CBS News/ November 17, 2011, 9:04 AM

Obama rebuffs Justin Bieber alliance suggestion

President Obama was asked by a student in Sydney, Australia during a stop on the trip that would take him to Asia if he'd ever team up with a celebrity such as teen sensation Justin Bieber in order to reach more people.

Pictures: Justin Bieber

CBS News senior White House correspondent Bill Plante reports the president responded by saying that, if he's going to be successful, it would be because of his own ideas, not because he was hanging out with Bieber.

"But I'll tell you something," Plante remarked, "The kid who asked that question may have a future in politics!"

Mr. Obama traveled to Bali, Indonesia Thursday. He was wrapping up his tour of Asia, attending two Pacific region summits. The president flew from a remote military base in Darwin, Australia, where U.S. Marines will soon be training with Australian forces.

Plante noted the U.S.-Australian alliance began after a Japanese air raid sank a U.S. ship in Darwin's harbor in 1942. The president is promising that the U.S. will expand its military presence in the Pacific, despite cuts in defense spending, a move seen in the region as a counterweight to China.

Mr. Obama said at the military base appearance, "We have the power to protect and guard our own here in the Asian Pacific -- and all around the world."

He was welcomed to the base in Darwin to the tune of Elton John's "Crocodile Rock." He also let out an Australian cheer, "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!" at the event. The crowd responded with the same exuberant words.

© 2011 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
6 Comments Add a Comment
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FMFT89 says:
Australia's capital is Canberra, not Sydney. *facepalm*
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stn_sage says:
This denial is really childish!
During the course of any campaign, these politicians constantly
pose with celebrities hoping some of the popularity will rub off
on them!
Obama has posed with celebrities constantly!
It's silly of him to deny it!
Really, who's he trying to kid?!
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Irby32 says:
That is a good question...why don't president's use celeb power?
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gruven13777 replies:
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They try. At every election some political pinhead tries to hijack a song of some famous musician for their campaign. Most celebs aren't dumb enough to endorse political figures.
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bobnjersey says:
[President Obama was asked by a student in Sydney, Australia during a stop on the trip that would take him to Asia if he'd ever team up with a celebrity such as teen sensation Justin Bieber in order to reach more people.]
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what a stupid question ... now the current standing president of the united states needs a teenage pop star to 'connect'?

if you need that ... then don't bother w/ worrying about politics or anything that comes from it that effects your life ... just put the earbuds back in and be on your way.
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bree1345 says:
He needs to start thinking about connecting with our younger people whether celebrity or not. The young generation is our future and his. But in my opinion he puts himself in a class of his own. And what he says goes. Not rignt. Just my opinion.
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