Republican contender John McCain presents both Christian and military images in his holiday message, drawing on his experience of Christmas as a prisoner in Vietnam. McCain is clearly aiming to win portions of the conservative Evangelical vote with his reference to the cross and Christmas.
Click on the image below to play the John McCain Military Christmas video
Transcript
One night, after being mistreated as a P.O.W., a guard loosened the ropes binding me, easing my pain. On Christmas, that same guard approached me, and without saying a word, he drew a cross in the sand. We stood wordlessly looking at the cross, remembering the true light of Christmas. I will never forget that no matter where you are, no matter how difficult the circumstances, there will always be someone who will pick you up. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and happy holidays.