At press conference, Obama stokes Rush Limbaugh controversy

“I don’t know what’s in Rush Limbaugh’s heart, so I’m not going to comment on the sincerity of his apology,” Obama told a group of reporters on Tuesday. “What I can comment on is the fact that all decent folks can agree that the remarks that were made don’t have any place in the public discourse.”

Over the weekend, Limbaugh apologized for calling Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke a “slut,” “prostitute,” and “feminazi,” because she supports government-required healthcare plans covering birth control. It seems the public is not buying the apology. As criticism mounts, some question whether this is a career killer for the controversial radio host.

During Tuesday’s press conference, which began with questions about Iran, the president said he called Fluke after Limbaugh made the remark. “I thought about Malia and Sasha, and one of the things I want them to do as they get older is to engage in issues they care about … And I don’t want them attacked or called horrible names because they’re being good citizens,” he said.