I would excuse President Obama from shaking hands with Korean rapper PSY--the latest viral sensation--if I didn't think for a moment that his team hadn't conducted an extensive background check before allowing the photo-op. PSY--whose admittedly catchy tune is like an earworm that has overtaken my brain--in 2004 caused outrage among the few Americans who knew who he was by calling for the slow and painful murder of "F***ing Yankees" for the torture of innocent terrorists. From the UK Daily Mail:

The rapper, 34, apologized after the anti-American protests made national news.  

Calls for PSY to be removed from the lineup of the annual 'Christmas in Washington' benefit at the White House, which raises money for the Children's National Medical Center.

Instead, he was personally greeted by the president on Sunday night.

'Obama, Biden Cozy Up to Anti-American Rapper Psy,' raged the conservative website Breitbart.com. 

The story was tweeted dozens of times on Sunday night. 

'Do you remember when truly talented Americans entertained at WH? Now it's the "Hate America First" trash- and Commies like Psy,' Examiner.com columnist Harriet Baldwin tweeted.

Other performers at the charity concert included Diana Ross, Demi Lovato, 'American Idol' winner Scotty McCreery and Megan Hilty, star of the NBC musical drama 'Smash.'

In brief remarks, Obama said the celebration was 'a chance to get in the Christmas spirit, spread some joy and sing along with artists who have much better voices than we do.'

This is also not the first time that the President has welcomed anti-American artists with open arms.