US-POLITICS-OBAMA-KENNEDY HONORS

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand alongside the Kennedy Center Honorees for the national anthem as they attend the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors award ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington on December 8, 2013. The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes living individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through performing arts. The 2013 honorees are opera singer Martina Arroyo (2nd L), musician Herbie Hancock (3rd L), musician Billy Joel (L), actress Shirley MacLaine (C) and musician Carlos Santana (3rd R). AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)