The communications director for Congressman Stephen Fincher (R-TN) criticized the outfits and demeanor of Sasha and Malia Obama during their father's turkey pardoning speech for Thanksgiving.
Elizabeth Lauten wrote a post on Facebook on Thursday that quickly drew its own criticism from those who saw it and were able to take a screenshot before it was deleted:
On Friday, Lauten followed up her post with an apology (also later deleted):
I reacted to an article and 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 how hurtful my words were. Please know that these 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 pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.
Lauten has been Fincher's communications director since February 2013, according to her LinkedIn profile. She also runs a communications consulting firm and previously worked as press secretary for Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL).
This isn't the first time Lauten has seen media attention for a social-media faux pas. Back in August, Lauten mistakenly posted a tweet to Fincher's Twitter account about the song I Love Beach Music by The Embers. Her tweet said, "God I love this song. And beach music. AND shagging #pandora." After she realized her error, she had the "accidental" tweet removed and said it had nothing to do with her boss and "shagging" had nothing to do with sex. "Shagging is dancing to me," Lauten said, "and it was no big deal being a North Carolina girl."
However, Politico ran the story with the tantalizing headline, "Aide: I sent Stephen Fincher 'shagging' tweet." A studious commenter called out the liberal outlet for its non-story:
joe222 • 4 months ago
'The "Carolina Shag" is a partner dance done primarily to Beach Music (100-130+ beats per minute). Today, the Shag is a recognized dance in national and international dance competitions held across the United States.'i know it must be slow for these guys with congress out, but ...
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