John McCain’s campaign has mocked Democratic rival Barack Obama as a celebrity, but the Republican candidate stepped into the world of show business himself on Monday with an endorsement from Daddy Yankee, a Reggaeton star from Puerto Rico. McCain introduced Daddy Yankee , 31, at a high school in the senator’s home city of Phoenix, ArizonaThe star, in a black shirt and sporting sparkling earrings and dark sunglasses, hugged some of the female students, prompting screams from the audience.
Some reporters covering McCain (including this correspondent) had not heard of Daddy Yankee and had at best a hazy understanding of Reggaeton, a style of urban music which mixes hip hop, reggae and other influences. But the 71-year-old senator seemed to have at least a passing familiarity with Daddy Yankee’s work. He praised the star, real name Ramon Ayala, as a “great American success story”.
McCain said the singer had come from a very poor family and a part of Puerto Rico where people often make wrong choices. He noted Ayala had been married for 15 years and had three children. Later, aboard McCain’s plane, the singer said he supported McCain because the senator had fought for immigration reform. “He’s always been a fighter for the Hispanic community,” he told reporters.
Daddy Yankee also displayed some impressive political skills when asked what one of his most famous songs, “Gasolina” — viewed by some as having rather raunchy lyrics — was about. “Energy independence,” he replied quickly, with a big smile.
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McCain and his policy on immigration condones illegals.
- Posted by AlAside from that, at least McCain isn’t hanging with the likes of Reverend Wright.
All those who love hip-hop should boycott Daddy Yankee for this one. Hit him where it hurts, the pocket book!!!
- Posted by SangoMcCain is 71 years old, after this, his political career is over. The man has nothing to loose, so I believe he will make the best choices for the country as a whole that will leave us in a better situation for future generations, particularly his kids generation. Obama, however, is still young and ambitious and has an entire career ahead of him, he needs to say whatever the far left of his party demands. McCain pisses off the far-right and thats proof there that the guy will push for something far more important than partisan BS.
- Posted by BHahaha
AAARGH
- Posted by RobertWhy do I read these things. The stories are fine, but how people attack other humans in these comment boxes, both left and right.. attack people who have sacrificed and done more for their country then 99% of us ever will, put more time and energy into service then most of us would think about…. and we sit here and reduce them to jokes. Vote for who you think is the best candidate, but can we do it without belittling each other.
So what? Puerto Rico cant vote this time!
- Posted by Larry OregonAll that comes out both McCain and Daddy Yankee’s mouths is nonsense that should be ignored. Both are tools.
- Posted by blah blahMccain should try harder and not make a fool of himself
- Posted by latinoamericanWho cares??? Daddy Yankee?
Why does Reuters even mention this?
What a waste of space.
- Posted by jeffI doubt that he was paid to say that, and just because McCain hasn’t done anything for Latinos doesn’t mean that there isn’t a support base for him inside the Latino community. Daddy Yankee probably believes McCain to be the better candidate and will probably vote him. Whether he’s well informed about McCain’s beliefs and political history…well, we can only wonder.
- Posted by Juansomeone had to tell Mc Cain what the lyrics met because his mind with his hearing couldn’t move fast enough. He doesn’t even know how many houses he owns. he had to ask joe liberman what state they were in ???? presidential material, i don’t think so.
- Posted by bill lepkowskiIs McCain so desperate to get media attention that he has to get an endorsement from Daddy Yankee? Does he really think that by doing this he will take the young Latino vote from Obama? I don’t think so!!!
- Posted by LJMamazing what politics will do for votes.
- Posted by FreedomMarried for 15 years and he’s only 31? So….. married at 15? That’s a good role model? That’s an example of not making bad choices? I don’t get it.
- Posted by Lynne CohenImmigration reform? Puerto Ricans are American citizens, although they lack the ability to vote in Presidential Elections.
- Posted by JoshMarried since 16? That’s a great American success story, all right.
No wonder Obama is gonna wipe the map with McCain.
McCain will say anything today to get elected. His words today are not the same as they were last year. In reality he is saying i will close the borders first to which I agree, but he is not saying what he will do with the Millions of Undocumented Hispanics ? We all know what the GOP wants, THEY WANT THEM PICKED UP JAILED AND THROWN OUT. That is not hard to See & Understand , Why do they abuse our Intelligence? Were not such big follies as the GOP THINKS>
You’ll Voted against the reform, now you’ll pay for it, BIGGGGGGGG TIME
What one dishes and wishes another is what Almighty god gives them.
- Posted by Funny ManEwh… clearly you don’t keep up with politics, at least in the real world. McCain broke with his party over immigration reform, siding instead with the like of Ted Kennedy. He supports “comprehensive” immigration reform that many on the right associate with amnesty for illegal aliens. He also opposed an Arizon state law that would bar illegals from using state-funded social services (on par with California’s prop 187 of the 90’s).
I am for freedom on the internet… say what you want. But, at least be responsible enough to educate yourself first.
- Posted by Kyledaddy yankey? that’s the best mcbush can do? oh, boy what an ‘endorsement’
haha
i mean the whole republican party is doomed. look at their front runner … it’s the best they could come up with. thx to bush this election will be easily won by the democrats
- Posted by rantmonoOh good, company for lonely Mccainiacs John Rich, Heidi Montag and Wilford Brimley. Meanwhile, check out the great Youtube videos done by Obama supporters who are musicians…starting with Will I. Am’s “Yes we can” and Dave Stewart’s American Prayer.
- Posted by SuznAZDaddy Yankee, what?
- Posted by juiceWhat does that mean?
I don’t get it.
I wonder how much he was paid to say that, everyone one knows here that McCain has done nothing for the Latinos
- Posted by Ewh!