FACTBOX: Quirky facts about the presidential candidates
(Reuters) - Presidential candidates John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama appear on television and in newspapers nearly every day in their quests for the White House.
But what don't we know about them? Below are quirky facts about each of the White House hopefuls, gleaned from aides and observations from the campaign trail.
McCain is a Republican senator from Arizona, Sens. Clinton and Obama are Democrats from New York and Illinois, respectively.
JOHN MCCAIN, REPUBLICAN
- is famously superstitious. He carries several lucky coins, including a lucky penny, a lucky nickel and a Drummer Boy quarter.
- has, along with his family, four dogs, one cat, two birds, and several fish.
- cannot raise his arms over his head because of war injuries.
- admits he wasn't the best Navy pilot, once hitting power lines in Spain after flying too low.
- is a big sports fan and loves watching basketball, football, and baseball.
- grills barbecue ribs at his Arizona home to relax; loves hot dogs, hamburgers, tamales, burritos, and coffee. Ate a hot dog at the White House the day President George W. Bush endorsed his candidacy.
HILLARY CLINTON, DEMOCRAT
- has her own bowling ball.
- eats hot peppers regularly to fight off colds.
- would like to be a grandmother. Her daughter, Chelsea, is not married but has a boyfriend.
- shares a house with her 88-year-old mother and husband, Bill.
- joked in her autobiography "Living History" that she was no longer a very good driver.
BARACK OBAMA, DEMOCRAT
- regularly chews Nicorette gum after having given up smoking.
- works out daily by jogging or playing basketball. Is not a great bowler.
- loves hot sauce. A self-described skinny guy, he doesn't snack much but enjoys trail mix, chips and salsa and green tea.
- is left-handed.
- is the father of two young girls, whom he has promised a dog. (Reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland and Ellen Wulfhorst; Editing by Doina Chiacu)
