In that vein, the commercial coincides with a biographical tour next week intended to introduce McCain to the nation through a series of speeches and visits to places that shaped his life.
The commercial highlights the former Vietnam prisoner of war's experience and character, and calls him someone who has walked the walk when the country's safety has been on the line. It shows footage of him as a young Navy pilot imprisoned in Vietnam.
"Keep that faith. Keep your courage. Stick together. Stay strong. Do not yield. Stand up. We're Americans. And we'll never surrender," the Arizona senator says in the ad.
For now, the ad will air only in New Mexico - a signal that McCain plans to compete in that swing state come the fall - in what aides call a strong statewide buy. Aides say they expect to expand their advertising - and this commercial in particular - to other battleground states as the campaign continues.
