John McCain will deliver a speech today in Mississippi, kicking off a tour this week to present himself as the Republican nominee and stress his grounding military affairs, in an attempt to break through the media narrative of the Democratic race.

"I am the son and grandson of admirals," McCain will say, according to the prepared remarks. "They were my first heroes, and their respect for me has been one of the most lasting ambitions of my life. ... They showed me how to love my country, and that has made all the difference for me."