President Obama: “Michael Jackson Was A Spectacular Performer”

June 26th, 2009 by Castina

Tagged as: Michael Jackson, Popular Culture

President Barack Obama is sending his condolences to the family of late pop star Michael Jackson, who died in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon.

“Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon,” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conveyed the President’s reaction during a news conference Friday. “Everyone remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown’s 25th anniversary. But the President also said that [there were] aspects of his life that were sad and tragic. His condolences went out to the Jackson family and fans who [are mourning] his loss.”

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11 Responses to “President Obama: “Michael Jackson Was A Spectacular Performer””

On June 26th 2009, Brian H wrote:

After reading this and a few other posts about the Presidents response to MJ’s passing, I’ve lost respect for Obama.
Some reporters have critized him saying he should “Get off television and get to work” and he can even go on late night and make fun of the Special Olympics but yet he used his press secretary to give condoloenses on Michael Jackson’s death.
On June 27th 2009, JK wrote:

Why are we discussing about Obama’s thoughts on MJ’s death in the first place? Just by discussing this we all accept that this was an expectation from most of us and we all accept that Michael was an exceptional. Michael was different. Obama better say something.
On June 28th 2009, nakayla wrote:

i personally think whoever lost respect for him juss need to shut the fuck up..honestly y is everyone EXPECTING a speech from president obama..is it bcuz hes black uhmm we all knos hes black..but we didnt elect him to be qoin out makn speeches about a death yes its true that the loss of michael is very tragic but if bush was still president would there still b a big commotion about the president releasing a statement..you should b a shame of yourself..keep up the good work PRESIDENT OBAMA and R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON!!!!!!!
On June 28th 2009, selvam wrote:

I am disappointed in Obama. Why, he couldn’t find the time to appear on TV and say a few words abour this greatest musician ever. Obama Man, this hurts bro’.
On June 29th 2009, James wrote:

I would suggest that anyone interested in a statement from a political figure or family member search for the comments made by Carla Bruni Sarkozy, wife of French Prime Minister. Her comment was perfect for someone who wanted to express condolences, yet not be set up for criticism. She’s really already upstaged any political figure here and good for her.
On June 30th 2009, F.S. wrote:

It is my understanding that president who was in office when Elvis died, didn’t appear on TV to make condolences to the family of Elvis or to the public. Why should we expect President Obama to be any different? If he did appear on TV it would only open doors for people to criticize him on a racial level.
On July 1st 2009, Jazmin wrote:

I have way more respect for the president now. Jamie Foxx and other celebrities that are mourning Jackson now made fun of him while he was alive…the Wayan’s Brothers had him as a child molester with a fake nose in there Scary Movies.

No matter what his contribution to music was you CANNOT ignore the fact that he destroyed lives and countless generations by taking advantage of children. Those CHILDREN he was attracted to and took advantage of will never be the same and if they have their own children they will suffer because of his actions too, a perpetual cycle of misery.

Obama is our president and a politician- he cannot publicly mourn someone as controversial as Michael Jackson- he said what he could about a human being like Michael whose family members are bankrupt and working in gas stations.

Before you mention his charities, keep in mind that they were ploys to get children next to him.

Try not to judge your PRESIDENT by his opinion of a pop star.
On July 3rd 2009, sak wrote:

Prez Obama has done the right thing. I m sure he grew up grooving the MJ’s tunes. And his issuing a statement conveying his condolences is heartening. It shows he isnt a heartless man.

I dont understand how people criticise and defame another person to such a degree, only on the basis of what they’ve read in publications that are printed purely for minting money.

The only thing that cannot be denied is MJ’s astonishing talent, and his immense thoughtfulness for other people. He is the most unlikeliest of people to hurt another human being. There is absolutely no one who can achieve such fame, wealth or influence and yet remain so gentle and humane or have such a world view, 95% of celebs do not look beyond even themselves.

People ought to start paying respect to an extraordinary man at least now.
On July 7th 2009, SA wrote:

Yes, it is a sad thing that michael jackson has passed away. But not everyone a fan of his. Why does our PRESIDENT need to find the time to just make a statement about MJ’s death? He has much better things to do for OUR COUNTRY. His statement about MJ’s death wouldn’t get anyone a job, bring back up the economy, or bring the solders (the real heroes) home.
On July 19th 2009, diane wrote:

I, too, waited with bated breath to listen to Pres. Obama’s comments on the death of the KIng of Pop, Michael Jackson. I was disappointed but not too surprised when I heard the halfhearted, wishy washy and snide comments from Obama’s press secretary on MJ’s death. Is this the CHANGE for which America voted? WOW!
For whatever negatives we hold of MJ, one fact remains, when Michael took the stage emotional magic filled the air. He was the best entertainer that graced this planet. Michael was the icon supreme, nonpareil….. There will be never another like he. Obama’s has slipped several notches in my estimation. Yet I’m not too surprised because I know that Black people as a race as soon as they think they have ‘arrived’..reached where the air is rare….always turn their backs on their own and I am very Black…. Even Ms. Sanctimonious ‘living in sin’ Oprah has yet to offer public tribute. In contrast to Obama’s response to the death of Walter Cronkite of whom he, Obama, knows precious little since he was a child roaming Jakarta when Mr. Cronkite was in his hey-day. Obama, watch it! Your White slip is showing!
On August 25th 2009, krisi wrote:

Jazmin you are full of s@!#. People seem to be forgetting one major fact. Mr. Michael Jackson has NEVER been convicted of any misconduct of any kind in a criminal court. Anybody could accuse anybody of anything because this is a democracy and people are free to be liberal with their tongues. It is especially suspicious when the person being accused has millions of dollars and is an easy target for extortion. I knew that for sure when the first kid’s parents took the money. Nuff said.

Second, none of us know how WE would have handled the incredible pressure handed out to him every single day of his natural life. Instead of showing concern when it looked like it was really too much for him what did we do? We sang his praises when he was on stage and exploited him for all he was worth while he was off. And now people have the audacity to demand that the president say something flattering? All y’all who feel like that full of s@!#!!!!!!!!

The president doesn’t have any obligation to anybody but MJ’s family to extend condolences. As president his job is to LEAD. He shared what was on his heart and that should be good enough.