The social media backlash continued Sunday against a Tennessee Republican congressman's communications director who criticized the president's daughters in a Facebook post and then apologized for her comments.
Elizabeth Lauten, an aide to U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., commented on the appearance of Sasha, 13, and Malia, 16, at the annual presidential pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey last week.
"Dear Sasha and Malia, I get you're both in those awful teen years, but you're 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. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. 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. And certainly don't make faces during televised, public events."
Lauten later issued an apology after the Facebook post started circulating on Twitter and numerous media sites drew attention to it.
“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. .?.?. I pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.”
But on Sunday, Twitter reaction was still going strong with criticism of both her original comments and her apology with hashtags #ElizabethLauten and #FireElizabethLauten
Here's a sampling of comments.
#FireElizabethLauten Your non-apology screams 'sorry I got caught', not 'I was wrong' #cyberbully
— Tracey Solomon (@TraceySolo) November 30, 2014
"After many hours of prayer" #ElizabethLauten? Seriously. Give us all a break and pray that you still have a job. #hypocrite
— Daniel Persing (@danielpersing) November 30, 2014
Let's not pretend #ElizabethLauten firing would change Washington's venomous partisan culture. But it wouldn't be a bad place to start.
— Joel Lawson (@JoelLawsonDC) November 30, 2014
For somebody who prays a lot, #ElizabethLauten sure missed out on Jesus' sermons regarding children...
— Patrick (@QuadCityPat) November 30, 2014
A grown woman cyber bullying girls w/ racist & sexist comments deserves a pink slip under the tree from Santa. #FireElizabethLauten
— Jenee Darden (@CocoaFly) November 30, 2014
The Art Of Online Apologies And Why Elizabeth Lauten Failed Miserably At Hers http://t.co/a6X1AE8IXz via @forbes#FireElizabethLauten
— Charlie Peach (@PoliticsPeach) November 30, 2014
