Senator stumps for Romney in Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Arizona Senator John McCain stumped in Pensacola for Mitt Romney on Tuesday, rallying veterans for vote for Mitt Romney.

McCain spoke to supporters at the Fish House at a meet-and-greet.

McCain spoke a little about the economy, addressing the nation’s increasing debt and repealing Obama’s healthcare plan.

But he mostly spoke about national security issues.

McCain addressed the increased influence of Al-Qaeda in the Middle East and North Africa.

He also spoke about what he called the president’s lack of action in Syria.

McCain said Florida is a key state in this monumental election.

He said, “I don’t think there’s any doubt there’s a handful of contested states that whoever wins or loses those will be the next President of the United States. Florida is the biggest of all them, so therefore I believe that Florida is the most important and I notice Mitt Romney is in the margin of error and so, one of the things I’m doing is we’ve got to get our vets galvanized. Florida has veterans, lots of veterans, especially in this area.”

McCain said the economy is a serious issue, but the national security issues must be discussed as well.

The Arizona senator feels Romney is better prepared for Wednesday’s debate than President Obama.

He said Wednesday’s performance in the debt could push the polls in Romney’s favor.

McCain said, “You will have more Americans looking at the president and Mitt Romney than at any other event before or since. More Americans always watch the first debate. It does have a great deal of importance. So I’d also point out that both these debaters will be well-coached, so to expect some major gaffe or breakthrough or misstatement is not something people should expect.”

Many folks said they believe Romney will help both the economy and foreign relations.

“Why not give this man a chance who has international experience? He has experience running a state and a business. Hopefully our economy will get better because right now it hasn’t,” said Tiffany Dinneen, a Romney supporter.

Robert O’Donnell works with Veteran Affairs. He said they face more budget cuts but he wants to see that change.

 “Mitt can do it. Maybe if he can turn us around and get our economy kicking a bit there will be more in the budget for Veteran Affairs,” O’Donnell said.

But it wasn’t just Romney supporters reacting to McCain’s rally.

Democratic rally supporter Ellison Bennett said President Obama should get another term. 

 “Obama has shown he’s a leader. He had to make tough decisions during tough times. The economy was already bad and there were two wars. I think because of the effort he put forth, he deserves another chance,” said Bennett.

After speaking in Pensacola, McCain also held other rallies throughout north Florida.

FOX10 News Reporter John Rogers sat down with Senator McCain while he was on the Panhandle. Play the video at the top of the screen to hear the full interview.