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GOP Spokeswoman Resigns After Criticizing Obama’s Daughters

(Mark Wilson/Getty Images News)
(Mark Wilson/Getty Images News)

There will be no pardon for Elizabeth Lauten.  

The communications director for Rep. Stephen Fincher, R–Tenn., has resigned amid backlash over a Facebook post criticizing Sasha and Malia Obama for their behavior and appearance during last week’s turkey pardoning event at the White House, according to multiple media reports.  

“Dear Sasha and Malia, I get your 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 on Friday.  

The comments from Lauten, who used to manage new media for the Republican National Committee and also worked for ex-Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., quickly went viral and inspired an adverse reaction. Her name became a hashtag on Twitter, and the online community vented about her scrutiny of the girls’ facial expressions, body language and demeanor. One of Lauten’s critiques of the Sasha, 13, and Malia, 16, drew particular outrage: “Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar,” she wrote. Hours after the original post, Lauten deleted it. She also followed up with an apology for her rant, and set her Facebook profile to private.  

“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,” Lauten wrote later Friday. “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’s resignation was first reported Monday morning by NBC News . Fincher’s office declined to comment on personnel matters over the phone.  


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