it alone on issues ranging from stem cell research to the environment. He has pledged to sign international accords on climate change if he becomes president. His support for liberal issues such as gay civil rights has made him suspect to some on the partyÕs religious right while recent attempts to cosy up to the gun lobby have alienated some previously loyal fans.
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The man they call ÒSenator HotheadÓ has also come under fire for his personal life -- he left his first wife even though sheÕd suffered serious injuries in an accident -- and his sense of humour is not to everyoneÕs taste: he sang ÒBomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb IranÓ to the tune of the Beach BoysÕ Barbara Ann and then wondered why no one found it funny.
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McCainÕs problem is that in some ways he has two foes: Obama and fellow Republican Bush, whose disastrous war in Iraq he has backed albeit while calling for the head of former Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. At least, he hopes, voters know that when it comes to war, McCain knows what he is talking about.
/ENDS