Obama and McCain: two candidates, two styles

By Jeff Mason - Analysis

PHOENIX (Reuters) - They both aspire to win the White House in November, but Barack Obama and John McCain could not be more different in how they intend to get there.

With four months to go before Americans choose a new president, the two candidates are honing their styles and expanding their campaign organizations to compete in what is finally a two-person race.

That's where the similarities end.

Obama, a Democratic senator from Illinois, excels at big events that draw thousands of people, using oratorical skills that are praised by political friends and foes alike.

The lanky 46-year-old, who would be the first black U.S. president, projects a celebrity aura on the road, connects easily with listeners, and gives in to a tendency to ramble when answering questions.

"Obama is an ebullient campaigner, who genuinely enjoys people. He has an ease and connection that is rare," said his top strategist, David Axelrod.

"He is comfortable in any room, with any group, anywhere, and that is a great quality in a candidate. He also is a passionate, powerful speaker, who can move a crowd."

Compare that with Republican McCain, the slim, silver-haired senator from Arizona, who is comfortable with a joke but awkward with a TelePrompTer, making his big speeches a magnet for criticism from pundits and party activists.