Obama on 'The View': Blames media in racial firing

NEW YORK CITY -- President Barack Obama blames the media for creating a "phony controversy" over racial remarks by a black Agriculture Department official that were posted on the Internet.

His administration ousted the employee, but then apologized and offered to rehire her.

In an interview on ABC's daytime talk show "The View," Obama says the media often seek controversy, not the facts. But he acknowledged that the forced resignation of Shirley Sherrod could also be blamed on those in his administration who overreacted.

Obama said the incident shows that while progress has been made, racial tensions still exist in the U.S.

The wide-ranging interview also covered lighthearted topics, from Obama's knowledge of pop culture to his Blackberry use.

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