NY weekly apologizes for Obamas as sitcom actors

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=12444937

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (AP) - A weekly New York newspaper has apologized for a photo depicting President Barack Obama and his wife as characters from the TV sitcom "Sanford and Son."

Smithtown Messenger publisher Phillip Sciarello said in an editorial Thursday that it was not the Long Island paper's intent to offend anyone.

He again maintained that the photo was meant as political satire. But he said the paper was "mindful that the satire seemed to some in poor taste."

The photo spread featured "before and after" shots of the last six presidents and their wives, starting with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and ending with the Obamas.

It was criticized by some local officials as crossing the line. The NAACP called it racist.