World superstar Michael Jackson dies of a sudden heart attack on 25th June. Barack Obama, President of United States, gave his view through a spokesman. He felt that Michael Jackson’s life was somewhat tragic and sad. He describes Michael as a spectacular performer and a music icon.
Obama recently invited American black singer, Stevie Wonder to perform at the White House to honor him. Coincidentally, America public television broadcast this huge music concert on the 25th which Michael Jackson died.
However, the White House responded differently to Michael’s death. They were passive and did not make any response till the next day through a spokesman, Gibbs, despite the media waiting for their comment on this matter.
Gibbs admitted that he had discussed with President Obama about Michael’s death in the morning on the 26th. Obama clearly told Gibbs that Michael was a spectacular performer and music icon.
Gibbs believed that everyone have heard of Michael’s songs and saw him performed his “Moonwalk Dance” on television. Gibbs then remembered President Obama saying Michael’s life was tragic and sad.
Gibbs said that Obama expressed his condolences to Michael’s family. However, Gibbs admitted that Obama did not contact Michael’s family at all. The media was curious as to why no written statement was given to express their condolences. Gibbs replied, “I have just answered that.”
In contrast to former President Bush, Obama seems more cautious. Bush had always expressed condolences on written statement on behalf of the White House in respect to global celebrities death.
According to White House’s records, Obama had issued condolences statements to the deaths of only four people such as former South Korea President Roh Moo-hyun, Omar Bongo, former parliament member, Jack Kemp and American historian, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Gibbs stated to the media that they would not issued any statement regarding Michael Jackson’s death. He specified that he would ask President Obama about the issue of statment and he would tell the media the response.
