It's not Madonna, but McCain's got Daddy Yankee

Things aren't that bad for Senator John McCain. After being dissed by Madonna last night in England, he's got his own singer who's endorsing him.

Latin American singer Daddy Yankee (aka Ramon Ayala), most famous for his song "Gasolina," joined McCain in his home state of Arizona this morning. The duo appeared at Phoenix's Central High School.

Truthfully, the audience at the school (from this vantage point, most appeared to be teenage girls) looked somewhat bored with the senator's message. But they sprang to life - complete with squeals - when McCain introduced the reggaeton star. (See video below).

McCain acknowledged, in his remarks, that at least for this audience he had far less gusto than Mr. Yankee.

"I know why you are sitting here, and that is not to listen to me so much, but I brought a special friend along with me today, a great American success story," the senator said. "One of his most famous songs, I know you're very familiar with, 'Gasolina.' Well, here he is, Daddy Yankee."

The singer offered a quick endorsement for McCain before hugging and kissing the squealing young women.

"I am here endorsing Senator McCain because I believe in his ideals and his proposals to lead this nation," Ayala said. "And like I said before, he has been a fighter for the Hispanic community, and I know that for me personally, I chose him as the best candidate because he has been a fighter for the immigration issue."

The sound bite of the day came when the star was asked what his song "Gasolina" was about. Without hesitation he said, "Energy independence."

But this endorsement does beg the question - why are celebrities OK for McCain but not for Obama?

McCain spokesman Taylor Griffin said there's a big difference.

"Daddy Yankee is a great American success story," Griffin said. "There's a difference between being a worldwide celebrity and being supported by one. Barack Obama has the celebrity thing down pat, but is he ready to lead? No."