Obama calls police officer in Cambridge case

[BumRushDaShow]

Obama calls police officer in Cambridge case
By Sam Youngman
Posted: 07/24/09 02:46 PM

President Obama made a surprise appearance at the White House press briefing on Friday to address the controversy over his comments about a racially charged address in Cambridge, Mass.

The Cambridge Police Officers union, joined by Sgt. James Crowley, called on Obama to apologize for saying officers "acted stupidly" for arresting black Harvard scholar and Obama friend Henry Louis Gates Jr. at his home after a report of a break-in and ensuing disturbance when officers asked Gates for identification.

Obama called Crowley shortly after the officers' press conference, around 2:15 p.m., according to White House spokesman Robert Gates.

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Obama said it was "unfortunate" that his word choice "maligned" the police department and Crowley.

More (but not much): http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-calls-police-officer-in-cambridge-case-2009-07-24.html

Heard this on the radio (XM 169) about 15 minutes ago and finally found a link. It was indicated that this was NOT an "apology" and he is standing by what he said. I also heard Gates' daughter comment about essentially using this whole situation as a stepping stone to more dialog.