President Obama apologized to Kamala Harris today for calling her the “best looking Attorney General” during an event in North Carolina.
The comment was initially met by laughs but shortly after the event the President was criticized for focusing on Harris’ looks instead of her abilities.
Obama was quoted saying: “She’s brilliant and she’s dedicated, she’s tough… She also happens to be, by far, the best-looking attorney general in the country.”
The President called Harris today to say that he was sorry for the distracting comment. It’s not clear what the President said to Harris but a spokesman for the California Attorney General said that Harris and the president had an enjoyable conversation.
Spokesman Gil Duran said: “They had a great conversation yesterday, and she strongly supports him.”
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney also confirmed that the President apologized to Harris. Carney also tried to downplay the incident saying that Obama also said that Harris was brilliant, smart, dedicated and tough.
Carney said: “He called her to apologize for the distraction created by his comments… He did not want in any way to diminish the attorney general’s professional accomplishments and her capabilities. (Obama) fully recognizes the challenge women continue to face in the workplace and that they should not be judged based on appearance.”
Do you think President Obama’s comment was sexist?
