A communications director for a GOP congressman has apologized for saying the first daughters weren’t showing “class” and were wearing clothes fit for a “spot at a bar” during this week’s turkey pardoning ceremony.
Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, weren’t as into the annual turkey pardoning ceremony as they were in their younger days. The teens struck bored poses with coordinating facial expressions during the president’s quips and jokes, and Malia refused when President Obama asked if she wanted to pet the turkey.
Elizabeth Lauten, a former Republican National Committee staffer and current communications director for Rep. Stephen Fincher (R-Tenn.), posted an open letter to the girls on her Facebook page.
“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,” Lauten wrote.
“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.”
Hours after a Twitter-led uproar began, Lauten removed her post and posted a Facebook apology.
“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,” she wrote. “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. 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, and I pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.”
President Obama and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, check out one of the turkeys before today’s annual turkey pardon pic.twitter.com/HTfuanTvrg
— petesouza (@petesouza) November 27, 2014
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