From the White House: Obama Regrets Language on Gates Arrest

Speaking to reporters today, President Obama says he regrets his language regarding the arrest last week in Cambridge of the Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates.

Obama said he had spoken to the arresting officer in an effort to explain his comments.

The Times summarized the president's remarks:

Mr. Obama said he hoped the case became “a teachable moment” to be used to improve relations between minorities and police officers.

The president conveyed his sentiment to the police sergeant, James Crowley, in a telephone call earlier Friday. Mr. Obama said he disagreed that he should not have stepped into the issue, saying it is the job of the president “black or white” to contribute to improving relations.

The Times has more here.