Obama apologises to California A-G Obama has apologised to California Attorney-General Kamala Harris for commenting on her appearance. PRESIDENT Barack Obama has apologised to California Attorney-General Kamala Harris for commenting on her appearance during a fundraiser. During an event in Northern California on Thursday, Obama referred to his fellow Democrat as "the best-looking attorney-general," drawing laughs from the crowd but creating a stir among critics. A few hours later at a private residence, Obama called Harris to say he was sorry for creating a distraction, White House press secretary Jay Carney said on Friday afternoon. Carney pointed out that during the fundraiser Obama also talked about Harris' effectiveness as an attorney-general and noted her work as a "key player" in a mortgage settlement with major banks designed to help homeowners harmed by foreclosure abuse. Still, Carney said, Obama felt the need to apologise for going on to comment on Harris' looks. The president "fully recognises the challenges women continue to face in the workplace," Carney told reporters, and believes that they "should not be judged by their appearance." There has been no word of an apology to California Democrat Mike Honda after Obama also singled him out at the Atherton event. "He's not a real tall guy," Obama said, "but he's a great guy."