Presumptive Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain (R-AZ) campaigns in Missouri, attending two events in Kansas City – a speech at a VFW event at the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial and a fundraiser at the Kansas City Club.

In prepared remarks to a gathering at the Liberty Memorial the Arizona Senator addressed the progress being made in Iraq, making it clear he believes it would be a mistake to withdraw U.S. troops from the country. He told his audience the dramatic reduction in violence has opened the door for “a return to something approaching normal political and economic life for the average Iraqi.” He adds, “The job of bringing security to Iraq is not finished.”

McCain presented what can be described as an optimistic view of the situation in Iraq, saying, “We are no longer staring into the abyss of defeat, and we can now look ahead to the genuine prospect of success.” He defines success as, “The establishment of a generally peaceful, stable, prosperous, democratic state that poses no threat to its neighbors and contributes to the defeat of terrorists.”

McCain later addressed concerns regarding America’s military men and women, saying that as President he would do everything in his power to ensure military personnel have access to the highest quality health and rehabilitative care in the world.

Download/Listen: Senator John McCain (:30 MP3)