Associated Press
WASHINGTON--An aide to a Republican congressman resigned Monday
after her Facebook post criticizing President Barack Obama's
daughters touched off a backlash.
Elizabeth Lauten, communications director to Rep. Stephen
Fincher of Tennessee, said Malia Obama, 16, and Sasha, 13, should
have shown more "class" at a turkey-pardoning ceremony last week at
the White House.
Ms. Lauten wrote that the girls should "respect the part you
play," and added: "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.'"
Ms. Lauten later apologized for the comments and deleted the
original post, which drew harsh criticism across social media.
Jessica Carter, chief of staff for Mr. Fincher, said Monday that
Ms. Lauten resigned. Ms. Carter had no additional comment on a
personnel matter.
After the post became the topic of conversation on a variety
websites, Ms. Lauten issued an apology, saying "many hours of
prayer," conversations with her family and a rereading of her words
made her reconsider the post.
"When I first posted on Facebook I reacted to an article and I
quickly judged the two young ladies in a way that I would never
have wanted to be judged myself as a teenager," Ms. Lauten told the
Commercial Appeal of Memphis in an email. "Please know, those
judgmental feelings truly have no place in my heart. Furthermore,
I'd like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended
with my words."
Mr. Fincher represents most of rural West Tennessee and parts of
East Memphis.
Copyright 2014 Associated Press
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