If you saw John McCain's ad condemning war and recognized the background music, rest assured you were not alone -- the piece is actually from Medal of Honor: European Assault. 

The decision to use music from a video game about war for such political means may be an innovative idea if not a great one, but there's just one problem here.  Christopher Lennertz, the game's musical composer, is an avid supporter of presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Lennertz expressed his annoyance over this matter to GamePolitics:

It turns out that there was a mix-up as to which company controlled the rights to the music. The McCain campaign did nothing illegal. I do think however, that they should have checked to see if the creators of content that they are using to promote their views are in fact in sync with them…

In regards to his political views, Lennertz released another statement, mostly to address the McCain advertisement:

I have been receiving many emails and calls for the past week regarding the use of my music in a national television ad for John McCain's presidential campaign. 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 extremely disappointed its placement in this commercial. I did not authorize the use and was not made aware of the situation. Regardless of party affiliation of support, I would like to think that someone who believes in the American ideals of business and creativity like Sen. McCain supposedly does, would not want to disgrace or inflict any hardship or ill-will on the artists who create in this country by using their works to promote products and agendas which with they disagree.

As an American, I have the utmost respect and admiration for our troops and all of their sacrifices. In fact, much of the inspiration for my music in this piece came from having a grandfather who served this country honorably as an officer in World War II. I respect John McCain for his service to this country, both in the military and in Washington, but I do not and have never supported his candidacy nor his agenda for this country. I am dismayed that my music has been used to promote his platform and even more disappointed that a candidate who claims to be the best voice for American entrepreneurs and business owners in this troubled economy so flagrantly ignored the most basic values and tenents of copyright and intellectual property...

As an artist, business owner, and patriot, I proudly support Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency of the United States of America...

The fact that the composer can't actually do anything about the wrongful use of his music seems unfair in itself, though Lennertz did admit the decision was not entirely his to make.  If nothing else, his message will hopefully clear up any misunderstandings about his political views, especially after receiving so many calls and letters after the ad aired.

Speaking of which, here's the video that started it all: