GOP staffer quits after backlash to her criticism of Obama daughters

GOP staffer quits after backlash to her criticism of Obama daughters
(Image credit: Twitter.com/Vox)

Elizabeth Lauten, a Republican Congressional staffer, told NBC News that she is resigning today after the backlash to her comments about Sasha and Malia Obama.

Lauten, who served as communications director for Rep. Stephen Lee Fincher (R-Tenn.), criticized the girls' behavior at the presidential turkey pardoning last week. She wrote in a Facebook post that they should "try showing a little class" and advised the girls to "dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar." The girls were photographed looking less than enthused during the ceremony.

"I quickly judged the two young ladies in a way that I would never have wanted to be judged myself as a teenager," Lauten wrote in a Facebook post. "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." --Meghan DeMaria

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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.