Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee backs McCain

PHOENIX — It was a day of rubbing shoulders with the stars for Sen. John McCain.

While Democrats launched their convention in Denver, McCain scooped up the endorsement of Daddy Yankee, the reggaeton star popular with young people and Latinos. Later, McCain flew to California for a star turn on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

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AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Tom Tingle

Daddy Yankee described himself as ‘a man of few words with a lot of action. I’m here to endorse Senator McCain because I believe in his ideals and his proposals to lead this nation,’ the singing sensation said.

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At Central High School in Phoenix, though, McCain visited with students and urged them to vote, noting “this is a tough presidential campaign we’re in.”

“I brought a special friend, a great American success story,” McCain told the students. “He’s from Puerto Rico, married 15 years, and has children ages 14, 12 and 10. One of his songs I know you’re familiar with: “Gasolina.”

Oohs and aahs of disbelief greeted McCain’s announcement as he said, “There he is, Daddy Yankee!”

The reggaeton star walked in, hugging the girls and slapping hands with the boys as the girls cried “Oh my God,” and fanned their flushed faces.

Daddy Yankee described himself as “a man of few words with a lot of action.”

“I’m here to endorse Senator McCain because I believe in his ideals and his proposals to lead this nation,” the singing sensation said. “He’s been a fighter for the Hispanic community … he’s been a fighter for the immigration issue. He’s the best guy to lead this nation.”

McCain called rival Barack Obama his “very honorable opponent.”

“This is a tough presidential campaign we’re in,” McCain said. “I have a very honorable opponent. There are stark differences between us.”

In recent speeches, McCain has criticized Obama as not ready to be president and as a candidate who is willing to lose the war in Iraq to win the campaign. When Obama charged that McCain was questioning his patriotism, McCain responded that he was only questioning Obama’s judgment.

Seeking at least a slice of media attention amid the Democratic National Convention, McCain visited the Phoenix high school where his wife, Cindy, graduated.

“I know you have students who come from all over the world. I know there are people here who come from countries, some from Iraq where they have seen the look of war and sacrifice,” he said.