McCain calls Obama 'honorable' rival

A student met Puerto Rican star of reggaeton Daddy Yankee (right), along with Republican John McCain, at Central High School in Phoenix yesterday. (Laura Segall/Getty Images)

PHOENIX - Republican presidential candidate John McCain called rival Barack Obama his "very honorable opponent" yesterday as he began a busy week of low-key events while Democrats prepared to nominate Obama.

"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.

McCain, who turns 72 on Friday, got a generational boost from Daddy Yankee, a Puerto Rican star of reggaeton, a mix of reggae, rap, and Latin music styles.

Students squealed with delight as Yankee appeared and endorsed McCain.

"I believe in his ideals and his proposals," Yankee said. "He's been a fighter for the Hispanic community. He's been a fighter for the immigration issue."

Later at a fund-raiser in Sacramento, McCain told backers - including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger - that he is seeing good news in the polls.

"We had a very good poll today," said McCain, pointing to a Gallup tracking poll showing the race in a virtual dead heat.

McCain also told the crowd that his wife, Cindy, is on her way to the embattled nation of Georgia on a humanitarian mission with the UN World Food Program. The Arizona senator has been a staunch supporter of Georgia in that nation's clash with Russia, and sending his wife there underscores his commitment.

McCain later headed to Burbank, Calif., for an appearance last night on NBC's "Tonight" show.

This week, he planned to take short day trips from his condominium in Phoenix and then leave Thursday for rallies in the key swing states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.