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 Michelle Obama’s evening of poetry at the White House set off Republican critics before the artists had uttered a word.

The first lady invited prominent writers, musicians and a rapper to perform Tuesday night to “showcase the impact of poetry on American culture,” her office said in announcing the occasion. The list of invited performers includes former poets laureate Billy Collins and Rita Dove, Elizabeth Alexander, who wrote and delivered the poem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, and musicians such as singers Aimee Mann and Jill Scott.

But it was the inclusion of Grammy-winning rapper and actor Common that set off Republican complaints. Common, who is considered fairly tame as rappers go, is known for rhymes that tend to be socially and politically conscious.

Karl Rove, who worked in the White House for President George W. Bush, labeled Common a “thug” and said on Fox News Channel that the performer had advocated assassinating Bush and violence against police. Rove added that the White House decision to include Common in the event “speaks volumes about President Obama and the White House staff.”

Sarah Palin, for her part, tweeted, “Oh lovely, White House …” and provided the link to an article critical of the decision.

Common, born Lonnie Rashin Lynn Jr., took the criticism in stride, tweeting back, “So apparently Sarah Palin and Fox News doesn’t like me.”