WASHINGTON — When President Barack Obama ran for re-election last year, he and his advisers were quick to condemn comments from Republicans that were deemed offensive or demeaning to women.
But now, with two prominent members of Obama’s Democratic Party admitting to lewd online behavior and facing allegations of sexual harassment, the White House is conspicuously silent.
“I don’t have any comment on that any more than I’ve had comment on other similar issues,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said Wednesday when asked about San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, who is facing numerous sexual harassment allegations.
Carney has dodged questions about Democrat Anthony Weiner, a candidate for New York City mayor who has acknowledged sending explicit messages to women.
The White House’s silence has drawn criticism from Republicans. “Interesting how we’re hearing crickets from the Democrats when it comes time to condemn activity from some of their own,” said Kirsten Kukowski, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee. The Associated Press
