CNN

Obama stated this: "His extraordinary talent and his music was matched with a big dose of tragedy and difficulty [in] his private life and I don't think we can ignore that."
WRONG MR. PRESIDENT...I CAN IGNORE IT!!!!!! His personal life was no business of mine and I truly love Michael Jackson. Should we ignore the things in your personal life?? Should we believe the lies that were told about you?!! How quickly you forget that people judged you as well. Hypocrisy at its BEST!! I expect more from you!!

Michael Jackson rest in peace. You may have passed away too soon but you have not left us. Your music will live in us and we're not going to forget you. You're the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

We pray for your family, children and us the fans.
Gone too!!! soon!!!

Michael Jackson was not a perfect man. He had a problem. He was human and many loved him all around the world. What is sad is the fact that so many people in this free country are so hateful. They are even hateful to the President who, when questioned about M. Jackson, gave a response and moved on.

So sad of you to be so hateful.

cnn stop trying to divide the country,there is only a small division,and that is the republican gop party.michael show proof today that black ,white,asian, latino,indian, and all walks of life. we are the world,we are the children,and for anyone to say their is division among the majority is hog-wash.president obama proved that when he was elected president. mj was and still a force that unites not seperates,the comments from the peter king crowd is appalling. the haters are so jealous,that a man of color embraced the world. he cross barriers that brought people together from all races. it not about race anymore,it is about people,we have the same color blood red.god made us all original , that is a beauty that mj captured.we are a better world because of mj. we are one and live in the greatest country on earth,stop the hate, stop the division, the world is celebrating mj today and mouring his death. we will never go back to the past,the future is all of us together.cnn wake up,america has awaken to hope and change ,we can believe in.the gop is going down in defeat, and tell don lemon to remember who he is ,and stop making excuses for the gop, david gergen stop the jealousy of the president, and cnn ,the people have spoken ,we want unity,not divide.god bless the jackson family and rest michael, rest in peace.we love you

To all you haters...I have one word for you – JELOUSY! So shut up! You only wish you were half the person Mr. Michael Jackson was. So go back to your boring lifeless, useless, lying lives that are so full of hate and disgust and find something else to do. The sad part is that the main ones who call themselves Christians are the main ones judging him. Leave him alone now and let him rest in peace. MJ is singing the heavenly choir now. As for the parents who lied and forced their kids to lie about trumped up molestation charges.....the truth will come out and when it does...we...the believers...will be waiting for a public apology to Michael Jackson's family. And YES, I like Whoopie Goldberg, Steve Harvey, Donald Trump and all others who have left their children with Michael Jackson at Neverland would DO THE SAME WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!!! Judge not least ye not be judged and if you are going to judge then JUDGE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND KICK ALL THE SEX OFFENDING PRIEST OUT!!!

You people are acting as if President Obama has dedicated his entire foreign travels to Michael Jackson. He simply did what many of us are doing and that's expressing our opinions about M.J.

I have to admit some of your opinions are insane and unfounded based on tabloid rumors. Michael Jackson is not a child molester. He is a humanitarian. You hateful critics should pray that you can be a fraction of the person Michael Jackson was.

Hate is for Losers....

Although I love Don Lemon, I do not feel there is a racial divide regarding Michael Jackson! I am a thirty something white woman from Buffalo, Wyoming. Myself, my sister, brother and cousins LOVED Michael Jackson so much, that our Grandma encouraged us to form the Michael Jackson fan club, where we marched in the annual fair parade with our boom box, attempting to moonwalk and breakdance. We idolized Michael Jackson and his music. R.I.P. MJ.

Let it Be. God put his hands on MIchael and we can take our hands off of Michael .

I am shocked that our President didn't take 2 min to give his tribute to MJ via video. He shows up in Jay Lenos and other shows for kicks and giggles, yet didn't have the thoughtfulness of giving his 2 min out of his busy day to show what MJ did for the World and not to mention paving the way for his possible presidency. I am huge Obama fan, but today I was just taken back and made me remember that he is just another Politician-human, yes....but not the human kind that MJ was, is and forever will be, so sad : (

Reading some negative comments from some bloggers asking the President to get on and focus on fixing the economy; shows me one thing about human nature : selfishness at its worst!

We have not understood the meaning of a government by the people and for the people : it means we are the solutions! No wonder we keep on saying we get the government we truly deserve! Just as government (since it does represent who we are) does not totally appreciate one's work and words as being the most powerful tool in the present tense that we all have to create more of humanity and not less of it!

President Obama said great things about MJ and he grew up with MJ and has ALL is music in is IPOD!! What is wrong with you people??? MJ's memorial was soooooo moving and soooo Christian!
Listen to the words of "Heal the Earth"–new one by MJ! WE NEED TO LISTEN and save this planet!!

The president told the truth. Michael was larger than Elvis, Frank and John, but he had personal problems. As did the other performers. Yeah, he gave away millions to these gold digging parents and ambulance chasers.

Mr. President Michael did do more than you gave him credit for. He also did wayyyyyyyyy more than the artists you catogorize him with. They spotlight doesn't always have to be on you. Are you mad your ratings are diminishing???

i am praying for those leaving ignorant comments and for MJ's family, especially. the effect MJ and Obama have on the world is undeniable. peace and blessings.

Thank you CNN for the excellent coverage of the Micgale Jackson service – it was beautiful.
Little Paris broke my heart, and Jennifer Hudson is a megastar.
All the haters over at fox news can pound sand.

Some of you need to learn how to read. He was asked a question and he answered it the best way he knew how. Give it a rest! Either way Obama can't win. Get a job and then you won't have time to comment on such stupid stuff.

What will it take for people to stop hating. Jesus died for all of us that we might have a right to everlasting life.

Those of you without sin cast the first stone. I wonder what it will be like for all of you who stand in judgement and hate just because you can when you have to stand before GOD to be judged.

So what you don't like MJ. You still bought his music, Duh?? Stop bashing Obama for multi-tasking. At least he can multi-task. Not like some other presidents. He can deal with Russia as well as the press. Remember, they press asked the question!!

Today I listened to Sean Hanitty and some mean-spirited fill-in for Limbaugh and all they had to say is vile, angry, despicable things that just barely concealed their hatred.

However, It is refreshing to see that somebody with some real influence has something nice to say about the man.

Don't make this a black or white thing. Woody Allen is a free man and he married his underage adopted daughter. If you want to chalk it up to fame and furtune, then fine do that.
You also should know the facts: MJ was tried by a jury of his peers (4 white males and 6 white women, note no minorities) and a white male judge. He was found Not Guilty is a US court of law. By the definition in the US constitution, that means he is Not Guilty. Unless you don't like the constitution. The settlements came later after the criminal case and he settled because he was tired of being dragged through the mud by the media and the people who took advantage of him. Please go back to school and learn to read and write (I pray your hatred for mankind who is different from you lessens as well).

Congress woman Jackson Lee was most apro-pro. We don't have the final say-so – therefore we do not judge. We can only refrain from commenting on those gray areas. We should look to the multitude of humanitarian gestures he engaged in, worldwide.
That he took the time to pay his respects to the military veterans of war and that his giving was not limited is noteworthy.
We should not expect our President to take the White House to every funeral. The representative was on point!!!! Delegated Authpority is in order! Thank You Mr. President!
Her comments were in stark contrast to the dim-whit comments of Republican from the other side of the States. Does his benevolence and humanitarianism compare? He should have found a rock instead of YouTube to sound off. How sad for him – shameful.
With BLACK folks, we find out what people are about in life at their obituary and homegoing. The offence about being singled out or being associated with are not hindrances in death. Drop the drama!

President was ask about his take on Michael Jackson and the president responsed. I guest you on here will have complain if his didn't response. President Obama can not win for losing what so of you on here. Al lesat President ain't not quiter like you girl Sara Palin. Quit her job becasue of David Letterman comment.

Lets remember he was found innocent and the judge nearly laughed the accusors that EVEN SHOWED UP IN COURT, right out of court!!! MJ donated 500 million to charity, opened a burn unit, and was part of millions and millions of people childhoods, hes a LEGEND!!!!

I'm pretty sure this is the begining of the apocalyspe.

To be frank: Barack Obama is a much better role model for young adults of ANY COLOR than Michael Jackson ever was.

Sorry.....but (Obama) caring about the larger world, stiving to change it, and achieving so much as a minority citizen of this country impresses me a lot more than someone who made it rich with all their brothers and sisters (Jackson), sang and danced for a living, and then squandered it all and died too early.

I only hope when REAL heros of this country pass on they are honored at least as much as the big show going on today on TV.

Yes, Mr. Obama, you are where you are because of people like Michale Jackson. Tragic? of course, considering the media who either loves you or hates you. You are still on the love side, but.. who knows..

Paris, Michael's daughter, made me cry with her goodbye to her father.
That beautiful little girl was heartbroken, and rightfully so.
Now, all you haters stop hating and think of these children who just lost their father.

Its amazes me how we can scream lets stop the MJ coverage yet we all have dance or sung his songs.............but its ok to keep give coverage to the GOP and others like Bush and Cheney who tore this country apart and have not helped to repair it....................Now what's wrong with that picture????????

Sad how so many shed tears over Micheal.., 40 years too late. Where were these great admirers when he needed them most??

JoeR – so was Elvis. I believe he met and had a relationship with 14 year old Priscilla before he married her.

Thanks.

I'm heartbroken over this tragedy. And I don't care what the Bill O'reillys of the world say (who are they to judge, anyway?), Michale Jackson was an icon, and will always be.

Michael Jackson left beautiful children behind and hopefully they will continue his legacy of love and peace around the world. STOP THE HATING.

President Obama I pray that the ugly comments you made about a legend such as MJ don't come back to haunt you in your political career. You should know from experience that people will do anything to gain money from the wealthy. It was not the children but the lust for money from their parents that started all of the accusations anyway. To all the haters: MJ is in a better place far from the critics of this world. The truth of the matter is (Dirt can't call Dirt Dirty). Sweep around your own front door................................
I guess Obama would say the same thing about Bill Clinton toooooo.

I LOVE YOU MICHAEL! Enough said.

Am not here to judge, but "Thriller" and "billie Jean" and the earlier songs were great dance music. Thanks, RIP and, media, could we stop now? Delete Palin while you're at it. Thanks!

To JoeR,

I'm sure he settled out of court because it was far more deprimental to his health to go through a long drawn out trial. I do not believe for one sec he did those things he was accused of. It was just a malicious money hungry parent looking for a free ride.

hey JoeR, if your a parent and your kid was molested you wouldn't just settle out of court, you would push the issue, obviously they didnt proof that they were only after his money....RIP Michael, you will be forever missed

Michael's brother just said it best...maybe now people will "leave him alone"...now that he's dead.

Those of you who think so ill of him, and hate him, and think it's not important...you can rejoice....he's dead.

For the rest of us who loved him and respected him, our prayers are with each other.

If you didn't love Michael, and you thought he was such a terrible person and a waste of time...

GET OFFLINE AND WATCH SOMETHING ELSE ON TV. Show some type of respect, do us all a favor and SHUT UP. You can go back to being hateful tommorow...

Today is not yours...its ours....

We love you Michael
RIP

@gmighty1 – breathe!!! Republicans or Democrats have nothing to do with this. Just some people would like to believe that there is real news out there. Either that or Ed McMahon, Farrah Faucett and other recently deceased (white) celebrities might deserve some equal time.

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
The only reason Pres O is talking about MJ is because the amateurish CNN reporter ASKED him to comment on it. So take it up w/CNN. Also, how do you know the world is not interested in Pres O's take on MJ? So many of my fellow Americans are so presumptious and have become such "know it alls! My, my…

Barack Obama was briefly answering a question by a journalist, should he have said "NO! next question!" ??

Nothing but garbage coming from the so-called conservative camp, "socialist this" "liberal that" " etc....
And yeah, let's stop the MJ coverage for God's sake, there are more important things going on right now!

MJ,did alot more than any musician. Giving back more than $500M, supporting 39 Charities(Guiness book of record). Raising $100M for Africa food relief,Kosovo opharns.etc. What did Elvis do?and what hav u done? Let him rest in peace

Thank God he is being buried today. Let's hope that is the end of it, but it probably won't be. Please media, spare us any more.

For those rebub pricks that feel since michael is not a president that he shouldnt be getting all this coverage ...I guarantee you that you cant find 1 person in europe, iran, africa italy ect that could name 1 president from our country 30yrs ago but I guarantee everyone know of Michael so respect that fact and get over your pitiful selves and get ready for those FEMA trailor camps we have waiting for you after all that is where traitors to the USA REBubs Just say NO attitude will end up

MJ went downhill after Thriller....he's gone, and can't say it's too bad.
Hey Dutch, King's words were a little rough.....but true. The real heros are elsewhere, not in the media like Obama and MJ...they're just celebrities...

Michael was innocent, he should be respected.
I believe you are now in a better place, this world is not bad but people have made it bad.

lilli-nor does settling out of court equate to guilty

there we go again !

In the 90 there was no aquital because there were no criminal charges. He could have won the civil suit against him but decided to settle. There is a clear difference between civil cases and criminal cases the latter requires evidence something prosecutors did not have. The second case he decided he would fight and he won that says something to me. Was he guilty? Who knows but by law he was not.

As my Father used to say, "life is for the living" so can we just bury this poor soul and move on with the art of living! His life was a media frenzy. Why not let him rest in peace?

settling out of cour and paying off your accuser does not equate to innocence.

for anyone using the "innocent until proven guilty" excuse, USE YOUR BRAIN.

Everyone knows he was a pedophile, so stop obsessing over him. He settled out of court in the early 90's. By all accounts, this is an admission of guilt because he had plenty of money to fight and win a legal battle.

He was a great performer, excellent singer, and one of the best dancers in history, but come on! You MJ apologists make me sick.

In response to Michael M's comment about whether MJ contributed anything worthwhile. He absolutely did. He is listed in the Guiness Book of world records as having donated to the most charities and has started several of his own. On top of that, he is the only artist I know of who wrote music that actually promoted a positive message of tolerance and peace – Heal the World, Black or White, Man in the Mirror, We are the World, Earth Song etc. He influenced a generation of people like myself with his music and his message to try to have a positive impact on the world.

Obama was asked the question and CNN published his answer. Give the guy a break.

It's nice to have a president we can respect. God bless you and your family.

I hope that MJ find peace from the hate in this world.

jm for sc . . . innocent like OJ.

Geez.,..the PRESS asked the question, he did NOT just start talking about MJ. You people will not give the President ONE ounce of respect ever for ANY reason...it's just Socialist this, Liberal that...STOP labeling and start actually thinking for yourself. I don't agree with everything Obama has done but give the man a chance...in two years if things are not better, then work to have him not be re-elected.

To all the critics here; How should have President Obama answered the reporter's question? Any takers?

Perhaps you all should get together and submit a daily script for the Man to follow. That way he won't misspeak and cause all this trauma for you folks.

My Lord, give him a break.

I'm excited at the comments posted so far. This indicates to me that the "crazy fringe conservatives" still think they speak for a good portion of America. Keep thinking that way. Really. Do it. Then, in 2010, when Dems pick up several more senate seats and 50 more house seats, *maybe* you'll realize how out of touch with "Real America" *YOU* are.

Oh, by the way.. Not supporting the president during a time of war = Traitors. (According to Rove and Limbaugh at least). So, should all of you wingnut crazies be thrown in jail?

MJ was loved in every country in the world and inspired many people to want freedom and peace,I dont know of one republican that can say that hahaha

In Russia, I think you were mistaken in not reading the entire transcript. The President was asked this question by the media and he answered as any President would (...."affirm what was the best of him and that was captured by his music." ) That's part of his job.

If want to be upset with questions the media are asking, then maybe you should be upset with the VERY INAPPROPRIATE question asked of him regarding who is Prime Minister Putin is really in control, with the Russian president standing next to him.

All of you "innocent until proven guilty" people need a dose of reality. How many trials and lawsuits were abruptly ended with contractually-sealed agreements that undoubtedly protected million-dollar settlements?

You can't have it both ways. You love to slander the white man and the rich man. Well here was a black man that only secured his freedom with his money. And you still love and defend him. If he was white, you'd be all over him a la Cheney/Bush.

The man dodged bullet after bullet with his money and his money alone. He wasn't proven innocent in these trials, he purchased a not guilty settlement.

It's about time our American president quit wasting time with all those foreign guys and paid a little tribute to the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

It's been really embarrassing that this elected leader of the Free World did not drop everything and come live the experience with all 300,000,000 Americans who know that Michael Jackson is all that matters.

If he had any decency at all, he would hop a supersonic jet and get to the Staples Center before it's too late.

I learned how I should feel about this by watching the media tell me what's really important.

I think the comments were accurate. I also think it is okay for him to answer the question. Believe it or not, there are other things that are going on in the world besides jobs and the economy. No matter what your feelings are about Michael Jackson, good, bad or indifferent, you cannont deny the fact that he was a genius with music. It is not his fault that he touched so many people lives with his music all around the world (including Russia). I am in my 40's and I grew up listening to his music. There is more than enough hours in the day for President Obama to handle the other issues at hand. Give the guy (Obama) a break. He can't do anything without someone complaining about it.

Shame on Obama for trying to Ride MJ's coat tails.

Ok people, lets just relax. I'm Independent/conservative and disagree with the POTUS quite a bit, but he was asked a questioned and he answered it. Lets just get today over with and move on to issues that this great country is facing today. RIP MJ, now lets move on .....

For gods sakes people, its his funeral. Have some respect instead of being jerks. It will be over soon enough. If you have nothing respectful to say, keep your mouth shut.

OMG! You'd think with the coverage of Jackson's death – that it was the 2nd coming.

SO. SO DON'T CARE!!!!

MJ,did alot more than any musician. Giving back more than $500M, supporting 39 Charities(Guiness book of record). Raising $100M for Africa food relief,Kosovo opharns.etc. What did Elvis do?and what hav u done? Let him rest in peace

Can somebody PLEASE explain to me why so many people in this country are blubbering and soiling themselves over Michael Jackson's death?

Sure, he was a heck of an entertainer. Sure, he contributed to the body of music. But WHY ON EARTH do we pay so much homage, devote so much attention to Michael Jackson and virtually ignore the nobility and sacrifice of those who were sent to foreign shores and either gave their lives for "freedom" or returned home broken by war and a system of care that is paltry at best.

Sorry to say this Michael Jackson fans, but it would take thousands upon thousands of your idol to equal the contribution of one American soldier, sailor, airman or marine who's paid a terrible, immeasurable price in service to OUR country.

Largely, the media should be ashamed of itself for its miserable lack of judgment and lousy priorities. And, sadly, for the most part, we put up with that stupidity.

just give me a break. This was a question that was asked by a reporter.Obama is a million times better than Bush.Sometimes I wonder why the negativity? Not a word when Bush proved that grade school education is the limit when becoming a president.

Nothing was proven, those boys are now Millionaires. If I was molested ,thank God no, do you think that money,any amount will keep me from persueing the person. The parents rather take the money.hmmmmmmm

Ok so like other people have stated, Obama didn't just randomly talk about this. A reporter asked and he answered. He mentioned the tragedy (child molestation in which he was found NOT guilty for). No one will ever know for sure if any of this was true, but after reading about the trials it's obvious to me that the parents were just in it for the money. So instead of trying to demean his extraordinary life by using a couple instances that were found untrue, lets just move on and pay our respects and continue to listen to his music.

there is nothing to celebrate about michael jackson. let's forget him and move on.

That was very well said. An enormous talent that was overshadowed by the tragedy of his life. While I was not a big fan of his music (just not into pop) he was talented. What a shame it went to waste.

Didnt we are already get this response from him. A day late and a dollar short. I mean what is it he afraid he wouldn't get media coverage without mentioning michael jackson, or reporters just so silly they ask questions like this of the president instead of very important questions like why Is Obama ok with taxing our health care benifits now, and why is Joe is now saying they misread the economy?

MJ was a Good Entertainer.

Thats it, Nothing More.

I think everyone needs to just take a deep breath. Obama was asked a question and he answered it. From the looks of the answer it took all of about 10 seconds of his time to answer.

People need to try and wrap their minds around the fact that a president, or any person for that matter, CAN multi-task.

Man, the knee-jerk posts on this site are just off the hook sometimes, from both sides of the political spectrum.

Its is always about Obama. Couldn't he have simply said positive things period. Obama, there are some people more popular than you.

The President was asked a question and out of respect for someone that lost their life Obama responded to the question with a very candid and respectful response.
Unless you lived MJ's life you cannot know what his personal life was.
If everyone would be as respectful of someone that dies we could move on!

Adios, Wacko Jacko!

Michael's family is still "using" him even 2 weeks after his death. Add to that list the "reverand' Sharpton and Jackson. What a mess! None of these people would have half of what they have without living off the notoriety of others hard work. Michael Jackson's last will tells it all. The only people he cared enough about to take care of were his mother and his 3 children. Nothing to all the rest who lived off of his talents his entire life.

Hey in Russia...

Maybe you should go back and study the causes of the unraveling of the Soviet Union. The appetite of Russians for all things Western in the 1970s: Pepsi, Pizza Hut, Levis, and yes Michael Jackson, were all nails in the coffin of the USSR.

I'm sure even Mikhail Gorbachev and George Bush are reflecting a little bit on this day about the important, albeit minor, role Michael Jackson and his music undoubtedly played in ending the Cold War.

I think I know what's going on with all the Michael Jackson hating on this and other forums... the baby boomers who spent their lives trying to "stay cool" have become the very parents and establishment they rebelled against in the 1960s. I've noticed this in my parents and inlaws in the past year. You're retreading the same arguments your parents made when Elvis died almost 32 years ago. How sad to see what you've become.

Many of you jumped on President Obama's comment regarding Michael Jackson but ignored the fact that Elvis Pressley and other white entertainers were mentioned. I wonder why? Regardless of what Michael was accused of, he was never found guilty. Therefore, he like all other americans, should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

Its very simple, do not watch or be part of this event if you do not like what you see. Take your hate, your issues and simply move on.

I knew that the evils would start to throw this at our President as soon as he started one simple comment. MJ was American and a citizen of the world. If you have no faith as some kind of patriot in our judicial system, then you need to seriously think things over.

Obama & MJ forever.

Some people! You idiots will jump at any chance to bash the President. How was he supposed to respond to the question? I'm sure it was not on his agenda to comment on the life of Jackson. He did what a human would do. He paid his respects to a dead citizen; a citizen who actually contributed to the American story. He also pointed out that MJ was not perfect. He did this without apotheosizing or castigating him. I believe his response was perfect, and quite PRESIDENTIAL.

Come on people. It's an important cultural event. He should be allowed to comment on it. Get over yourselves.

And for the record. Michael Jackson was never convicted of anything. For those of you who think you know what you're talking about (including Rep. King) I suggest you remember that.

For those of you who criticize Michael Jackson as a pedophile, you simply have no proof. Michael Jackson wasn't just acquitted, but thoroughly exonerated, and his accusers were proven to be liars. That aside, Michael Jackson changed our culture through his music and choreography. Whether you like it or not, Michael Jackson's fame will grow from here, and he will stand with the greats of music history. To ignore that fact, is to show one's complete ignorance of this great musician's impact on our times.

In addition, Michael Jackson's contributions go on to have cultural implications well beyond music. I have no doubt that his work opened the way for political progress in our nation as well. In recognizing the phenomenon that was Michael Jackson, Barack Obama IS acting presidential. Every president is asked to offer an opinion on the passing of cultural icons.

In this case, President Obama reflected on a life that was transformative to our nation, yet tragic in its outcome. Notice that he didn't worship Michael Jackson, but gave a clear assessment of his life and impact on our nation and the world. In doing so, I think that President Obama encouraged musicians to excel, but to be careful of the excesses of fame. This was an extremely presidential thing to say. Thank you President Obama.

How can Obama be so callous and thoughtless? To rather be spending time talking to a power mad tyrant like Putin instead of honoring the 'King of Pop'! I mean how can we survive in a world without Michael? I know, let's call upon the almighty Barrack! As he is painted by the libs and all the media, only someone like Obama can save us from the dispair we feel over the loss of Michael. He's been looked upon as the saviour of the economy, and look how well that's turning out.

What's the difference between God and Obama? God doesn't think He's Obama.

I for one will be delighted when this funeral is over and done. Of course then we will have weeks of hearing about what the toxicology reports say, who gets the kids, etc.

Michael Jackson was a human being, a man who just happened to have a talent which he was well paid for. He abused himself due to some emotional disturbance in his life.

People have said he was a great father unlike Joe Jackson. He claims he was beat. Michael Jackson grew up in a time when parents disciplined their children and it wasn't called abuse. Perhaps people are being too harsh on Mr. Jackson. If anyone abused their children it was Michael by him taking pills and sleeping all day and staying up all night. By shrouding them in public and not giving them a normal childhood.

I hope his mother will be able to give them all the love that she gave her children.

While his talents certainly will be long remembered, what strikes me sadly is how he wasted those God given talents on his self absorption and his addictions to drugs and young boys.

If only he had gotten professional help to overcome those deamons who knows what an inspiration and leader (instead of a recluse) he could have become.

Very sad story when you boil it down to what really counts!!

Everyone needs to relax. While I agree that the somber fest can be viewed a bit overboard, I totally agree that we should focus a bit more on the eight dead US Service members. But to totally ridicule the President after he answered a question and offered a few thoughts on MJ is completely uncalled for.

In the eyes of the law, MJ did not molest those kids. I can understand the viewpoint in which he accepted a settlement and it can be seen as a guilty plea. But WE trully don't know what happened. In fact, he was acquitted in full fledged trial....

sickofthelibs July 7th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

How about he pays respects to the US soldiers who died on the same day ?????
BO doesn't have a clue…thanks libs.
____________________________________________________
bush and cheney have yet to pay respect towards any of our fallen military heroes in eight years, let's try to be unbiased for a change.

Geez people,

Get a grip! The man was asked a question and he responded with an answer, what did you want? Him to ignore the reporter? If he did, you would be all over him like a bum on a bologna sandwich.

And as far as the solders go, I would ask you to read this month's VVA magazine. Apparently we Veterans owe him respect for what he has done for our cause.

But then again, you wouldn't know anything of that as you believe what you want regardless of fact.

Have a great day!!

whatever his personal life, he was a great singer, dancer and it is a god gift, nation lost...It is the time to move on and focus on fixing Health Care...economy, and energy independence...immigration etc., which nation is encountering terrible menaces of lobbyists.......

People need to get a clue. The only reason why Obama spoke about MJ is because he was asked by the media. Stop nitpicking every little thing our President says.

Isn't this just a sugar-coated version of what the New York congressman said yesterday?

GAH!

I've been hunkered down in the political pages waiting for the Michael Jackson storm to blow over the main site and hoping I wouldn't have to see his scary mug. I guess there's no escape.

You need to RE-READ the piece:

"In a CNN interview focused on his diplomatic efforts at a two-day summit in Russia, OBAMA TOOK A QUESTION about Jackson's cultural impact and called him "one of the greatest entertainers of our generation."

The President didn't just start rambling on about Michael Jackson on his own. I'll bet if a reporter asked Ms. Palin on Friday about MJ – while delivering her somewhat scattered resignation speech, you'd be thrilled that she could at least answer that question thoroughly.

Get over it already.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM July 7th, 2009 12:14 pm ET

I wonder how the boys he molested are feeling today
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so innocent till proven guilty means nothing to you does it? I don't even like MJ and I still don't bash a dead man's name with claims he was never found guilty of.

I agree Ed from SF, let us not forget that in our System of Justice,
"acquitted" is NOT the same as "not guilty". It can just as easily mean "I bought off the witnesses' family.

Perhaps the President should pay attention to the ineffectiveness of the awful 'stimulus' package that he put together with dems and chicken republicans that wasted 787 billion. Guess what liberals – if there is a next stimulus – it will be mostly tax cuts. And you know why – because they work.

You know the haters need to back off, this is a memorial day. If you don't want to watch it then get off your computer and/or turn off your tv!

Michael in Phoenix what about the millions of dollars that MJ donated and raised for children starving in Africa, or those suffering from AIDS. Even two of our past Republican Presidents have honored him. Now grow up!

Glennis, he gave plenty of himself to the entire world. His addiction (which alot of people suffer some form of) will not be what most of us will remember him for.

Ed. Was he convicted? Even the boy that settled has since admitted it was all a lie...your disgusting!

what else do you propose BH...due respect to a man who did more than your all life combine,we celebrating his life,check your closet inside out and see whats wrong with you negativity and your miserable life in general

MJ, rest in peace.......you're being remembered in love.

M.J was loved in every country of the world and all their leaders knew it and didnt try to stop it.His music inspired people to want freedom to dance and sing in the streets.Not one republican can say that.

You people just love to whine and cry and complain.

Move to another country if you don't like this one. He's not sitting there reading My Pet Goat. He is doing something to clean up an 8 yr mess, and cannot do it all in one day !!!

people get a life the president does have to pay his respect to the most popular man of our times. Im sure god can take care of mj past. you know with what cup you pass judgment so shall it be passed to you when you go. he is the president so for all you know it alls out there give some ideas for help not your same old lines. im sure there are men and women in the military thinking about mj today too. get a life and stop with the hate.

Did you guys not read the part where he was asked a question about M.J. from one of the reporters as he was taking questions about his trip. I'm sure talking about M.J. was the last thing on his mind. He just responded to a reporters question.

These sound like the words of another elected official who doesn't trust our judicial system. And this one's an attorney too! I would like BO to explain what "big dose of tragedy" he refers to, rather than making that underhanded claim that says nothing, but implies a great deal.

These sound like the words of another elected official who doesn't trust our judicial system. And this one's an attorney too! I would like BO to explain what "big dose of tragedy" he refers to, rather than making that underhanded claim that says nothing.

How sad.
He pays respect to a pervert and ignores a decorated war hero such as Ed McMahon.
Am I surprised?
Ofcoure not. Wouldn't expect anything less from our muslim leader!

There is absolutely no reason to attack the President for making a comment about MJ. In FACT, the comment was an ANSWER to a QUESTION posed by a reporter.

Enough with the Michael Jackson wall to wall slobber fest. He had talent. He abused his body and his potential for good in the world. He was a whack job. Move on to something more uplifting.

Enough of this Michael Jackson media coverage already. He was an entertainer, and not all that great. He certainly did not have the same vocal range that Elvis and others had or have. He was "overpaid" the same as most of our "professional" athletes are today. Has he contributed anything really worthwhile such educating our youth about not using drugs (of any kind, prescription or otherwise)?

In Russia - Chill man. The President was asked a question and he answered it. He did not go off on a tangent, he simply answered the question and moved on. In other words – he acted Presidential.

Oh no...you mean President Obama spent a few minutes addressing the death of someone who has had an incalculable impact on our country...how dare he! Jesus Christ people, give the man a break. We gave George W. Bush a break for the majority of his presidency and he was in office for 8 freakin years. President Obama has been in office for 6 months and has been working tirelessly to deal with one of the worst situations possible for a new President to inherit and you want to whine and cry because he talked about something non-political for a minute? Get a grip. Hope you hold yourself to the same standards...yeah right.

He wasn't convicted, at least he stood trial and didn't run like the Catholic church and their rape room enterprise.....

He's doing his presidential duty and that includes making statements about an entertainment icon.

The President was asked a question. You have to be extremely ignorant to think the President has done NOTHING while in Russia. A few words of reflection or comment does not equal " doing nothing".

His cultural impact?? Well lets see – he proved that no matter how despicable the things you do are that you can indeed buy yourself out of jail....

@Matt: You hit the nail on the head. Nothing more to say, you said it all...

Come on people! Of course he doesn't want to talk about Michael Jackson while he's in Russia. The idiot, one-track minded press asked him about it.

He was a Good Entertainer.

Thats it, Nothing More.

Yes- act presidential. I know your real job is collecting votes; but, maybe less moments of silence and statements propping up a pedophile's legacy and more action on getting Russia to help with Iran or a moment of silence for the 8 soldiers killed in Afghanistan the last 2 days.

How about he pays respects to the US soldiers who died on the same day ?????
BO doesn't have a clue...thanks libs.

I am disappointed at the presidents remarks, micheal's personal life is in questioned. shame on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the eloquent words Mr. President. Rep. King can learn a thing or two about being tactful from you.

and get to work on getting us a Swine Flu vaccine before winter arrives.

If anyone studied the influenza pandemic of 1918, they'd know that the flu is probably coming back with a vengeance this winter and may kill an untold number of Americans.

For some strange reason, this has dropped out of the news even though it's a major problem in countries experiencing Winter right now like Australia and Argentina.

Don't forget that it's the press that's asking the questions. It's not like Obama wants to talk about MJ.

Lets move on. Mr. President, please focus on jobs and our economy.

I wonder how the boys he molested are feeling today

are you kidding me Obama?

you need to slow down, I am a supporter of yours, but do not throw decorum out the window

Michael Jackson is not the subject when you have the world's attention in Russia

I never thought I would write it, ACT PRESIDENTIAL