McCain Declares, 'I Hate War,' in New Campaign Ad

John McCain seeks to soften his image as a warmonger in a new ad by declaring, "I hate war," the Chicago Tribune reports. In the ad, now airing in swing states around the nation, McCain highlights his military past and mentions his experience as a POW. He tries to make it clear that he sees war only as a necessary evil.

"Only a fool or a fraud talks tough or romantically about war,'' McCain says. "I was shot down over Vietnam and spent five years as a POW. Some of the friends I served with never came home. I hate war. And I know how terrible its costs are. I'm running for president to keep the country I love safe." (More John McCain stories.)