White House calls Weiner a "distraction" to Obama agenda

President has not said whether he thinks the New York Democrat should resign

Published June 13, 2011 4:47PM (EDT)

Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., answers questions from the media as he carries his laundry to a laundromat near his home in the Queens borough of New York, Saturday, June  11, 2011. The 46-year-old congressman acknowledged Friday that he had online contact with a 17-year-old girl from Delaware but said there was nothing inappropriate. (AP Photo/David Karp) (AP)
Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., answers questions from the media as he carries his laundry to a laundromat near his home in the Queens borough of New York, Saturday, June 11, 2011. The 46-year-old congressman acknowledged Friday that he had online contact with a 17-year-old girl from Delaware but said there was nothing inappropriate. (AP Photo/David Karp) (AP)

The White House says President Barack Obama believes Rep. Anthony Weiner's actions have been "inappropriate" and a "distraction."

But spokesman Jay Carney wouldn't say whether the president thinks the New York Democrat should resign -- something other Democratic leaders have called for but which Weiner is resisting.

Carney was asked about Weiner and his sex scandal by reporters traveling with Obama to North Carolina on Monday.

Carney, who'd previously declined comment, said Obama feels Weiner's actions and dishonesty have been inappropriate and are a distraction. But Carney said the president is focused on his jobs agenda. Carney said Congress is addressing the issue.

Weiner is on a temporary leave of absence, in treatment for an undisclosed disorder. He has acknowledged exchanging messages and photos with several women online.


By Associated Press

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Anthony Weiner D-n.y. Barack Obama