Obama vs McCain: How the candidates compare

OBAMA CABINET POSSIBLES

Secretary of State: John Kerry (Senator from Massachusetts), Richard Holbrooke (former UN ambassador), Bill Richardson (Governor of New Mexico, former UN ambassador)

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Secretary of Defence: Robert Gates (current Pentagon chief), Retd. General Wesley Clark (2004 Democratic Presidential candidate), Chuck Hagel (outgoing Republican Senator from Nebraska)

Treasury Secretary: Laura Tyson (former economic adviser to President Clinton), Timothy Geithner (President, New York Fed), Paul Volcker (former Federal Reserve chairman)

National Security Adviser: Susan Rice (Obama's top foreign policy adviser), Retd. General Anthony Zinni (former C-in-C, Central Command), Samantha Power (former Obama foreign policy adviser)

Others: Colin Powell, possible foreign policy special envoy/troubleshooter; Hillary Clinton, health care czarina?

VP'S ROLE

As outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Joe Biden will be an important player in an Obama administration's national security policy. But he won't be a Cheney-like figure, wielding immense power from the shadows. Popular on Capitol Hill, Biden will also be a key link man with Congress.

POLICY

Iraq

Wants to have troops out by mid-2010, but admits circumstances could dictate otherwise. During July visit to Baghdad, told General David Petraeus, ex-Iraq commander now taking over Afghanistan as well, that he wants to shift forces from Iraq to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

Plans to send an extra 15,000 men (three brigades) as soon as he takes over. Also riled Pakistan by promising to attack suspected al-Qa'ida and Taliban targets in Pakistan, without waiting for permission from Islamabad.

Economy

Promises $60bn package to help struggling homeowners and launch an immediate New Deal-style public works programme. Would boost taxes for those making over $250,000 (£150,000), but cut them for everyone else.

Health care

Will expand employer health care schemes, and will fine companies that don't have them. Insists all children under 18 must be covered by their parents' programme. But plan falls well short of universal coverage.

Moves to improve America's image

Will close Guantanamo Bay, and restore habeas corpus for suspected terrorists. Has promised a "listening" foreign policy, that includes talking to foes like Iran. His very election would boost US image abroad enormously.

White House style

With a young president, a glamorous wife and a couple of pre-teen children running around the place, his White House could be jumping. Professionally, however, it will be as tightly run a ship as the Obama campaign. Has talked of installing a basketball court. But can he resist sneaking out on to the Truman balcony for a quick smoke?

McCAIN CABINET POSSIBLES

Secretary of State: Joe Lieberman (independent Senator from Connecticut), Richard Armitage (former deputy Secretary of State), John Negroponte (current deputy Secretary of State)

Secretary of Defence: Robert Gates (current Pentagon chief), Lindsey Graham (Senator from South Carolina), General David Petraeus (C-in-C, US Central Command)

Treasury Secretary: Phil Gramm (former Senator from Texas), Warren Buffett (businessman), Robert Zoellick (former Deputy Secretary of State, World Bank President)

National Security Adviser: John Bolton (neo-conservative and former UN ambassador), Randy Scheunemann (McCain's top foreign policy adviser), William Cohen (former Senator and Defence Secretary)

Others: Rudy Giuliani, possible Homeland Security Secretary; Fred Smith (CEO of FedEx), possible Commerce Secretary

VP'S ROLE

Given her inexperience, Sarah Palin is unlikely to be much of a foreign policy adviser to a President McCain. But she will have input on domestic issues, especially social issues as they relate to the conservative Republican base. Expect her also to have her say on energy policy - "Drill, Baby, Drill"

POLICY

Iraq

Once said he's ready to stay in Iraq "for 100 years if necessary". Now more favourable to withdrawal by 2011, as stipulated in draft US/Iraqi agreement. Would give great latitude to General David Petraeus on a precise timetable.

Afghanistan

Long insisted that Iraq, not Afghanistan, was "central front" in war on terror. Now agrees that forces should be beefed up to cope with Taliban offensive, but argues Nato should provide most of the troops.

Economy

Promises to extend Bush's tax cuts across the board, and refinance stressed mortages at lower rates. But cautious on need for new economic stimulus package - "We'll have to wait and see."

Health care

Wants workers to buy their own health insurance, helped by a $5,000 tax credit to every family. Health benefits paid for by employer would be taxed as income. No serious effort to guarantee coverage for all.

Moves to improve America's image

Will quickly close Guantanamo Bay, and end all ambiguity over the use of torture. Vows to repair strained relationships with allies, but still believes in a muscular US foreign policy and Bush-style preventive action.

White House style

Unlikely to be much Kennedy-style glitz around if McCain, aged 72, becomes the oldest incoming President in US history. Wife Cindy moreover is very private, and protective of their younger children. But if McCain reverts to the freewheeling "Straight Talk Express" politician of old, it could be a lot of fun for reporters.