President Barack Obama was 12 when this act took the stage: The Jackson Five, with Michael in the middle, took part in an ABC network special on Sept 19, 1973.
by Mark Silva
President Barack Obama was 21 years old when singer Michael Jackson moon-walked across the stage of a Motown anniversary celebration, in 1983.
His White House staff remembers that moonwalk.
But the president had no public comment today for the passing of the 50-year-old pop icon. Obama left that to his spokesman.
"I talked to him about it this morning,'' Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said of the president and the pop-star. "He said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon. I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary.
"But the president also said, you know, look, he had... aspects of his life were sad and tragic. (The president's) condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourned his loss.'' (Not an actual call, Gibbs said, but rather a public wish.)
Why no written statement, as is sometimes issued in the passing of a famous personality?
"Because I just said it,'' Gibbs said.
Obama, who played host to Stevie Wonder in a recent White House performance honoring a musician who had served as a mentor and producer for Michael Jackson, apparently had never met Jackson himself. Obama has called Wonder's music "the soundtrack of my youth.'' But Gibbs says he doesn't believe Obama and Jackson ever met.
Gibbs was asked why the White House, pressed for a comment and silent last night, was offering one today. "I think we said there wasn't going to be a statement,'' he said. "So... I asked the president what he thought about it today and, as his spokesman, passed that along to you.''
Comments
Geeze, this is ridiculous. What do they expect Pres Obama to say?
Posted by: ComeAsYouAre | June 26, 2009 4:24 PM
IDK maybe release a statement like he would for Bill Cosby. I found the handling of this situation dismissive. It's not even a good oral statement. Gibbs sounds like a pris.
Posted by: LeaveLikeYouNeverCame | June 26, 2009 4:46 PM
It's not even a good oral statement. Gibbs sounds like a pris.
Posted by: LeaveLikeYouNeverCame | June 26, 2009 4:46 PM
--------------------------
.
Yeah, you Wingnut clowns love ya some good ol' empty sound-bites, right?
This is my favorite:
.
http://www.altacocker.com/other_items/mission-accomplished-osama.jpg
Posted by: kathy | June 26, 2009 6:27 PM
De mortuis nil nisi bonum.
Posted by: ornery | June 26, 2009 6:47 PM
We have Mayor Daley, in order to snare the Olympics, ready to sell everything, but the kitchen sink, but all we can talk about, is the unfortunate, early death of another entertainer. Where is the coverage, and chance to comment, on Daley's obsession with the Olympics and what the citizens will have to pay, to get those games, here. Meanwhile, we have to use an obsolete and dilapidated subway system and ride over crater-ridden streets, just to name two, of the many neglected aspects of life in Chicago !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | June 26, 2009 7:06 PM
dicendum est !
Shows you how old I am. Long form!!!!!!!!
Posted by: bill r. | June 26, 2009 7:28 PM
Descansa en Paz - Michael Jackson
Posted by: Juan E | June 26, 2009 7:37 PM
Kathy, you're an idiot.
Posted by: LeaveLikeYouNeverCame | June 26, 2009 7:41 PM
IDK maybe release a statement like he would for Bill Cosby. I found the handling of this situation dismissive. It's not even a good oral statement. Gibbs sounds like a pris.
Posted by: LeaveLikeYouNeverCame | June 26, 2009 4:46 PM
Translation: I don't really know how he would respond to the death of Cosby, but that has meaning...........to me. Instead of saying more than a reasonable statement, I wanted more so I could complain about more than him not saying enough to jump all over him.
Posted by: bill r. | June 26, 2009 8:32 PM
This sounds kind of similar to Queen Elizabeth's reaction to Diana's death. Both of them more less didn't see it necessary to comment on these deaths but realized it is their responsibilities as heads of state to address their nation in time of loss.
Kind of a shock for Obama though considering he can go on late night to poke fun at the Special Olympics but has to have his press secretary address MJ's death.
Posted by: Judy S | June 26, 2009 11:40 PM
He has distanced himself.
Posted by: Michelle | June 27, 2009 1:30 AM
I found the White House's reaction to Jackson's death in bad form. How hard is it to acknowledge the contributions and how they will live forever?
Obama will regret the dismissive handling of this. Mark my words.
Posted by: Maria | June 27, 2009 2:36 AM
Michael Jackson was one ofd the hardest working and most talented persons ever. He has entertained for 46 years steady . And this was creative genius work ! But tookit in stride, polite, thoughtful, gentle, - one of the best persons the world has ever known !!!
Posted by: Jack Oswald | June 27, 2009 9:32 AM
Did Bush offer condolences on Oscar Peterson's passing? Now there was someone with musical talent.
Posted by: Kenneth Janowski | June 27, 2009 10:50 AM
AHAHAHAHA. Billy, you're Latin translation was closer, but you'd have to take off your attack dog glasses to see it. I'm pretty sure the White House would release a formal statment. If you're trying to insinuate that Obama's afraid to release a formal statement out of fear of what Fox News will do with it-- that's all you, and that Obamabot Kathy (err-John E?) living in paranoia. You, Kathy, and the government of Iran have a lot in common; anything remotely innocent is seen as a threat. A threat to the poor defenseless Obama who steam rolled through more controversy than the average president. I'm sure paying a formal tribute to a black icon, who is just as crazy as the next icon, is the last threat to his Presidency. So, yes, Gibbs sounded like a pris. Maybe Obama should resume his own WH press briefings. (Loved it when he came in to announce the resignation of a USSC justice.) "You know.... there were his songs.... he..what's that called?..oh... moon walked...life was tragic... sad....." What sounds like a reasonable statement to you, sounds to me like Gibbs skim read the headlines of the Swamp. It's just my opinion. I wasn't trying to start anything over it. Keep thinking that though. It's you're charm.
Posted by: LeaveLikeYouNeverCame | June 27, 2009 2:48 PM
wasn't trying to start anything over it. Keep thinking that though. It's you're charm.
Posted by: LeaveLikeYouNeverCame | June 27, 2009 2:48 PM
-----------------------------------
.
Translation:
Waaaah! - No one likes me/us!
.
http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/political-media/the-incredible-shrinking-gop-only-one-in-five-self-identify-as-republican/
Posted by: MJ | June 27, 2009 5:10 PM
Posted by: MJ | June 27, 2009 5:10 PM
It's also running around headless like you.
Posted by: fairygodmother | June 27, 2009 7:36 PM
President Obama needs to concentrate on the living that's going on in the world today and God knows things are mess.
Posted by: sissy | June 27, 2009 9:40 PM
President Obama should get ice cream first. All work and no play leaves a man exhausted.
Posted by: prissy | June 27, 2009 10:17 PM
Oh, Sissy!!! I love this sort of comment. Because it lets me say this...President Reagan gave Jackson an award for being a role model to the nation's youth...Things needed some mindin then...Oh, and Obama didn't call him a role model just because he was famous...
xoxo
Posted by: sotiredoftehwingnuts | June 28, 2009 3:36 PM
Wasn't Michael Jackson a Republican? After all, he had tons of money, wanted the government to leave him alone, and hung out with Ronald Reagan.
Posted by: Elson T. | June 29, 2009 4:23 AM
Bush lauded frank sinatra when he passed away. Obama's handling of Michael's death is a disgrace. He will regret it.
Posted by: tony | June 30, 2009 4:43 PM
Gibbs is a junjy jerk, pretty maqnipulative. How come W.H. or Obama not make a statement on the tragic death of this great singer, a total enterttainer, awesme performer.., when they do statments when a not so significant personality passess away..? this is rediculous and talks a lot of Obama s character. Is it because M.J also have had mixed bag of controversies..on personal matters? The W.H had honoured him for gods sake, be real.
Posted by: minu | June 30, 2009 6:50 PM
Hello dear friends, I am from Germany (sorry, my English is not the best) and of course I have no idea about American Politics but in my opinion Mr Obamas behaviour on MJ's death is very disappointing. Is he jealous on Michaels popularity? I think, the US should build a monument for Michael, he really deserves it. And he deserves justice, finally. Also I have never seen a problem with his appearance. For me, he was a gorgeous guy, an angel sent from heaven, my hero and the one and only Mega Star we ever had on this planet. He gave us so much, he gave himself to delight us. I am so thankful for every single word he said. He touched more people worldwide, he did more good things than 1,000 politicians all together. What a shame, we did not take care about him better. I feel so ashamed... and sad about the incredible loss... Greetings from Munich, Germany. We miss Michael a lot!!!
Posted by: Mona | July 8, 2009 11:05 AM