Obama Speech Writer Gropes 'Hillary'

It's your typical Facebook photo: two dudes dancing with a life-size cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton, one of them holding a beer to her face, the other with a hand over her chest. I myself have a similar photo with a Gerald Ford cutout. The only problem is, the photo in question involves Jon Favreau, Barack Obama's 27-year-old speech writer.

Before the photo vanished from Favreau's Facebook page, Comedy Central and the Washington Post "obtained" it and publicized it. Post writer Al Kamen points out that the Obama staff vetting process requires (a) that applicants provide the URL address of any websites that feature you in either a personal or professional capacity" and (b) that applicants "please provide any other information ... that could ... be a possible source of embarrassment to you, your family, or the President-Elect." Heck, I'm even embarrassed about this one.

According to Kamen, an Obama transition spokesman said that the forthcoming White House Director of Speech Writing had "reached out to Senator Clinton to offer an apology." Meanwhile, Clinton senior adviser Philippe Reines found some humor in the whole situation, saying in an e-mail, "Senator Clinton is pleased to learn of Jon's obvious interest in the State Department, and is currently reviewing his application."

Watch out, Favreau. That could be one uncomfortable interview.

B. Brandon Barker just finished the Fantasy or Football Quiz Part Two.