In blog posts over the past few weeks I've made reference to various campaign ads featuring veterans who support either Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain.  They contain powerful imagery and messages: veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and past wars -- including some who are wounded -- talk about their frontline experiences and deride the opposing candidate for his platforms on Iraq and/or domestic veterans issues.  No matter which candidate is being supported in an ad there are common threads that appear as the veterans speak of their service, yet at some point messages divide and the criticism begins. 

According to Gallup polls, present and former members of the military historically vote along Republican lines.  At the same time various pro-Obama groups are vocal over what they see as McCain's substandard record on veterans issues.  Both candidates have count support among veterans. Remember that moment during the first debate when each candidate referenced a bracelet he wore to remember fallen soldiers.  The important thing to note here is that while veterans can be seen as a group with a unique shared experience, their views are as widespread and nuanced as that of any American. 

Below is a collection of eight video advertisements featuring veterans as they promote their chosen presidential candidate. Watching them all in succession gives an interesting look at how they draw in their combat service as they promote either McCain or Obama.

Pro-McCain/Anti-Obama


Pro-Obama/Anti-McCain


Pro-McCain/Anti-Obama


Pro-Obama/Anti-McCain


Pro-McCain/Anti-Obama


Pro-Obama/Anti-McCain


Pro-McCain/Anti-Obama


Pro-Obama/Anti-McCain