NASHUA — During a visit to the Nashua VFW Post 483 on Monday, U.S. Sen. John McCain said it is crucial for veterans to hit the polls in November if they care about the future of America.

“I love New Hampshire, but it is a swing state. I want to assure you my friends, that unless Mitt Romney wins New Hampshire, his chances of winning the presidency are dramatically diminished,” McCain said during a town hall-style meeting.

McCain joined congressman Charles Bass and Sen. Kelly Ayotte on the stump for Romney, the GOP presidential nominee.

“Mitt Romney needs our veterans,” said McCain. “ … We have got to get our veterans vote out, and right now — let’s straight talk — we don’t have that Romney support from the veterans in New Hampshire that we need.”

With about seven weeks remaining until the Nov. 6 election, McCain said no one understands the needs of our country better than the men and women who have served in uniform.

Violence is returning to Iraq, said McCain, adding the country is beginning to unravel because of America’s failure to leave a residual force.

He noted the recent loss of about $200 million worth of aircraft because of a well-orchestrated penetration into a base in Afghanistan.

“There is nothing that harms morale more than when you can’t trust an ally,” said the 2008 GOP presidential nominee, adding President Barack Obama only speaks about the withdrawal of forces, not about success or victory.

Meanwhile, too much American blood has been sacrificed, McCain said.

And, in Syria, where McCain said about 25,000 people have been killed, weapons won’t even be given to the resistance, according to McCain, who said the situation there cries out for American leadership.

“This is the most vicious campaign,” said McCain, adding it is the worst he has ever seen — filled with lies and allegations of crime.

Failed leadership is to blame for many of the nation’s problems, said the senator, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He maintained that a new commander in chief is needed.

“I have every confidence that Mitt Romney has all of the instincts of Ronald Reagan, and a great appreciation for the position of the United States in the world. He is going to exercise American leadership, which has been AWOL,” said McCain.

Bass urged the veteran community to be a strong source of support for Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts. The current administration has failed the nation, according to Bass, who said America is suffering from the longest recession since the Great Depression.

Ayotte told the crowd of about 100 people that she is worried about the nation’s economy, which has its lowest labor participation since 1981. People are leaving the workforce because they have lost hope, she said.

Romney has real-life experience to turn around the economy and help America’s veterans, according to Ayotte.

“We need a President that won’t apologize for America,” but instead stand up for the country, she added.

khoughton@newstote.com