He’s the Daddy
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.
