McCain uses game music in ad, composer a Barack supporter

John McCain broke down some barriers when he used music from Medal of Honor: European Assaultin one of his campaign ads. The music being created for video games isonly getting better as the industry matures, so it's neat that it'sbeing used in such a high-profile commercial. The only problem is thatthe composer is an Obama supporter, and McCain's campaign nevercontacted him about the use of the music. GamePolitics has the story.

The ad is called "Safe" and prominently features a track entitled "Casualties of War" that I wrote for Medal of Honor: European Assault.While I do not control the ownership of this piece, I am extremelydisappointed its placement in this commercial. I did not authorize theuse and was not made aware of the situation. Regardless of partyaffiliation of support, I would like to think that someone who believesin the American ideals of business and creativity like Sen. McCainsupposedly does, would not want to disgrace or inflict any hardship orill-will on the artists who create in this country by using their worksto promote products and agendas which with they disagree.

This isn't the first time that McCain has been burned by the music he has selected.The problem is that the campaign hasn't done enough to make sure thepeople behind these songs are comfortable with their use in a politicalway; every time an artist tells McCain to stop using his or her musicpublicly, it doesn't look good for the politician.
The composer of the Medal of Honor music goes a littlefurther with his message, turning his protest into a way to support hiscandidate. "What, I ask, does such an action or oversight say about Mr.McCain's regard for the intrinsic value of American products, services,or creations... As an artist, business owner, and patriot, I proudlysupport Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency of the United States ofAmerica."