Common Performs at the White House; Obama Makes No Mention of Controversy
EmailABC News' Sunlen Miller reports:
Without mention of controversy surrounding Common’s performance, President Obama welcomed an audience to the White House poetry night, revealing that he, too, considers himself a poet.
“I have actually submitted a couple poems to my college literary magazine and you will be pleased to know what that I will not be reading them,” President Obama joked from the East Room of the White House this evening.
The president spoke about the emotion of poetry.
“The power of poetry is everybody experiences it differently. There are no rules on what makes a great poem,” Obama said. “Instead, a great poem is one that resonates with us and challenges us and teaches us something about ourselves.”
President Obama also referenced the long history of poetry in the United States – how it has told the nation’s story or helped a nation heal in times of tragedy.
“It was after the bombing of Fort McHenry during the war of 1812 when a young Frances Scott Key penned the poems that would become our national anthem,” Obama said. “And whenever our nation has faced a great tragedy, whether it was the loss of a great civil rights leader, the crew of a space shuttle or the thousands of Americans who were lost during a clear September day, we turn to poetry when we can’t quite find the words to express what we’re feeling.”
The president said that tonight was a celebration, hearing from the nation’s greatest and newest performers.
The much anticipated Common recited lyrics to a rap song in poem form, which tipped his hat to the nation’s first African American president and started and ended with words of Martin Luther King playing over the loud speaker.
This is his poem:
“I woke up with the sunshine. A sunshine I had never seen. There was light at the end of it. Reminded me to forever dream. I was dreaming I walked into the White House. With love on my sleeve. And love for each and every one of you. Reminding you to believe. These are the words of a believer achiever. Leader of the globe, feed the souls of those in need. I bleed the blood of the struggle. Walking over troubled puddles. The hustle is in my chest. No hustle no progress. Extremities of life in this process. The birth of a son. The death of another. With love I caress both mothers. And told ‘em whose in control is the one that’s above is. I walk where money talks and love stutters. The body language of a nation. Going though changes. The young become dangerous. Spent into anger. Anger gets sent through the chamber. It’s tough when your own look like strangers. We are the sons of gangsters and stone rangers. If he could how would Ernie Barnes paint us? Look at the picture. It’s hard not to blame us. But time forgives in the shy where the young die often. Do they end up in a coffin because we haven’t taught them? Is it what we talkin’, we really ain't walking. Dudes, hustlers, paid. How much did it cost them? I find myself on the same corner that we lost them. Real talkin’ in their ear like a walkman. My thoughts been around the corner to the world. So when I see them I see my baby girl. The Lord lives among us. The youngest hunger, recover. Means to get it by anyways necessary under pressure. Children feeling lesser with the spill upon the dresser. Killer, willer aggressors. Destiny’s children, survivors, soldiers. In front of buildings their eyes look older. It’s hard to see blessings in a violent culture. Face against rappings. Sirens holsters – that ‘aint the way that Langston Hughes wrote us. So controllers on the shoulders of Moses. And Noah. We go from being precious to Oprah. Cultivated to overcome. Ever since we came over. Seize the day in the way that you can see the determined. The soul that keeps burning. Shorty’s know to keep learning. Lessons in my life are like stripes that we earning. I took Grant’s advice that Christ is returning. Like a thief in the night. I write for beacons of light. For those of us in dark alleys and park valleys. Street hits spark valleys of the conscience. Conquerors of a contest . Even the unseen know that God watches. For one King’s dream he was able to Barack us. One King’s dream he was able to Barack us. One King’s dream he was able to Barack us.”
“Thank you and God bless,” Common said at the end of his poem, without referring to the controversy over his invitation to perform. “I appreciate being here.”
Right after Steve Martin’s band finished, President Obama stood up, clapping, and then brought everyone back onstage, thanking all of the performers by name. Before exiting the stage, Obama gave Common a big hug.
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It’s very special that President Obama invites celebrities to WH parties, put on at taxpayer expense, to hear the celebrities sing praises of him.
Posted by: MayBee | May 11, 2011, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm
“…hearing from the nation’s greatest and newest performers…”
President Obama. President Kennedy invited some of the “greatest performers” to the White House.
You’re no President Kennedy.
Posted by: Oliver Shagnasty | May 11, 2011, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm
If the election of America’s first African-American president was expected to give blacks an economic boost, it hasn’t emerged yet. Indeed, the percentage of African-American men with a job has dropped to its lowest level since records began in 1972, according to the government’s monthly jobs report released last week.
OBAMA_______VS_______BLACK AMERICA
Posted by: Yep I said that | May 11, 2011, 10:05 pm 10:05 pm
Proofread your article please – second paragraph – “know what that I will . . “
Posted by: Walter | May 11, 2011, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm
FYI – regarding Obama as the first African American President – this isn’t true. Obama is actually the first Kenyan (Luo) American President and the 44th White American President who was born in Hawaii. Let’s not ignore the complexities of identity in our modern world. Obama is Kenyan/White American – not African American – very different ethnic concepts.
Posted by: Walter | May 11, 2011, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm
Another party for the playboy,next is fund raisers,then golf then visit to dine in Europe for reception,What a KID people lost homes because of flooding, gas going up,food going up,unemployment way up,taxes up the but..Sorry sorry sorry KID
Posted by: Raymond | May 11, 2011, 10:47 pm 10:47 pm
Obama is having a party! Oh no! Why can’t he go do something productive for America like moving sticks and brush around on a ranch?
Posted by: Doug | May 11, 2011, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm
Controversy not mentioned? Can’t you read between the lines?
Posted by: moonraker | May 12, 2011, 12:34 am 12:34 am
I thought this was JackieO anew … long way from Pablo Casals (sic) ghetto cool.
Posted by: redondobeachmom | May 12, 2011, 12:57 am 12:57 am
Remember the “White Guys Can’t Jump” movie? I am wondering how many whites with an education above 5th grade, understand the gibberish called “rap”. . .Yeah, I know, we ain’t been down wi’ de struggle.
“Means to get it anyways necessary under pressure…” Ah, the lyricism of that poetry – - carrying the threat of a mugging in an alley!
This “poet”, Common, could be inspiring whatever enraged audience he is speaking to, instead of goading them on with this garbage…
Never mind. The bro in the White House spent taxpayers money tonight to reach out to his base. What name will ACORN be doing business under in the coming campaign? .
On Cinco de Mayo we learned Michelle loves tamales. I am surprised she wasn’t doing a Mexican hat dance on the South Lawn I think we are witnessing a little “transparency” here, if we just pay attention. WE will be hip deep in transparency by November 2012. In El Paso, Obama talks about reforming immigration. More transparency, considering his audience.
Then RAPPOETRY in the White House. Take that, you sanctimonious Fox News and Hannity, O’Reilly, et al.
White Guilt put Obama in office and White Guilt will probably keep him there. His (r)ace in the hole is “If you don’t give me a second term to totally trash this country, it just means you are racist.”
“Yep I said that” remarked “if Obama’s election was expected to give Blacks a boost..” Obama gives nothing to anyone, Except promises. He TAKES. TAKES VOTES FROM THE POOR AND MONEY FROM THE UNIONS.
Posted by: moonraker | May 12, 2011, 1:08 am 1:08 am
Common is widely hailed and criticized for his outspoken pro-life stance. And has been known to donate performances for pro-life events.
Republicans are fools for slamming this guy.
The saddest thing is that they pick two lines out of a long career to try to make him look like NWA.
Posted by: Blip | May 12, 2011, 2:07 am 2:07 am
It’s also funny that no Tea Party rage was directed at Steve Martin…. who is also known for some offensive material. But I guess Steve Martin looks like them, whereas Common is black.
Posted by: Blip | May 12, 2011, 2:15 am 2:15 am
Even Osama bin Laden said some good things Between the hateful parts. Is you ignor the hateful stuff and stopped planning to kill people he could have been the President Obama’s BFF!
Posted by: Voice_Reason | May 12, 2011, 7:26 am 7:26 am
This speaks volumes about Obama’s character, or more like the lack there of.
It isn’t what this “poet” said, but where he said it.
Posted by: angie | May 12, 2011, 7:26 am 7:26 am
Common is the way to describe most of what emanates from the White House these days.
Posted by: mickeymat | May 12, 2011, 7:29 am 7:29 am
Blip, I don’t understand your sprawling prose. It’s all clicks and whistles to me. Kids like you just don’t appreciate art anymore. You should have stayed in school instead of getting caught up in drinking clorox and patting your robertson.
Posted by: Jefferson | May 12, 2011, 7:41 am 7:41 am
As Jill Scott beckons us, write children. Write your hate, as some have here. Sometimes you’ve got to spill what’s on your mind. But if you miss the science of rainbows, you miss the truth. Hate is so blinding. Write better, children, please…
Posted by: ColinS | May 12, 2011, 7:46 am 7:46 am
I never thought I would give a nostalgic backward glance to Bill Clinton’s sexual antics in the White House. The current example of obama & michelle’s transparency has driven me to it.
Posted by: Cindy, NC | May 12, 2011, 8:37 am 8:37 am
It’s also funny that no Tea Party rage was directed at Steve Martin…. who is also known for some offensive material. But I guess Steve Martin looks like them, whereas Common is black.
Posted by: Blip | May 12, 2011 2:15:17 AM
What makes you think this is just “tea party” rage? I have personally spoken with people from across the board regarding their color, race, sex, political leanings… and each of them was either against Common being there, or at the least very hesitant.
This isn’t a RACE issue and you, and rest of your hate baiting liberal friends KNOW it. The guy has talked about (in his so-called music/poems) KILLING COPS, BURNING PRESIDENT BUSH and WOMEN IN DEGRADING WAYS. If anything, Common is the RACIST. He’s the one who expressed his hatred toward Bush, and his gushing love for Obama. He’s the one who sat in the racist, hate filled Jeremiah Wright’s church. He’s the one who says he is against mixed race relationships. So, blip if you want to have a discussion about race relations, I think you need to take a look at the guy who is PROMOTING it first.
By the way, the race card is wearing thin. Just like the little boy who cried “Wolf”, you’re going to get trapped by your own words.
Posted by: Shoe | May 12, 2011, 9:15 am 9:15 am
It’s really sad that people miss the message in Common’s poetry because they are pre-prejudicded from the start based on what others are saying.
This particular poem, if you could read it without your negative filters, speaks about challenging the way black youth see themselves. All the so called “THUGS” that the majority is so quick to label. This poetry piece is about taking a look at the way life is for Blacks now compared to what it could be like. Black ancestors and civil rights leaders prayed, protested, struggled, and DIED so that life for Blacks could be better, meaning in turn AMERICA as a WHOLE could be better, but the opposite has occured. America is even MORE divided.
It’s so sad that people are so self-righteous and quick to label and judge based on the opinions of others just because it “sounds” true without taking the time to check it out for themselves without the filters of ignorance.
Posted by: tiredofpoliticaldrama | May 12, 2011, 9:30 am 9:30 am
Common refers to several different methods of “getting it” don’t jump to violent means from the start. Lets bring up lyrics of love yourself stop killing one another. So what if he does not like Bush he is not the only one. Him charity work means nothing. Ohhhh yeah the low points are all that matters. Freedom to have feel how you want and to voice it a courage to me. GOOD JOB COMMON
Posted by: jada | May 12, 2011, 9:40 am 9:40 am
Anyone who is actually mad at or disappointed with Obama over this issue with Common performing at the White House is only exposing their own personal bias, small-mindedness, or as we say: is being a “Hater”. For clarification, a “Hater” is a person who applies the same attitude sports fanatics have for their favorite team’s arch rivals, toward real people. No matter what your arch rival’s team does, you’re gonna hate them – it just how we’re trained to think. And it’s clear from the comments above, there are some real Obama “Haters” out there.
1- If you are so concerned about the taxes spent the performance last night, you fail to appreciate the fact that every friggin President since Washington has spent tax dollars promoting and highlighting art and artistic movements through the office of the Presidency. You don’t get to single out Obama on this issue. You have a beef with the Office of The Presidency!
2- Those who think that Obama’s overly-centrist-self would even consider inviting an artist who is legitimately seen as controversial is just being silly. Obama picked the one person from hip hop who has been hailed as: “The Conscious Rapper”. Whatever your opinion of what rap is as an artistic movement, Common is, by the definition of his actions – POSITIVE. Anyone who can’t see this in his body of works is just underexposed to the sophisticated concepts that hip hop presents.
Quick summary: Common grew up in the violent, drug infected and alcohol-drenched streets of Chicago in the 70’s and 80’s and learned to take his experiences and turned them into a successful artistic career. This is the American Dream kind of story our country is built on. If there are any commenters out there who would like to see inner-cities and urban black communities “get their act together”, they should pray for a 1000 Commons in each community to help be leaders and motivators. Ya’ see – black folks are proud of this guy and they UNDERSTAND that he is anti-violence, pro-woman, anti-drug abuse, and generally for the betterment of his people. Heck, he’s so “hippie” in our community he is seen asthe type to LOVE ALL PEOPLE. And this is the “vile” “thug” “cop-killer” rapper you all are so concerned about?????
Posted by: SSavageCam | May 12, 2011, 10:02 am 10:02 am
Common refers to several different methods of “getting it” don’t jump to violent means from the start. Lets bring up lyrics of love yourself stop killing one another. So what if he does not like Bush he is not the only one. Him charity work means nothing. Ohhhh yeah the low points are all that matters. Freedom to have feel how you want and to voice it a courage to me. GOOD JOB COMMON-
I hear ya Jada. Common carries an Uzi and never runs. He has total understanding about how not to strain your back when walking around with weaponry.
Posted by: Vert | May 12, 2011, 10:18 am 10:18 am
To have any rapper in the White House is to debase the entire culture.
Rappers are the embodiment of racial stereotype – stupid people acting only on their gross, rhythmic emotions.
Posted by: MissButterfly | May 12, 2011, 10:21 am 10:21 am
our tax-dollar paid this “poet” for such lasting lines as “Real talkin’ in their ear like a walkman”?! This is poetry? No wonder American schools are shockingly bad. It is telling that in times of war, environmental disaster, and economic depression Obama is spending money have parties with “poets” such as this guy who support terrorist, cop-killer on the lam in communist Cuba!
Posted by: Ed | May 12, 2011, 10:34 am 10:34 am
Blip,
Please do tell us what parts of this administration we can legitimately be upset with without being called racist? Is there one? Obama’s presidency was supposed to welcome in an era of post-partisanship and post-racialism, and if anything it’s given lefties an excuse to yell “RACIST!” whenever anyone criticizes anything he does. It’s a pathetic excuse for a defense of his actions, and you should be ashamed.
Posted by: Jose | May 12, 2011, 10:36 am 10:36 am
Ed-
Just so you know… you don’t like hip-hop…it shows!
As for the somewhat more serious tax dollars issue you raise: Our tax dollars pay for some real bad policies and actions. I think in the the grand scheme of things the .0000000000000000000000001% of this weeks federal budget that was spent on “paying” this artist to come perform is like getting mad at what your Congressman spent on lunch last week. We’ve got bigger fish to fry. Stop thinking sooooo small….(petty)
Posted by: SSavageCam | May 12, 2011, 10:42 am 10:42 am
Jose-
You are absolutely right…No one should defend any President’s bad actions or policies by calling his detractors “RACIST”. It’s just lazy…
But its also kinda lazy to say: “Please do tell us what parts of this administration we can legitimately be upset with without being called racist?”
Come on Jose…you don’t want welfare or handouts from liberals do you bro? Why do they have to come up with legitimate arguments for you? Just make your salient non-racisit criticisms of the President and rational people will engage you in a reasonable discussion. Just have some faith that truth will prevail. Cuz if you don’t then you just sound like a whinny naive person who can’t see how many of Obama’s detractors DO infuse some weird racial animosity towards his presidency. Now I’m not saying every bleeding-heart liberal claiming there is a racial component to an issue is right. You just have to keep the balance in your head not to be so dismissive of the REAL racism Obama faces while trying to lead…
Once again…. that’s lazy…
Posted by: SSavageCam | May 12, 2011, 10:51 am 10:51 am
Hannity8..you are such a liar and manipulator. You once called this person a good example and had him Fox and many of you thought he was doing good things. Now that Obama had himto the White HOuse..he is no good. You are desperately trying to destroy this president and guess what…it is not working. You all forget things you have said on previous shows but most of us do not. To that jerk who said something to the effect that Michelle and Obama do not understand what the White House represents…I think they do…it represents all people not just white ones.
Posted by: Talmag | May 12, 2011, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
“I have actually submitted a couple poems to my college literary magazine and you will be pleased to know what that I will not be reading them,” President Obama joked from the East Room of the White House this evening.
.
You mean this one:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I never get ‘tween Michelle and a tamale
And neither should you
.
I’m surprised it didn’t get wider exposure…
Posted by: gk | May 12, 2011, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
Savage,
I’ve made plenty of points about a whole host of economic and social issues, and some people simply just say “racist” — ignoring that I’d be making the same points if it were John Edwards, John Kerry, or any other left-wing liberal who got rich off the system they denigrate.
I just want to know if they can admit that there any legitimate issue, or if any criticism whatsoever could possibly be perceived as racism. It’s a simple question that deserves an honest answer.
Posted by: Jose | May 12, 2011, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
Living in NJ I remember very well the day when Black Panther Joanne Chesimard, was convicted for the 1973 slaying of Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike. She escaped prison in 1979, and is living in Cuba. Commons song lyrics is all a lie..and a disgrace, he is too young to remember. Yes freedom of speech. but I think we should have a little respect also. It has been awhile since the murder but the hurt is still there..
“A Song for Assata”,
Posted by: firedup49 | May 12, 2011, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
“I have personally spoken with people from across the board regarding their color, race, sex, political leanings… and each of them was either against Common being there, or at the least very hesitant. ”
That’s an absurd comment. Of course people will respond negatively to the gross caricature you paint of Common. But I seriously doubt you did any scientific polling on the matter. My guess is that you watched Fox News and listened to Rush Limbaugh…. and, surprise, surprise, you think this is the gravest crisis that rocked this nation since Obama killed bin Laden.
Fox News did a segment celebrating Common’s work just a few months ago.
Think for yourself.
Posted by: blip | May 12, 2011, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm
Let me give my background I am a white man from the middle of the country. I did not grow up in the hood never shot somebody or even committed a crime.( except for skating some government property. ) Obama, never really cared for him at all, and still think he and his admin are doing a horrible job. That’s beside the point though anybody who thinks common is a cop killing gang banging hustler is not only ignorant but also scared of skin color. Did you all forget about NWA or even biggie smalls those were the thugs. Those were the rappers that hate the cops and were watched by the Feds for making music. Hip-hop is not all about killing raping and pillaging; given some is but if the people that hate it so much would just remember when the Doors or Jimi Hendrix first came out the world thought it was the devil’s music. Hell even Elvis and Jerry lee Lewis were hated, but now all those mentioned are loved and hailed as great poets musicians and even inspiration to a nation in turmoil. So my generation is asking you all to pull your head out your #### take a deep breathe and listen to the young bucks for a change because history does repeat. One last request for us is try not to screw up this country anymore than it already is. We promise to take care of you when you need us most just leave us something to work with.
Posted by: Odv | May 12, 2011, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
“Common performs at White House, media fail to interest anyone in their so-called controversy.”
Posted by: Flash Override | May 12, 2011, 9:58 pm 9:58 pm
Firedup49, if you really lived in NJ you would know that stopping someone on the Turnpike for “slightly” exceeding the speed limit is primae facie evidence of police harassment.
Posted by: Flash Override | May 12, 2011, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm
1. Common is an acclaimed artist. He has won two Grammys, and he’s been nominated for nine others. He is an actor, appearing in American Gangster, Terminator Salvation and Date Night. He prays before every meal. National companies have used his music for commercials including The Gap (2006), Lincoln Navigator (2008), and Blackberry (2011).
2. Common created the “Common Ground Foundation” which is dedicated to at-risk youth in underserved communities. He is trying to help kids find various outlets of creative expression. He also runs a summer leadership program for teenagers. Common funds something called a Lighthouse program in the summer and fall. The programs last between 6-12 weeks, and the goal of the program is to educate kids through activities that foster healthy living, leadership skills, technological awareness, creative expression, and other valuable life skills. Common also promotes HIV/AIDs awareness through his involvement in the “Knowing Is Beautiful” movement. Common is also involved in promoting literacy through a national book club known as “Readers ARE Leaders.” He also launched a national online book club named “The Corner” Common hasn’t just talked about the one in four American children who grow up being unable to read. He is doing something to make a difference.
3. Fox News had originally endorsed him in past Now Fox attacks.
4. The poem that opponents are attacking is actually only small section of the poem. If you go on and read rest of poem he tells readers not to commit violence or crimes. At least opponents of Common should be fair and read whole message in poem.
Coommon should have not been attacked like he was. I find whole incident disgraceful, and see opponents using purposeful misleading attacks to influence the public for political purposes/or gain only. .
Posted by: Sharon Lim | May 12, 2011, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm
“It’s very special that President Obama invites celebrities to WH parties, put on at taxpayer expense, to hear the celebrities sing praises of him.” The irony is that MLK encouraged leaders of CHARACTER, not color. BO was voted in because of the color of his skin…MLK would not have been fooled.
Posted by: lila | May 13, 2011, 11:59 pm 11:59 pm
Common speaks truth and it’s how most people feel. words not of anger, just understanding the a form that most people can realize not to feud over. Just please try to understand to message. Thank you Pres. B. Obama. for having him there and everyone who does not know about Common .
PLEASE -Look up his goods work -Google it. Thank you for your time and patients
Posted by: Quincy Jack | May 17, 2011, 9:21 am 9:21 am
Thank Pres. Obama for having Common at the white House. He is truthful and understanding poet. This isn’t something to fight over, get the message. It was a good thing to have him at the White House.
Posted by: Quincy Jack | May 17, 2011, 9:43 am 9:43 am
Very interesting , thanks
Posted by: costume paris | October 14, 2011, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm