You gotta love U.S. politics.
In their campaign race to the White House, presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama are doing everything within their power to win over voters – even disclosing their Top 10 list of favorite music artists earlier this month.
While neither McCain nor Obama included a Latin name in their lists, it is ironic to learn the ABBA-loving presidential candidate (McCain) was endorsed Monday by none other than Daddy Yankee, the Puerto Rican urban music superstar whose raunchy lyrics and cult following have turned him into the king of reggaeton.
According to an ABC news report, McCain was endorsed by Yankee during a press conference held at his wife’s high school alma mater in Arizona in front of 100 students. This took place only weeks after McCain and Yankee met privately in McCain’s campaign headquarters.
"I'm here endorsing Sen. McCain because I believe in his ideals and his proposals to lead this nation, you know?" Yankee said at Phoenix's Central High School.
Ironic? Yes. But it was a smart move, indeed, on the part of McCain, and a shocking one by “El Jefe.”
For many who don’t know who Yankee is, it would be easy to underestimate his political power. But don’t let stereotypes cloud your mind. McCain and Yankee met in 2006 after each was named one of Time Magazine’s most influential people on Earth.
With the endorsement of the interpreter of the hit “La Gasolina,” McCain at least has a chance of winning some Latino votes – something that a septuagenarian, Republican senator from Arizona would have a hard time to do without this kind of support.
Many may ask what does McCain know about Latin music, except perhaps for Ricky Ricardo of “I Love Lucy”?
The reality is that it doesn’t matter what he knows about it. If Yankee writes a catchy song for McCain, which is what everyone expects, that would definitely give McCain an edge over Obama in winning Latino votes. Music is a powerful tool.
As shocking as this endorsement news may sound, nobody is more baffled than McCain’s closest press aides, who were not able to say to U.S. media outlets who “El Cangri” was, and why did he want time alone with the presidential candidate at his campaign headquarters earlier this month ? Who knows? Maybe McCain will be a special guest artist in Yankee's next studio album.
For Daddy Yankee, however, the political move is likely to spark controversy among many young and old Latinos everywhere -to say the least- for McCain and republicans are known for everything but being supporters of minority issues. It’s unlikely that Yankee’s album sales will be affected by his decision to back McCain, but it will leave a sour taste to many of his loyal fans.
Whether we like it or not, now all we can do is sit and wait to see if Yankee actually writes a track for McCain. Needless to say, it would be a blast to see McCain “perreando” to a reggaeton tune. That’s definitely a must-see.
Below, check out Yankee's "La gasolina" video clip.
For more info check out McCain's official web site: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/PressReleases/Read.aspx?guid=814581fb-7563-4288-8647-b958a3ac7fa4
Comments
a very dangerous move for daddy yankee.
republicans have not shown a tradition of supporting
crucial latino issues.... much less puerto rican issues...
what exactly does mccain and republican views and policies
have to do with daddy yankee's music proposal, his words,
his recent documentary, his public, his fans," la gente".....
historically republicans have marginalized, persecuted
and sent to war "la gente"......
who advised daddy yankee on such a move?
what a dissapointment!
Listen to more than 150 of the BEST SONGS in support of Barack Obama: http://tinyurl.com/2t4mjf
Daddy Yankee never really had a brain. He's not gonna make Latino's vote for Republicans because the party doesn't support Latino issues!
hola I love daddy yankee alot CAll me
704 492 4916
That was the dumbest move on Yankkee's part how are you going to support someone that is suppressing where you come from.Que estabas pensando McCian has never been intrested in supporting latinos especially Us Puerto Ricans, and Mexicans Sorry daddy Yankee you made the worst move ever
Barack Obama will be the president and thats final
i hate daddy yankee beause he is a ass he don't song anything he don't have the name of the puerto ricans up is only one king of reggaeton is Don Omar the king ofking and no boddy can say or do some with that daddy yankee is un mama bicho pendejo
I LOVE YOU DADDY YANKEE SO MATCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I Love wisin Y Yandel !!@!!!!!
uhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyy dadyy yankeeee es un papasito chuloque no se le ocurra a nadie llamarlo asi por que el es muy chuolo y mama bicho pendejo a de ser nelson ramos ke se coma un bicho para venir a estar hablando de ellllll respeta pendejop
dam papi ur sooo fine....
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