--- title: "I Can’t Stop Laughing At This Army Veteran’s Political Ad" date: "2018-05-08" modified: "2018-05-08" authors: - name: "Paul Szoldra" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/paul-szoldra/" url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/politics-tv-veteran-ad/" categories: - "Opinion" --- # I Can’t Stop Laughing At This Army Veteran’s Political Ad ![]() I don't know anything about Michigan politics, or really care for that matter, but I spotted a new 30-second spot from John James, a former West Pointer and now businessman running for the U.S. Senate, and I'd like to talk about it. On the surface, I imagine it's pretty effective with people. Good looking guy, interesting message, and military experience. *Ooh thank you for your service!* But I started laughing within the first 10 seconds after James' opening line: "Hunting terrorists in the skies above Baghdad, there are two things you need: Faith in God," James says, then cracking a smile. "And a Hellfire missile." This all of course as the ad features gun camera footage from Iraq. He then transitions — amazingly — from the incredible intro of *hey guys I totally waxed evildoers*, to an I'll fight for you message. I don't really feel like it worked, but it kind of worked. It reminded me of Jim Webb, during a debate, casually mentioning how he took out an enemy soldier in Vietnam [like a boss.]() Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63hefBINOhY ## Author Paul Szoldra was the Editor in Chief of Task & Purpose from October 2018 until August 2022. Since joining T&P, he has led a talented team of writers, editors, and creators who produce military journalism reaching millions of readers each month. He also founded and edits [Duffel Blog](), a popular satirical newsletter for the military. Before becoming a journalist in 2013, he served as a Marine infantryman in Afghanistan, Korea, and other areas of the Pacific. His eyes still go up every time a helicopter from Camp Pendleton flies over his office in Southern California. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [LinkedIn]() [Facebook]() [Instagram]()