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Obama on Michael Jackson: “One of Our Greatest Entertainers”

7/2/09, 5:07 pm EST

Photo: Wong/Getty
President Barack Obama has commented publicly about the death of Michael Jackson, telling the AP “I grew up on his music — still have all his stuff on my iPod.” Obama added that Jackson “will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers.” As Rock Daily previously reported, Obama personally sent a letter of condolence to the Jackson family, the contents of which were not revealed.

“I think that his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and, in many ways, sad personal life,” Obama 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.” The President’s comments today mark the first time a news agency has asked him to speak publicly about Jackson. Obama was prepared to address Jackson’s death during a press conference with the German chancellor last week, but no one asked the President to comment on the King of Pop.

“The president obviously believes that he was an important and magnificent performer,” Obama’s senior adviser David Axelrod told Meet The Press last weekend. “Obviously, he led a sad life in many ways as well but his impact is undeniable.” Obama’s press secretary Robert Gibbs spoke on behalf of the President after Jackson’s death, saying “I talked to [Obama] about it this morning. He said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon, and I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown’s 25th anniversary.”

Related Stories:

Barack Obama Sends Condolences to Michael Jackson’s Family
Music World Mourns Michael Jackson’s Death
Inside Barack Obama’s iPod


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Comments

sorry for the lost | 7/2/2009, 7:16 pm EST

Michael Jackson will always be remember so all his music that he ever did he was a pop star that put out the must music in all of music history.that was a good man it don’t matter if you change how you look it how you do your music that matter the most to any people you will always be the best that what you do in music.

Anonymous | 7/2/2009, 7:47 pm EST

I think Michael Jackson is one of the famous king of pop in the world.I remember him when I first heard the song black or white so in condolence May the Lord of Host bless the family and give them peace for the lost of their beloved son brother a unforgetable friend who inspired us so much in his songs.love from–Maru

SuchaLoss | 7/2/2009, 10:10 pm EST

Obama is as classy as Michael Jackson. I grew up watching Michael Jackson as well for thirty years. Such a tragedy and sudden loss of such a icon. Even the footage of his last rehearsal is unbelievable. The man was a musical genius. Now all the bloodsuckers are coming out of the woodwork saying such negative things about such a musical genius. Such a pity. Where were these people before? Perhaps his ex-bodyguards, who obviously did not do thier job is protecting him are looking for more means of this man’s money. I’m sure a book will follow as well. Now he has a secret girlfriend as well. The media has preyed on this man for the past 10 or more years, they should at least let the man have dignity prior to his burial. He will always be the King of Pop and may God rest his soul.

ESTERLINE R.WALTERS | 7/2/2009, 11:23 pm EST

The world has lost something that will never be regained.
All this talent and Compasionate love for the world. Micheal should have been told more often how he was loved.Its a shame how some poeple brought him down. I miss u micheal and will always love u even u have past on.What you have left behind is very comforting. It will last a lifetime. Thanks for everything.

MJ'S MY | 7/3/2009, 1:01 am EST

I have to admit.. when i didnt know he was deadi use to insult people metioning him but now that he’s dead i worship and cry almost every minute in the bathroom with a picture of him in my hand…u know someday miley cyrus will die….an to all those people who say she’s anything but good…one day u will really regret all u have said about her becuz she is just doing the sAMe things michael jackson DID….but michael jackson did worst things..an u cant even give miley a chance…michael jackson is not dead to me in my heart i feel that he is re born….my prayers go to his family and to all his fans..that i know deep inside feel crushed as if a Family MEMBER had died…michael might have bleeched himself or he might have the illness..(vilitigo) but why does that matter..he’s so much different from the people who go slob in the sun to get a tan and change the way they look….so R.I.P MICHAEL JACKSON becuz deep inside u were a wonderful person…..when i first heard the news i sat in a chair and imgained WTF???? he cant die he’s a legend… to all u out there who have ever mention his name in an insult or took it for granted(even me) i just want to tell u to think about who ur talking about becuz 1 day thatt person might be gone and it will be toooooo late to apoligize……{ say the words}

Michael Joseph Jackson…

It is now to late to apoligize but we will always remember u becuz u have made a difference in pop music and u will always be in our hearts becuz NOONE CAN EVER REPLACE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LUV U!!!!!!! >3

POST THIS IF U FEEL SAD ABOUT THE KING OF POP’S DEATH……

RICHARD L | 7/3/2009, 1:12 am EST

WHEN I THINK OF MICHAEL JACKSON I THINK OF A TIME WHEN HE TRIED TO DO SO MUCH GOOD FOR EXAMPLE THERE WAS A KID WHO HAD AIDS AND NOBODY WANTED TO BE HIS FRIEND OR LET HIM GO TO SCHOOL WITH THE OTHER CHILDREN MICHAEL WAS THERE TO THE RESCUE OF ALL THIS HATE AND MISUNDERSTANDING UNTIL THIS CHILD PAST AND WAS AT THE KID FUNERAL ALSO HE IS IN THE GENIUS BOOK OF RECORDS FOR GIVING THE MOST MONEY TO CHARITIES SO WHEN I THINK ABOUT KING MICHAEL JACKSON I THINK ABOUT A TRUE ARTIST WHO TRULY DID TRY HIS BEST FOR HUMANITY AND DANCE AND SING HIS AZZ OFF AZZ WELL SO I SAY FAREWELL TO THE KING AND LET HIM REST IN PEACE ……..P.S. I REMEMBER THE GOOD YOU DID KING MICHAEL MISUNDERSTOOD JACKSON

RICHARD L | 7/3/2009, 1:16 am EST

I PRAY THAT HIS MOMMA AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY GET THRU THIS AND REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES THEY WHERE BLESSED WITH FOR FIFTY YEARS..GOD BLESS THE JACKSON FAMILY….

David | 7/3/2009, 4:37 am EST

No human in history has given more of his time and his wealth to people around the world. Nobody can come close to him when it comes to bringing happiness to so many people for so many years. He gave everything he had to entertain and to make people happy.

corrina | 7/3/2009, 12:12 pm EST

It’s a sad time for us Americans we just lost an American icon. I wish the circus around him would stop and give people a chance to mourn. I am still very upset over his loss. To think we will not see Michael ever again on the earth it’s alot to take in. I thank the family for allowing a lying in state for his fans to say a finanl farewell. Fly with the angels Michael you earned your wings!!!

Skylier Wear | 7/3/2009, 4:35 pm EST

I love you Michael forever and always regardless on what people thought of you. You were sincere and kind to others. I’m sure you love children and never touch them it just that you never were able to be a kid yourself.Thank God for your mother and your true friend. I love you always now you’re with God in Heaven. You’re home.

MX | 7/4/2009, 11:01 am EST

David I agree.

Even though Michael Jackson is the King of the Pop (I love his music) but in my heart I always see him as a humanitarian first and that is why I have the utmost respect for him. I don’t get it why people critize him when he has donated over $300 million dollars to charity and has recorded songs such as What More Can I give, Man in the Mirror, Heal the World, We are the World, Earth Song and more. Michael you are a hero!

Lydia | 7/4/2009, 3:56 pm EST

I remember Michael’s first song; I remember how his moves were as he sang, rocked in the treetop all night long….I was 8 years old at the time. I’m eight years older than Michael; so I grew up somewhat with him. Becasue of my relationship with God, I know this was Michael’s appointed time. We are all born to die; it’s how we live our lives that matters on how we will live again. Without a doubt in my mind I truely believe Michael’s soul is resting with the angels, awaiting the return of Jesus. God bless his family. Sleep on Michael. You had finished your course; you had reached perfectionist. God is still working on me; I know in His appointed time I too will rest with the angels. My grandmother always said, “one can tell the life that another lived, by ones wedding march; and ones furneral percession. Need I say more. See you in Heaven Michael!!!

Trelawney Maximus | 7/4/2009, 10:00 pm EST

“Obama added that Jackson “will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers.”

WILL go down? He already made history with Thriller! Obama’s talking as if nobody knew how good Michael was until he died! Seems to me that someone is a little reluctant to give MJ credit where it is due.

Anonymous | 7/4/2009, 11:29 pm EST

i love them both :)

Desy | 7/6/2009, 11:50 am EST

Michael your are the one and only King of Pop! You are true genius with such a delicate soul. Rest in peace, your music will live forever!!!

TYRESE BOSS | 7/7/2009, 3:54 pm EST

I WANNA SAY THAT MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL-TIME AND HE WILL BE MISSED.LOVE YOU! REST IN PEACE!

Supernova | 7/7/2009, 5:53 pm EST

I love Michael. He was a beautiful artist and humanitarian. I don’t know why people have been so cruel because he was a star in every sense of the word. He couldn’t hurt anyone. If you look at his interviews, he was tormented as a child. I’m very hurt and angry at what I’ve overheard some of my co-workers say and what has beens said in the media – like Perry King saying that he was glad he was dead. How cruel??? And those people will get their just dessert. It’s people like that who sent him to a deep depression and caused us to ultimately lose him…..

kalwani.amit | 7/8/2009, 1:20 pm EST

michael jackson is famous king he will always in people heart he is one of unforgetble king i always listen his music from small to now. i am indian but after then i love his music very good i always here his music

BobieJay | 7/9/2009, 4:37 am EST

Michael Jackson was a magnificient man! First and foremost above eveything else that he became in life, he was a human being. Let’s not forget that as we honor his achievements. He was an amazing artist and entertainer. His works and compassion made him a true humanitarian. He will be forever missed and never forgotten!

A part of me left with him | 7/13/2009, 6:42 pm EST

As a child I was amazed by his professionalism and he near my age. No way was I came close, in his own right was the best entertainer then. I was so enthralled by his voice, music, words and dance. As I grew older, I watch him grow and grow simultaneously as my respect for him as an entertainer and person. We were lucky to have experienced his presence.

Our idol | 7/13/2009, 6:55 pm EST

Michael Jackson was an incredible role model for our generation and beyond while we were children. We admired his professionalism, voice, music and dance. He was gentle and loving for the world. His life was special to us all. The world needed him as a special icon as he was. He did for us all what no other did. He was a good musician and person.

Wank Dopehead | 7/19/2009, 9:40 pm EST

I recall the time I was backstage at an MJ concert in London. MJ was stretching off stage, preparing to go on. a couple of roadies were talking about a sale in a clothing store accross the street and talking so loudly we all heard them…including MJ.
They said, “The store has boys underwear half off!”
Quick as a flash, MJ asked the adress of the store and took off to check it out.

Eloise R. | 7/21/2009, 9:07 am EST

MJ was really the king of pop.My
condolence to the family.Lets pray Michael is with God doing what he loved to do,singing dancing and most of all he is out of his pain.He will forever be with God May God bless the Jackson Family.

Marquita Leary | 7/21/2009, 2:22 pm EST

Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer alive…he will greatly be missed..may his music live on for generations..I luv u Michael….

~Marquita

Marquita Leary | 7/21/2009, 2:22 pm EST

Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer alive…he will greatly be missed..may his music live on for generations..I luv u Michael….

~Marquita

Wank Dopehead | 7/22/2009, 9:05 pm EST

Duh?

Are these two posters talking about the ”private” (non-public, secret, under the covers MJ), or the ”public” (wacko jacko, baby balcony dangler, plastic surgeons best friend and source of income, etc, MJ)?

Which one are they referring to as being the Greatest Entertainer of King of Pop etc. Is there now also a THIRD MJ?

Mo L Station | 7/30/2009, 9:16 pm EST

get a life wank!

of course they are talking about what you are not so subtlely pointing out…of course they are!

doh!

go back to spending time with your two favourite people…the twins (your hands).

Han D. Job | 7/31/2009, 11:56 pm EST

MJ Obama’s, not my brother,

he’s a less than full white du-ude,

who sometimes says that he is,

the truth is I’m too shrewd,

ooh ooh, ooh ooh..
..ah said..

ooh ooh, ooh ooh

i'ik Sri Winarsih in Bali | 8/3/2009, 12:01 am EST

I love U Michael,

I’m cry for U everyday
God Bless U!

You are real angel in the world

High in Bali | 8/3/2009, 10:18 pm EST

Look at me,
I cry because he (MJ),
Is like me,
Flying over the sea,
An angel….
I must be,
I am in Bali high,
I cry because he,
Is now in the sky,
And now I cry, wee wee weeee.

Angel | 8/3/2009, 11:38 pm EST

why so many of u say u me?
I the Angel, I the Angel…not u!
Let me be, let me be!

Why u say MJ is angel?
He among the wankeroos,
Hangin’ arounf the loos,
Always in the news,
Like Mr Letrec…tolouse,

ps:
i’m bored now….

shri lanka the wanka | 8/8/2009, 9:23 pm EST

how ironic it is that obama says mj is one o ‘our’ greatest entertainers…yes, how ironic.
this statement, this declaration, is all the more apt coming from someone who knows a thing or two about entertainment…for the masses!
obama is as slick a snake oil salesman / entertainer as mj ever was which means his comment about mj is one of the few that carries weight / validity in that he (ba) is in the same business as mj the only difference being the target audience.
yes…one of the few postings here that has the ring of authenticity.
I will lay a bet that the PR team behind obama are already building the foundation for a ‘new’ camelot dynasty in the white house…the similarities between obama and jfk are obvious and even startling!
the main one being that neither have an ounce of depth or sincereity for the facts.
mark my words.

he was the best | 9/10/2009, 4:35 pm EST

it doesn’t matter so much that michael has made the best songs ever or that he had so much talent or …
but it matters that he was a real good person who tried to help people and children through his life and he did his best
i think he is in heaven now where he really belongs.

jean adrien abrea | 9/11/2009, 10:10 pm EST

michael jackson

nathnael zelelew | 10/10/2009, 3:02 am EST

michel jackson idont believe you died i know verse from bible which says singers willnotjoin heaven. but,i am surethat if you believed in jesus christ you will join heaven because the last thng jesus asked was concerning the help they gave to the poor .mathew 25/6

crisalie Mallorca | 10/11/2009, 11:53 pm EST

..he is the best,because of michael jackson we learned to say “us and we” not i and me..through his music we learned that no matter if you are black our white,,you can still shine!!it is sad!!but we have to moved on,,through his passing “the of pop’ proves on more time that he is the well loved entertainer of all time!!!

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