President Barack Obama responded to a question from AP reporter Jennifer Loven that the black community was unsatisfied with his response to the death of pop icon Michael Jackson.
"I grew up on his music," said Obama, who is three years younger than Jackson. "Still have all his stuff on my iPod."
"I think that his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and, in many ways, sad personal life," he said. "I'm glad to see that he is being remembered primarily for the great joy that he brought to a lot of people through his extraordinary gifts as an entertainer."
Obama said that he wasn't aware of the response among African Americans mentioned by Loven.
"I know a lot of people in the black community," he said. "I haven't heard that."
White House aides have stated that Obama sent a letter of condolences to the Jackson family.
1 comment:
I am an all heart supporter of President Obama and fully believe in his approach to making the changes that the US has been in need off for quite some time. However I think that it is also important to not forget that what makes America great,and will continue to make it great, is not only good policies, ambition, proud work ethics and sleepless nights but also inspiration, creativity, passion, tolerance and love. Certainly these are some words that can be used to describe the entertainment industry and the late Michael Jackson who is now an American icon for pop music worldwide and dance. As much as President Obama supports and stands by the American mainstream it is important, I believe, for America to take care of her heritage and those that make America proud by their legendary gifts. Surely then, there cannot be a more significant homage to an entertainer, and really humanitarian, than perhaps First Lady Michelle Obama and the First girls paying homage to a legend on Tuesday, July 7. It would only be a fitting tribute to man who gave of his best in performance on the American and world pop stage. I think it's important that America takes care of figures such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, (and even Spears) and support these figures so that future icons in the offing do not have to travel the dark depths of despair from media criticism which in turn lead them to accidental overdoses and other such "tragedies". I think, that the only tragedy here would be if we do not commemorate a legend fittingly.
K.Karand
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