July 25, 2008 McCain: New hope is rising in Iraq Play video

(NECN: Denver, CO) - Senator John McCain spoke at the American GI Forum Convention on Friday.

"Violence in Iraq fell to such low levels for such a long that, that Senator Obama detecting the success he never believed possible, falsely claimed that he'd always predicted it," said the Republican presidential contender.

"American casualties are at the lowest levels recorded in this war." "In Iraq, we are no longer on the doorstep of defeat, but on the road to victory," said McCain.

McCain steps up criticism of Obama over Iraq war.

"My friends, a new hope is rising in Iraq today," said McCain.

"We will be able to reduce our forces in Iraq next year and our forces will be out of regular combat operations and dramatically reduced in number by the term of the next president of the United States," said McCain.