S. Samuel
Former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin has made sure to remind critics of her appreciation toward hip-hop despite calling out Chicago rapper Common's invitation to a White House poetry event this week.
Appearing on FOX News‘ “On The Record,” Palin denied being anti-rap.
“It’s too easy, you know, the White House’s judgement on inviting someone who has glorified cop killing during Police Memorial Week of all times, the judgement is just so lacking of class and decency and all that’s good for America with an invite like this,” Palin explained. “It’s just so easy to assume they’re just inviting someone like me or somebody else to ask. Come on, [President] Barack Obama, who are you plowing around now? … I’m not saying this as a proponent of stifling any kind of free speech, I’m obviously a proponent of free speech. I’m not anti-rap, in fact, like [Fox News anchor] Bret Baier, I know the lyrics to ‘Rappers’ Delight’ too. But I’m just saying, common decency in the White House. Wouldn’t we like to see a reflection of all that is wonderful and great? A shining city on a hill that the White House is supposed to be with events inside of that house that is supposed to reflect the patriotism and decency and the influence of America.” (“On The Record”)
While Common received backlash from Palin, Comedy Central’s “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart stood up for the Chicago emcee.
“Are we really doing this again? For this guy, Common? The guy from the Gap ads? The guy from the Queen Latifah rom-coms? Elmo’s friend?” (“The Daily Show”)
In addition to Palin tweeting about Common’s invite, Fox News labeled the rapper as “vile.”
First Lady Michelle Obama has scheduled a poetry evening for Wednesday, and she’s invited several poets, including a successful Chicago poet and rapper, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., AKA “Common.” However, Lynn is quite controversial, in part because his poetry includes threats to shoot police and at least one passage calling for the “burn[ing]” of then-President George W. Bush. (Fox News)
Despite the hype, Common still attended last night’s White House event.
Common performed at Michelle Obama’s White House Music Series, despite a media hullabaloo surrounding his appearance. A Fox News website had dubbed the Grammy-winning rapper “vile” and a “cop killer.” The event was put on in front of an audience of high-schoolers and Common’s performance was decidedly child-friendly. “I woke up with the sunshine, a sunshine I had never seen,” he sang over an arpeggiated piano. “There was light at the end of it, reminding me to forever dream. I was dreaming I walked into the White House with love on my sleeve and love for each and every one of you, reminding you to believe.” (RTT News)
Check out Governor Sarah Palin’s interview below:
