Last night after returning from his trip to California, President Obama called state Attorney General Kamala Harris to apologize for "the distraction created by his comments" yesterday in which he called Harris "the best-looking attorney general.

"They are old friends and good friends," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told the press pool during a briefing Friday morning. "He did not want in any way to diminish the attorney general's professional accomplishments and her capabilities," Carney said. "He fully recognizes the challenges women continue to face in the workplace and that they should not be judged based on appearance." Carney was also quick to point out that President Obama also called her "brilliant" and "dedicated" in the same comments.


For all the Internet rubbernecking, apologies and equality talk, there's no denying the President's comments yesterday put the California Attorney General's name into a national spotlight. Lieutenant Governor and fellow good-looking human being Gavin Newsom must be kicking himself over the missed opportunity.

Actually, we wouldn't be all that surprised if Gavin has already mailed an autographed copy of his (mostly bullshit) book on social media in government to the White House, asking for a retweet.

While we're objectifying people in public office: Was it just the San Francisco fog or does the President look like he's going a little more gray?

Previously: Obama Calls Kamala Harris 'Best-Looking Attorney General'
[Politico]