President Barack Obama isn't using his role as leader of the Democratic Party to speak about the misdeeds of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, accused of sexually harassing more than a dozen women.
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner speaks at a press conference announcing his intention to seek professional help following multiple sexual harassment accusations, July 26, 2013. (Getty Images)
Asked about the matter during a press briefing Tuesday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest dodged the question.
“The president hasn't weighed in on this issue, and I haven't talked to him about it,” Earnest said.
A reporter questioned why as the leader of the Democratic Party, Obama wouldn't choose to take a stand on the matter when many other leading Democrats have.
Earnest again said he hasn't spoken with the president on the matter.
Prominent Democrats such as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, both of California, have called on Filner to resign.
Filner, 70, has said he took unwelcome actions toward women but did not want to define it as sexual harassment. He received therapy for two weeks. Filner is a former 10-term U.S. House member.
The women alleging misconduct by the mayor include a university dean and a retired Navy rear admiral.
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