White House Breaks Silence On Jackson's Death

WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says President Barack Obama saw pop star Michael Jackson as a spectacular performer and music icon whose life nonetheless had sad and tragic aspects.

Gibbs said Friday that Obama sends his condolences to the late singer's family and fans.

The White House did not issue a statement following Jackson's death on Thursday. Gibbs did not mention Jackson until asked about him at Friday's regular White House briefing.

Comments

[CeeCee]

I know that we think we know everything because of the internet etc., but beyond the internet there is real life where people actually do stuff that doesn't make it to the internet. So if we use our brain and think, it might occur to us that private condolences were sent to the Jackson family.

But instead, people are addicted to instant criticism and attack of what they perceive did or did not happen.

[DWebster]

According to Axelrod on MEET THE PRESS, a letter of condolence was sent to the Jackson family.

[DWebster]

Was sent this link yesterday and passing it on. Ralph gets it right. Also, the piece is fun to read. Enjoy.

http://www.thedefendersonline.com/2009/06/26/bad%E2%80%94real-bad%E2%80%94michael-jackson/

[Ohioan730]

I think the potus handled this situation appropriately. There is much controversy surrounding MJs life and death. Nobody knows for sure if any of the accusations against MJ are true at this time, there is only speculation on both sides of public opinion. Some think MJ did it and some dont. Both sides want Obama to express what THEIR personal feelings are toward MJ when the potus is not in a position to talk about his OWN personal feelings regarding MJ, whatever they are. Whatever Obama says can only be fuel for both sides as I'm witnessing from reading these comments. Damned if he doesnt, damned if he does.

[MathIsTruth]

Did Obama comment on Ed McMahon's death? McMahon was a cultural icon for decades and was a part of a generation's nightly routine for almost 30 years.

[jena132]

was he asked about McMahon? Says above that Gibbs said nothing about MJ until ASKED during a regular briefing.

[MathIsTruth]

I don't know whether Gibbs was asked about McMahon or not. But that's not the point.

The issue that everybody is arguing about is what Obama (or Gibbs) said WITHOUT being asked.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a plus if a President mentions non-political people. It's neither here nor there if he doesn't (unless it's a deliberate snub of some kind).

[fya]

I came back from the Apollo at 10:30pm tonight. I was there from mid-afternoon. It was wonderful. We were all dancing, singing, crying and praising MJ. He was such an important part of my youth. He was my first love. I had the doll, jacket, t-shirts and buttons. I love him. I'm so hurt that he died and the way he died is more hurtful. Michael, they can't hurt you anymore. I loved you since I was little girt and as a grown woman. I can't believe you're no longer with us. Your music and the memories I have of you will never die. I love you, Michael. RIP.

[jk4]

fya: What do you mean, "they can't hurt you anymore." I don't know who "they" are, but I am tired of people holding up whacked out celbrities as role models. Parents, teachers, ministers, even our President--okay, but not these celebrities who are in to drugs.

[Tagrid]

fya means exactly what s/he said - THEY can't hurt him anymore.

His/her post wasn't ABOUT YOU, nor was it addressed to you jk4 - so it doesn't matter that you don't know who "they" are. It also doesn't matter what YOU are tired of. Live your own life, admire who you want to admire - but don't try to tell others who or what they should care about or feel. It's just not any of your business.

[Tagrid]

Both President Obama and Michele are only a few years younger than Michael - they both grew up at the same time as Michael did - they are of his generation. Anyone who thinks Michael's death isn't affecting them just isn't thinking.

They are in a position to have expressed private condolences directly to the family - PRIVATELY. We'll never know if they did that or not. It's not our business!

The Whitehouse doesn't normally, spontaneously comment on the deaths of celebrities, but WHEN ASKED, the Whitehouse Press Secretary made a totally appropriate statement that indicated Michael's passing had been discussed, and he was given a statement, in case he was asked.

Enough said. Now leave them alone to mourn in their way just as the rest of us are mourning in our own way.

[Tratarella]

No matter how busy the President is, he could have got someone to draft something. Michelle could have done it. Micheal Jackson is too huge a star to be snubbed by the White House. Other governments have made comments and offered condolences, why not the U.S. For the first time since this administration got power, i'm truly embrassed and saddened by this act. It's sad. The funny thing is Obama doesn't even have to handle it, he could delegate it to someone. It's terrible. I'm not such a fan anymore. Everyone is weeping and the White House doesn't care. This is sad. Shame.... Micheal is not someone you can ignore. Shame...

[seachild]

wow...what are you talking about...?

i am CERTAIN the Obamas are affected by his death...deeply...to the point of not wanting to immediately address it publicly....please don't see it as a 'shame'...they care...i sincerely believe that it's such a shock...they may in fact blame those who made allegations, may in fact be very angry...i certainly am...and have contacted the Jacksons directly...some things are best handled on a personal level, particularly if they affect you to such a degree

how anyone could consider this (him not publicly addressing it right away) a shame is unfathomable

[jena132]

The POTUS has way more important things to do than to address this. Remember - there's revolt going on in Iran, horrible economy, global warming.....

[ZimboChick]

I am 100000% -insert Maury - that the Prez reached out in pvt. He is no a commoner after all

[KnowzyRowzy]

He honored Stevie at the WH?! Why not acknowledge MJ's passing.

[MurrayAbraham]

Was anyone expecting a statement from the WH? Outside the press corps, I don't think so.

[GDedrick]

Gee, did they issue a statement Farah Fawcett, too? Oh, and did he issue a statement to say he's glad Jeff Goldblum is okay? How ridiculous. I don't want my President or the White House responding to the pop events of the day.

[Arbereshe]

Seconded.

[NotStarvingArtist]

Affirmed.

[Chaimirija]

With all due respect to MJ's family and fans (passionate, to say the least) , the White House does need to address this because it looks like this death was caused by addiction to legal drugs. Yet another domestic problem no one really does anything about. I toured the local hospital and the ER nurse told us: the number one cause of OD's they saw was prescription drugs. Yet they have all sorts of systems in place to supposedly avoid this...MJ really is just another victim of our broken health care system.

[Halminbar]

This is the classic issue of artist vs. person.

As an artist, MJ was a once in a generation innovator. His contributions to the body of music and dance will enrich those yet to be born. They transcended race, sex, and nationality.

But as a person, his actions should not be admired. Whether is was his involvement with young boys, his drug abuse, his constant need to re-sculpture his own face, or a life-style of stunning excess where no one dared say 'no' to him, this was a person whose tragic passing was unworthy of a statement from our Chief Executive.

The President was correct to refrain from initiating any comment on MJ's death. Any comment solely focused upon his gifts as an artist would be interpreted as a criticism of his burdens as a person. Better to say nothing than something that would be either critical or hypocritical.

[NotStarvingArtist]

Well said.

[mia41003]

"White House Breaks Silence on Jackson's Death"? What a silly headline.

[CeeCee]

True.

[gawd]

Maybe he didn't want to listen to Sarah Palin in 2012 yammer on about him paling around with child molesters or some other nonsense. Don't people have better things to cry in their soup about? Who cares if Obama says anything about Jackson. I didn't see him say anything about Ed McMann of Farrah Fawcett either.

[trinity]

And you know Sarah Palin would have done just that...