Opinion: More crosses cross over into politics

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There’s been a lot of debate over whether that’s really an appropriate or floating cross in the new Christmas ad of Mike Huckabee, a Baptist preacher who’s made his faith a keystone of his campaign. It wouldn’t be shocking; he’s called himself a ‘Christian leader’ in another ad. In fact, we wrote about this just a few hours ago.

But now, as the holidays and the Iowa caucus and early primaries near, comes another cross in a political ad. And there can be no doubt about the intentions of this one for Sen. John McCain, who’s going up with this commercial in South Carolina and New Hampshire starting today.

In the 30-second ad McCain, who spent six years as a POW in North Vietnam, tells a story of his wartime incarceration. ‘One night, after being mistreated as a POW,’ McCain says, ‘a guard loosened the ropes binding me, easing my pain. On Christmas, the same guard approached me and without saying a word, he drew a cross in the sand.’ In the ad, a hand holding a twig draws a cross in sand.

‘We stood wordlessly looking at the cross, remembering the true light of Christmas,’ the former Navy pilot continues. ‘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.

‘Enjoy your family. Have a pleasant Christmas and a happy holidays.’ You can view the short video here.

-- Andrew Malcolm