John McCain Republican U.S. senator since 1987, 2008 presidential candidate Date of Birth: 29.08.1936 Country: USA

Biography of John McCain

John Sidney McCain III was born on August 29, 1936, at the Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone. Coming from a family with a strong military background, McCain followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom were admirals in the US Navy. After graduating from an Episcopal high school in Alexandria, Virginia in 1954, McCain attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating in 1958.

Despite his modest academic achievements, McCain entered the US Navy as a pilot in 1958. He served in the Vietnam War and was shot down over Hanoi in 1967. McCain spent over five and a half years as a prisoner of war in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" camp until his release in 1973. He endured torture and attempted suicide during his captivity. McCain's father, Admiral John S. McCain Jr., commanded US forces in the Pacific, which ultimately saved McCain's life as the North Vietnamese were aware of his connection.

After returning to the US, McCain held various positions in the Navy, including serving as a liaison officer with the Senate. He retired from the military in 1981 and entered the political arena. McCain was elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 as a member of the Republican Party and then became a senator from Arizona in 1986.

McCain's political career faced a challenge when he was involved in the "Keating Five" scandal, a group of senators accused of improper lobbying on behalf of Charles Keating, a financial magnate from Arizona. Although McCain was criticized and reprimanded by the Senate for his involvement, his career recovered.

In 1996, McCain supported the presidential campaign of his friend, Republican candidate Bob Dole. Two years later, McCain ran for president himself in the Republican primaries but lost to George W. Bush. McCain's campaign faced smear campaigns and false rumors, including allegations about his mental health and the parentage of his adopted daughter.

Throughout his political career, McCain was known for his independent streak and willingness to challenge traditional Republican positions. He was a strong advocate for campaign finance reform and worked alongside Democrat Senator Russ Feingold to pass legislation limiting campaign contributions from corporations, unions, and law firms.

McCain also became known for his foreign policy positions. He was a vocal supporter of the Iraq War and called for an increase in troops in the country. However, he criticized the treatment of detainees suspected of terrorism and authored a bill in 2005 that banned torture in US prisons.

In 2008, McCain ran for president again, this time securing the Republican nomination. Despite his reputation for being at odds with his party, he positioned himself as a conservative and emphasized his support for President Bush. However, he faced challenges due to his previous criticism of Russia and his complex relationship with religious conservatives within his party.

McCain was known for his wealth, ranking as one of the richest senators in the US in 2006. His main source of income was his wife's beer company. He authored several books, including the bestselling autobiography "Faith of My Fathers," published in 1999.

McCain was married twice and had seven children, including two adopted sons and a daughter from Bangladesh. One of his sons, Jim, served in the US Marine Corps and was a potential candidate for deployment to Iraq. Despite his concerns for his son's safety, McCain remained committed to his support for the war.

Throughout his political career, McCain was recognized for his military service and his reputation as a maverick within his party. His presidential bid in 2008 ultimately ended in defeat to Senator Barack Obama. McCain continued to serve as a senator until his death on August 25, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of service and political independence.