Elizabeth Lauten is out of a job. The aide to Republican U.S. Representative Steve Fincher of Tennessee resigned from her post on Monday (December 1) after setting off a firestorm last week with her derisive comments about First Daughters Sasha (13) and Malia Obama (16).
Fincher’s office confirmed that Lauten, who was heavily criticized on social media for a November 27 rant (since removed) in which she told the teens to “try showing a little class,” stepped down from her post as communications director, according to USA Today. Though Lauten did not offer any further comment on her resignation, she reportedly told NBC News on Monday that her leave-taking was “already in the works.”
GawkerThe abrupt departure came after Lauten posted a commentary on Facebook criticizing the two teens for wearing short skirts and looking bored during their father’s annual turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House last week. “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,” she wrote. “At least respect the part you play… 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.”
Lauten apologized for her first post — which prompted a petition calling for her firing — on Friday, writing, “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. 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.”
@sirenidica @Merry__Can No Teal. Rule is underage kids of politicians/high-profiles are off limits. Libeling a child is a no-no. #Lauten
— Mary Ann Owens (@mao2u2) December 1, 2014
What’s off limits in partisan mudslinging? Kids. Lessons from #Lauten: http://t.co/cOyFMTXvO3
— Rebecca Gale (@Beckgale) December 1, 2014
Though it’s not unprecedented for journalists to write stories about first children, presidents and first ladies typically ask that their teenagers be spared from the partisan rhetoric about the White House and its chief resident.
Just because you don’t like the president doesn’t give you the right to attack his children. #ImARepublican and am disgusted at #Lauten.
— ᎧᏀᎡ ᎢᎾᎵ (@schlojowzlan) December 1, 2014
I am thrilled that Elizabeth Lauten was asked to resign. After senselessly attacking the Obama girls that was the only recourse. #Lauten
— Ameshia Cross (@AmeshiaCross) December 1, 2014
Don’t insult #children of any #potus.They’re #kids on display. #obama #teenagers are fine.It’s a #turkey #pardon not a ball #Lauten
— Carol White (@polowhite) November 29, 2014
According to The Smoking Gun, Lauten was arrested at 17 for misdemeanor larceny for allegedly stealing from a store in her North Carolina hometown.
Republican Aide Who Dissed The Obama Girls Is Looking For A New Job
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