There were sound effects and a gritty rap. Michelle Obama’s evening of poetry at the White House rolled out seamlessly, showcasing the impact of such words on American culture. The fireworks erupted earlier, as Republicans cried foul before anyone had uttered a word. President Barack Obama opened the night by describing a great poem as one that “resonates with us, that challenges us and that teaches us something about ourselves and the world that we live in.” An all-star lineup of poets and musicians performed. It was the inclusion of Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor Common that drew complaints from Republicans, who said some of his lyrics celebrate violence. Common, who is considered fairly tame as rappers go, is known for rhymes that tend to be socially and politically conscious. The rapper opened his performance with cuts of words from Martin Luther King Jr. and spoke of walking into the White House with “love on my sleeve.”