The video portrays the Republican as a hero but the message may be tarnished as he is filmed smoking a cigarette.

In the footage an emotional and shirtless McCain passes a message to his wife saying he will get well and loves her.

He also describes being shot down over Hanoi in 1967, and parachuting into a lake. After landing in the lake, McCain said he "was picked up and taken to the hospital, where I almost died".

At times, when speaking of his family, McCain's lower lip trembles and his voice breaks.