It’s the October Surprise we’ve all been waiting for.

It’s being reported that new footage has been released from John McCain’s captivity in Vietnam. This footage is from French TV and includes a short interview where McCain gets very emotional while sending a message to his wife.

I have not yet gotten confirmation about when this film was released or whether it’s actually brand new, but for many of us who have been expecting some new footage to surface: this is the October surprise.

John McCain is using his first general election campaign ad to proclaim “I hate war.” This is a curious strategy. McCain will essentially be asking voters to make a leap of faith in believing that he hates war but still wants to continue fighting the current one in Iraq.

Here’s the script:

JOHN MCCAIN: Only a fool or a fraud talks tough or romantically about war.
When I was five years old, my father left for war.
My grandfather came home from war and died the next day.
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.
I’m John McCain and I approve this message.

Here comes the general election.