Video: AP Interview: Obama Reflects on Michael Jackson - The Associated Press
President Barack Obama was confronted by an interviewer regarding emails she received from black people stating they did not like his lack of a response, on the passing of pop singer, Michael Jackson. The President reiterated and clarified his statements, sending condolences once again.
President Barack Obama
I somewhat understand why Obama responded the way he did. I also wrote about Jackson's talent, but I too could not help but comment on how sad his life was, in spite of all he achieved in music. It overshadowed everything and is a massive distraction to his accomplishments in music.
The troubles he experienced and the outward manner in which Jackson's psychological trauma manifested itself, in him drastically changing his appearance, damaged his legacy and is very saddening.
Michael Jackson
Even Quincy Jones, his friend, made comments about it in Vogue magazine. The whole thing makes you wonder what was the sense of achieving so much success in the entertainment world, to be miserable in the real world.
Jackson didn't need fame. He needed normalcy in his life.
Obama on MJ: "I Grew Up on His Music"
July 02, 2009 - While some questioned President Barack Obama's lack of a comment after Michael Jackson passed away last week, he says it was just a matter of having someone bring it up.
"Look, you're the first person who's actually asked me about it," he tells the Associated Press.
Obama did add that MJ will "go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers. I grew up on his music."
"I still have all his stuff on my iPod," revealed the commander-in-chief.
Obama also recognized that Michael's life wasn't perfect, saying he felt he'd experienced a "tragic and in many ways sad personal life."
