Congressional Staffer Resigns After Comments About Obama Girls
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The White House(WASHINGTON) — A Congressional communications director resigned on Monday after making disparaging comments about Sasha and Malia Obama on Facebook, ABC News had learned.
Elizabeth Lauten, the communications director for Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., last week criticized the girls’ demeanor during the annual White House turkey pardoning ceremony, writing on Facebook: “Dear Sasha and Malia, I get you’re both in those awful teen years, but you’re a part of the First Family, try showing a little class.”
“At least respect the part you play. Then again your mother and father don’t respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter, so I’m guessing you’re coming up a little short in the ‘good role model’ department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar. And certainly don’t make faces during televised public events,” Lauten continued.
She was immediately criticized across social media for her attack on the two girls.
Lauten then deleted her original post and wrote an apology on Facebook, which she sent to ABC News.
“After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents, and re-reading my words online I can see more clearly just how hurtful my words were,” Lauten wrote. “I’d like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and I pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.”
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Monday that he was “taken aback” by Lauten’s criticism of the Obama girls.
“I don’t have a specific reaction to her resignation,” Earnest said. “I was taken aback that there was a political operative on Capitol Hill who took the occasion of the Thanksgiving event to criticize the first family.”
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