Fathers, Sons And Ghosts

Both candidates walked in their fathers' long shadows, and now move out from beneath them

George Bush and John McCain share a peculiar habit: they often introduce their fathers as a way of introducing themselves--even before they mention their wives, their children or the reason they are running for President. With Bush, the resemblance is so uncanny, his face does all the talking, even before he reminds you of how he got it. "When it comes to picking parents," he likes to say, "I did a fabulous job." McCain for his part presents his best-selling book as his coat of arms: Faith of My Fathers, he says, is the story of three generations of flawed men...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!