AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Audience members applaud as President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive to host a celebration of American poetry and prose at the White House, May 11, 2011, in Washington, D.C.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
President Barack Obama speaks at the celebration of American poetry and prose at the White House, May 11, 2011, in Washington, D.C.
AP Photo/Cass Bird
Rapper Common, a featured participant at Michelle Obama's evening of poetry, set off Republican critics before the artists had uttered a word. Common, who is considered fairly tame as rappers go, is known for rhymes that are socially and politically conscious.
AP Photo/Charles Dharapak
President Obama and Common have appeared together before. In this Dec. 3, 2009, photo, Mr. Obama greets Common at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington.
File,AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
In this Oct. 31, 2010, photo, Common warms up the crowd for President Obama during a rally at Cleveland State University in Cleveland.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Singer Aimee Mann attended the poetry event at the White House on May 11. She's seen here performing at the 25th Anniversary Summerstage Gala "The Music Of Simon & Garfunkel" at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on June 8, 2010, in New York.
Noel Vasquez/Getty Images
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, seen here at The Largo at The Coronet on May 1, 2011, in Los Angeles, were among the performers.
AP Photo/Ron Edmonds
Elizabeth Alexander, seen here reciting the she wrote for President Obama's swearing-in, Jan. 20, 2009, was a scheduled performer.
Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images
Jill Scott, seen here at the 2nd Annual Mary J. Blige Honors Concert at Hammerstein Ballroom on May 1, 2011, in New York, read three original poems, according to The Root.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
President Barack Obama walks to his seat after speaking at the celebration of American poetry and prose at the White House, May 11, 2011, in Washington, D.C.
