He may not have intended it, but President-elect Barack Obama, who at times has been known to make comments that could be interpreted as insensitive, made a joke at Bill Richardson’s expense on Sunday.
Obama was asked on ABC News’ “This Week” about his family’s search for a dog.
“They seem to have narrowed it down to a labradoodle or a Portuguese water hound,” Obama said. “… Medium-sized dog, and so, we’re now going to start looking at shelters to see when one of those dogs might come up.”
“So, you’re closing in on it?” host George Stephanopoulos asked.
“We’re closing in on it. This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary,” Obama replied with a smile.
You can watch it by clicking here.
The flip remark comes in the midst of what is a very serious situation in New Mexico. Richardson had to withdraw his nomination to be Obama’s commerce secretary last Sunday because of a federal grand jury investigation into pay-to-play allegations in his administration, a growing controversy that has consumed headlines for the last week and promises to color the 60-day legislative session that begins Jan. 20. Obama has not nominated anyone to replace Richardson.