Mark Wilson/Getty Images), Tom Williams/CQ Roll CallYou'd think a communications director would have known better.
Elizabeth Lauten, the member of Rep. Stephen Fincher's (R-Tenn.) staff who publicly criticized the outfits that Malia and Sasha Obama wore to the White House turkey pardoning ceremony last week, told NBC News Monday that her resignation is "in the works."
Apparently not approving of 16-year-old Malia's sweater, plaid skirt and tights and 13-year-old Sasha's dress paired with a white cardigan and boots (not to mention, she's also helping to bring the choker back), Lauten took to Facebook to decry that the first daughters should "try showing a little class."
The entire Facebook post (which subsequently went viral, fancy that), read:
"Dear Sasha and Malia, I get your [sic] 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."
Did someone spike her eggnog latte?
"Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot in a bar. And certainly don't make faces during televised, public events," Lauten concluded, her last jab referring to the not-entirely-thrilled looks on the teens' faces when their dad cracked a few corny jokes. (Being commander in chief obviously doesn't win you any funny points on the homestead.)
Well, she sure was done.
Lauten's first post vanished from Facebook as it started making headlines, and the apology she issued on Friday has since disappeared as well, either deleted or made private.
"I want to take a moment and apologize for a post I made on Facebook earlier today judging Sasha and Malia Obama at the annual White House turkey pardoning ceremony," her mea culpa began.
"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," she wrote. "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. Please know, those judgmental feelings truly have no place in my heart. Furthermore, I'd like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and I pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience."
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have remained mum on the subject, letting the nature of the news cycle take its course (though if you listen closely, you may be able to hear Jennifer Palmieri tittering in the background).