Profiles: 2008 US presidential contenders

Meet the contenders for the 2008 US Presidential race:

Barack Obama
Age: 46

New wave: Born in Hawaii to a Kenyan father and a White American mother. Obama is viewed as charismatic and inspirational yet short on experience. Appeals to younger, centre-left voters yearning for change and a bridging of political divisions. Won the endorsement of the brother and daughter of John F. Kennedy.

Promises "a new kind of politics" to solve problems of ordinary Americans. Was first black editor of Harvard Law Review, later a social worker in Chicago. Obama was Illionis senator for eight years but was only elected to US senate in 2004.

Says he always opposed Iraq war, caused a stir by saying he would talk with leaders of US foes such as Iran and North Korea.

John McCain
Age: 71

War hero: Widely respected maverick US senator and war hero from Arizona who ran for president in 2000 and is now leading national polls after wins in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.

Was tortured as prisoner of war in Vietnam. Strongly backs Bush's "surge" strategy in Iraq.

At 72 on Inauguration Day, he would be the oldest president to take office. Top priority for him as president is winning the war against extremism.