Change is Coming November 4, 2008 is the date of an election that could change the lives of all Americans. Barack Obama and John McCain both took to the podium with different promises on the issues that are tearing America apart. Who are we addressing? Who will rebuild us? The election will make a big difference in American politics. John McCain, a 2008 Republican, was born at Coco Solo Navel Air Station. He spent his childhood and adolescence moving between Navel bases. He graduated in 1954, from a private college. McCain soon followed in his father's footsteps. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958. When the Vietnam War began, McCain volunteered for combat duty and began flying carrier-based attack planes. On October 26, 1967, during his 23rd air mission, McCain's plane was shot down during a bombing raid over the North Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. He broke both arms and a leg in the accident. McCain was taken to Hoa Loa Prison. His captors soon learned that McCain's father was a high-ranking Navy officer. They offered McCain early release, but McCain refused, not breaking his military code. John McCain spent the next 5 years in various prison camps, where he was repeatedly beaten and tortured. McCain earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. 1981 is when John McCain retired from the Navy. John McCain was elected to political office, easily winning a seat in the House of Representatives. McCain also wrote "Fathers of My Fathers," the story of his family's military history. Now he is president and has goals of success. Barack Obama, a 2008 Democrat, was born August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, HI. Obama grew up raising goats with his father. Obama grew up Muslim, but soon became an atheist. In fifth grade, Obama enrolled in Punahou Academy, graduating with honors in 1979. He was one of three black students at his school. Obama struggles with his legacy, and his father's death in 1982 put him into depression. Obama admits to using alcohol, marijuana and cocaine during his adolescence. Obama graduated from Columbia University in 1983 with a degree in political science. In 1985 Barack Obama moved to Chicago where he worked as a “community organizer” with low-income residents.