White House Calls Weiner Controversy A "Distraction"

White House spokesman Jay Carney weighed in on the controversy surrounding Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) for the first time aboard Air Force One Monday, saying it was a “distraction” but didn’t call definitively for the embattled New Yorker’s resignation. 

“The President feels, we feel at the White House, that this is a distraction,” Carney told reporters. “Obviously as Congressman Weiner has said himself, this is - the behavior was inappropriate; the dishonesty was inappropriate.”

Carney did not clearly call for Weiner’s resignation and reiterated that Obama is not focused on the controversy. 

“The President is focused on his job, which is getting this economy continuing to grow, creating jobs, and obviously ensuring the safety and security of the American people.”