KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Vice President Dick Cheney made stops in Kansas City and Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Friday to talk about the economy and the war on terror.

Cheney first talked with workers at the Harley-Davidson plant.

The vice president walked to the podium with a cane, the result of a recurrence of a pre-existing foot condition, his spokeswoman said.

"I'm a little hobbled up today. I'm not ordinarily carrying a cane, but Don Rumsfeld's been chewing on my ankles," Cheney joked.

The vice president then launched into his speech, which was billed to be on the economy and the steps the government is taking to stay competitive in the global market. But Cheney spent several minutes talking about the war on terror, the Patriot Act, and the latest controversy involving the president's decision permitting the National Security Agency to intercept terrorist-related communications. Cheney then addressed the nation's economic health.

"The president's objective for our country is a healthy, growing economy; one that continues to generate good-paying jobs for workers all across the country. And we believe we made significant progress," Cheney said.

The government's economic report showed a gain of 108,000 jobs in December, and an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent. The numbers fueled glowing speeches from President George W. Bush and his cabinet Friday at other spots around the country.

After the speech, a Harley-Davidson official gave Cheney a leather jacket, which he donned. The vice president then left to give a speech at Fort Leavenworth.

At a rally for the troops, Cheney tailored his speech to the war on terror and the rebuilding of Iraq.

"The war on terror is a battle for the future of civilization. It's a battle worth fighting. It's a battle we are going to win," Cheney said.

Cheney said that the U.S. will be able to reduce troop levels in Iraq as that country's Army gains strength and experience, and the democratic process advances in that country.

Cheney presented the combat action badge to five soldiers and officers who had served in Iraq. He administered the reinlistment oath to another five soldiers.