President Barack Obama has apologised to California Attorney General Kamala Harris following a raging controversy over his comment that she is not only a woman of great professional accomplishments, but is also America’s “best-looking” A-G.
“He called her to apologise for the distraction created by his comments,” White House spokesman Carney said, adding: “They are old friends and good friends, and he did not want in any way to diminish the attorney general’s professional accomplishments and her capabilities.”
The president “fully recognises the challenge women continue to face in the workplace and that they should not be judged based on appearance”, the spokesman said even as the Obama comment touched off a firestorm, particularly in the social media.
Obama made the call to Harris, who is seen as a potential gubernatorial candidate, on Thursday night itself when he returned to Washington from his fundraising trip to California.
Harris herself appeared to sidestep the controversy in the media. A statement put out by her spokesman said: “The attorney general and the president have been friends for many years. They had a great conversation yesterday, and she strongly supports him.”