President Obama Remembers Jackson the Icon While Keeping in Mind the ‘Sad and Tragic’ Parts of His Life
EmailAt today's White House briefing, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said he and President Obama talked this morning about Michael Jackson's death.
"He said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer and a music icon and I think everybody remembers hearing his songs and watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary," Gibbs said.
"But the president also said, look, he had aspects of his life that were sad and tragic," Gibbs continued.
Gibbs said the president's "condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourn his loss." (He didn't actually call them, this in itself was the condolence message, via Gibbs.)
Why didn't he issue a statement? Gibbs was asked.
"Because I'm saying it right now," Gibbs said.
Gibbs intimated that the president was prepared to speak about Jackson at the joint press availability earlier today with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, though no reporter asked about it.
– jpt
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He should be forced to specify which aspects of his life he considers “sad” and “tragic.”
I am sick of his evasive doubletalk and open contempt of the press.
Posted by: borneo | June 26, 2009, 2:49 pm 2:49 pm
Jacko aside,
Obama just announced that he will not allow our forces to board the N. Korean ship suspected of carrying missiles to Myanmar/Burma unless they give us permission.
So much for the UN sanctions against proliferation.
More weak empty suit behavior from Obama, while N. Korea sends it nuke and missile technology to other unfriendly countries or groups willing to pay.
I thought there were plans for the SS McCain to follow and board the ship when it reached port. I guess that was only while it was front page news. Now Obama has handed N. Korea the keys to a nuclear assault on american interests or allies.
Thanks for nothing!
Isn’t it enough that Obama is destroying the economy in record time.
Yip Yip Yahoo, they had kind words for Jacko.
Grow up and take responsibility for foreign policy you inexperienced spineless supporter of thug dictators.
Posted by: MNM | June 26, 2009, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
Oh geeeshhhh……. of ALL the pressin issue we have in our country and across the world and Jackson gets brought up and how Obama needs to make an announcment? Seriously?????
Posted by: kmday | June 26, 2009, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
What about Farrah?
Posted by: WhereWasThePress? | June 26, 2009, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
As usual the republican spew their hatred on blogs and else where. One thing that always seperates a conservative republican from everyone else is they support life until that life is born.
Posted by: jim | June 26, 2009, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm
In ways Michael jackson opened up White acceptance of all things Black. He paved the way for Oprah, Cosby and Obama. And what talent – I remember as a youngster in India that MJ touched all kids and youngsters and later in US I saw my colleagues and friends just in awe of him and his music.
It is sad what happened to MJ in his later years.
Posted by: Ash | June 26, 2009, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
It is really despicable that our anointed ONE cannot for a moment express common humanitarian feelings without assessing the “political” connotations of his actions or non actions. I am deeply troubled by this COLD, CALCULATING man who is now the SUPREME LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD. YIKES.
His “eloguent” words serve ONE PURPOSE only: SMOKE SCREENS.
Posted by: papeehara | June 26, 2009, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm
Shame on the White House!
Shame on you Barak Obama!
Michael Jackson had been decades one of the most famous persons on the planet and the Prezident ignores that?
The whole world is shocked and Obama ignores that?
Dont compare Farrah Fosset to Michael Jackson!
Michael changed the music and the world culture of the modern art! He will always be a real Icon and the Legend!
Posted by: Brandon | June 26, 2009, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
@brandon
What do you mean, Shame on the White House and Obama? Did you read this article or you an Obama hater? The man is busy trying to get our country back in order, and have you heard of passing messages to people?
Posted by: Anonymous | June 26, 2009, 4:07 pm 4:07 pm
The man is busy trying to get our country back in order, Posted by: Anonymous | Jun 26, 2009 4:07:35 PM
More poi, anyone?
Posted by: Traffic Cop Timmy | June 26, 2009, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
He should be forced to specify which aspects of his life he considers “sad” and “tragic.” I am sick of his evasive doubletalk and open contempt of the press.
————————————
Forced! LOL! I think we have all seen the headlines through the years, so we know. Or did you just have to find something to complain about. You want the President to list the issues he MAY have had to…? The man is dead, show his family some compassion, and stop LOOKING for things to complain about, it’s not good for the soul
Posted by: Try the truth | June 26, 2009, 6:42 pm 6:42 pm
That’s a real shame.
Obama should release a statement about M J.
Michael is probably the most famous person in the world. I knew homeless African kids in Sudan who knew who Michael was. Its true that his personal life was controversial but to my knowledge there’s nothing which is legally binding in his case. The joy he gave to the world would trump any unproved allegations.
R.I.P Farrah Fawcett , u couldn’t have picked a worse day.
Michael is the KING!
Posted by: Third world | June 26, 2009, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
President Obama is justified in his words. Michael Jackson-according to inside sources, Katherine and Joe and the whole family knew Michael was a pediphile before he was aquitted of charges of Child Molestation. I am sorry that he died so suddenly and I am a fan of his music, but, there is nothing in my heart. I am a victim of child molestation and rape myself. So there is no remorse that I feel. Children never get over this dispicable delimna and have to live with it everyday, seek phsychiatric help, do drugs or go insane with the aftermath that a person never gets over. Nothing works to get rid or the pain and life long suffering Psychiatric help, therapy, etc., will ever heal that. To sum it all up to the hilt, a vicitim cannot trust God or anyone else in life, always on the lookout for mistreatment and get there share daily when so many people fail to see the truth about themselves or anyone else.
Posted by: Thomas E. Howard | June 26, 2009, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
This is something where if Obama would have came out and expressed deep grief for the passing of Jackson. People like Broneo and MNM would probably be freaking out and saying that the President is giving condolences to a child molester. It’s a case of nothing is ever going to be good enough…
It’s like if Elton John died… If Obama gave his condolences the Republicans would be freaking out saying that The President is giving condolences to a homosexual. If he didn’t, they would say that The President did care about homosexuals.
It’s a sad, sad world.
Posted by: foldor | June 26, 2009, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
“It’s a sad, sad world.”
Yes it is, foldor- made even sadder by obama’s announcement friday afternoon that he “is drafting an executive order that would reassert presidential authority to incarcerate terrorism suspects indefinitely…” (per the Washington Post).
Wow, so no closing of Gitmo after 120 days, executive orders continuing renditions, expanded FISA wiretapping privileges per his Justice dept., and now another executive order allowing for indefinite incarceration of terrorism suspects.
Guess I’m missing where all the “change” comes in here.
But I can trust all you frothy lefties to get angry and take to the streets about this stuff just like when Bush did it, right?
Posted by: 2Brixshy | June 26, 2009, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
Dear Mr. President:
You often say you represent the people and you are here to speak for us. Well we are waiting when it comes to Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is just as much a part of our history as Martin Luther King and he was not without his flaws. If you can eulogize King than why not Jackson. They both were trail blazers in their own right for African Americans. Even your beloved Lincoln was not without flaws. Your constituents want some tangible acknowledgment from you, as our leader that you recognize our feelings about Michaels talent, what he did for the world and our sense of loss. Let God be his judge and not you.
Posted by: Billye Graham | June 27, 2009, 1:09 am 1:09 am
Korea, Iran, the economy, then a deceased celebrity who loved fame and made his children pay for that fame by wearing masks – rather than settle down and raise them normally. A power hungry singer who has hardly worked in years.
Obama is not outspoken about foreign policy, sure, except when it comes to Burkas ? O gee…
Posted by: Kim M. | June 27, 2009, 3:04 am 3:04 am
You people don’t have anything better to do… maybe you oughta get a hobby.
MJ was a pop star & an incredibly troubled person, but he was not involved in politics or world issues. He did not get involved in anything socio-political whatsoever in his life.
Don’t you think that the president of the United Stated has far more important things to be concerned about & spend his time on than the death of Michael Jackson?
He did issue a statement… through his spokesperson. That’s enough. I want my leader to be occupying his time with the business of leading our nation.
Obama’s got his priorities in order… it’s time for you to get yours in order as well.
Posted by: Betsy Ross | June 27, 2009, 4:11 am 4:11 am
Dear Mr President,
Don’t you think that that there should be proper statement issued directly to the american people about the legend that is Michael Jackson? Long before you came into the picture, Michael Jackson inspired generations. Long before Oprah, Michael was reaching out to help millions of children in need of help. I believe that music had just lost an icon. As the people’s president, I believe that you should acknowledge the people’s King of Pop.
Posted by: MJ Fan | June 27, 2009, 5:03 am 5:03 am
I just wanted to say that this is a sad day in US history, for a US president to issue a statement acknowledging an incident that Micael was accused of, but was found innocent in a court of law. The administration is basically saying even though Michael was found innocent in a court of law the speculation of the charges are enough to convict anyone in the court of public opinion. What happened to innocent till proven guilty? Oh wait he was pronounced innocent!! Yet he is still guilty in the country’s eyes!!
Posted by: Michael Schweickert | June 27, 2009, 6:30 am 6:30 am
U may judge him, u may ridicule him, you may curse him, but the only judgement that matters to him, is the judgement of the man that can only give you eternal salvation. Through him, with him, in him.
Posted by: Michael Schweickert | June 27, 2009, 6:34 am 6:34 am
There was nothing holding the President back when he answered that question about MLB Yankee player Alex Rodriguez admission of his passed steroid usage.
I believe the same frenzy and fame that pushed Obama to the White House is of the same drive that propel Michael Jackson as a person recognized across the globe.
I rather heard these statements directly from the President and not indirectly told through Gibbs. Obama’s silence speaks volumes. It seems every week I get a little more disappointed at this White House.
Posted by: JREFO | June 27, 2009, 11:52 am 11:52 am
distraught, disheartened & a little disgusted
Thank you for this post. I believe that it is imperative that President Obama considers the ramifications of failure to honor the greatness of Micahel Jackson as other world leaders have.
Last night I e-mailed The Whitehouse with a short list of Michael’s songs that express his humantarian nature & compassion. Due to President Obama’s moral values which coincide so with Michael’s, one would think that he would be honored to speak of Michael. I just don’t get it. Is President Obama at a loss for words ? This would be a 1rst. At the very least, I feel strongly that he should direct The Whitehouse and/or ask First Lady Michelle to express some light on this great loss. President Obama’s delay in responding seems inconsistant with his usual respectful, intelligent & heartfelt manner. I feel disillusioned by him and certainly hope that something airs from a place that the world has just recently begun to look up to again.
Posted by: Elizabeth Olney | June 27, 2009, 1:26 pm 1:26 pm
As a person who grew up in Detroit Michigan listening to the beautiful music of Michael Jackson and his siblings I am filled with sorrow at the passing of this great man. Michael was very special to me as a long time fan. I always felt a little protective of him even though I didn’t know him personally. I pray he finds the peace and happiness in death he was never able to find in life. His music filled me with so much joy and I will never forget the impact he has had on my life and the world. I hope President Obama whom I also love will make a stronger statement about the incredible loss the world has suffered. Michael deserves the respect and appreciation. To the family of Michael Jackson I express my deep condolences. I love you and will miss you Michael. Let your voice now join the voices of the angels in heaven.
Posted by: V. Brame | June 27, 2009, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
I feel very sorry for the kids Michael damaged.
Posted by: bubbles | June 27, 2009, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
I think the only kid Michael ever damaged was himself. You were not a witness to any molestation and you did not attend Michael Jackson’s trial. All you have to go on is tabloid gossip. A jury of 12 who actually heard the evidence acquitted Michael Jackson.
Posted by: V. Brame | June 27, 2009, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm
Congress has just passed a new bill that will devastate our country — Cap and Trade for CO2… and the press is totally occupied with MJ….?
Posted by: Terry | June 27, 2009, 11:37 pm 11:37 pm
What a crazy statement lol!
Posted by: V. Brame | June 28, 2009, 6:07 am 6:07 am
Michael Jackson was a great soul, in addition to being a music/entertainment icon.
End of story!
For who does not have ‘sad and tragic aspects’ to their lives?
In remembering Obama, should the ‘sad and tragic aspects’ of his life — teenage drugging, etc be mentioned in order to diminish the REASON WE REMEMBER those who are near and dear?
If Obama can remain a direct, energizing and fulfilling focus for world attention that Michael Jackson has been for 40 year, then that would be a great accomplishment for Obama.
Michael Jackson had much world wide influence; and it has been positive for 40 years. Let’s see Obama match that record, even with his teenage drinking and drugging!
Posted by: Patriot | June 28, 2009, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
President Obama has already matched and surpassed the accomplishments of my beloved Michael Jackson. The President is the most influential leader of the free world and the first African American to hold the office of Commander In Chief of the United States of America. Michael Jackson was BAD but even he never accomplished that. I love you Michael and I love you President OBAMA.
Posted by: V. Brame | June 28, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Micheal Jackson is a person that everybody enjoyed seeing in concert.
In the year of 1992 i had a dream that Micheal Jackson and i got married.
I was in a DUI program at the time of the dream at Drake Hospital. And when i woke up from the dream my room mates said to me invite us to the wedding.
He is forever in my heart and his spirit lives on because he came and vistied me. He inspired me to write a song in 1987. it is called Spin Your Fire with me.
Love Stacy/Cincinnati
Posted by: stacy | June 28, 2009, 4:20 pm 4:20 pm
are we serious. It is sad that Michael Jackson died. Fine. He was just one person and we have a Presidential press conference to learn that Obama is mourning his loss?
This during a recession, with multiple wars on-goings, with Korea&Iran&Isreal threaten an almost armegeddon, with homelessness, with illegal aliens flooding our streets, with crime skyrocketeding, with a coup in Honduras, with Mexico threatening to destabilize due to disease and druglords?
And Obama is fretting over MJ? What about Farrah or Ed, Obama? Why no press conferences there also?
Posted by: Ed | June 28, 2009, 7:45 pm 7:45 pm
Farrah and Ed were very good entertainers but Michael Jackson was great. He was phenomenal. He was extraordinary. Michael crossed age, gender, racial and class lines and tore down barriers of segregation that were impossible to cross before him. Michael broke the record for charitable contributions and made a significant difference in the lives of suffering people worldwide. We cared about Farrah and Ed but losing Michael is like turning off all the lights on Time Square or in Paris. The space left behind is dark and ordinary without him.
Posted by: V. Brame | June 29, 2009, 6:02 am 6:02 am
Rest in peace Michael Jackson
Posted by: stacy | June 29, 2009, 10:24 am 10:24 am
Michael Jackson had much world wide influence; and it has been positive for 40 years. Let’s see Obama match that record, even with his teenage drinking and drugging!
world has lost great pop star…..
Posted by: sanjeev o/o SDM SHIMLA | June 30, 2009, 3:57 am 3:57 am
Michael Jackson has got to be one of the most important influences in my life. I was brought up in a southern family that had few black friends and I grew up hating but the music of Michael Jackson changed me. My family hated that a black man meant so much and changed so much in my life.I’m happy to say my wedding will be on his b-day. And I can’t wait till the day comes when i will sing praises to God alongside him in Heaven.
Posted by: jonathan | July 7, 2009, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm