President Barack Obama's whirlwind fundraising jaunt in the San Francisco Bay Area is being overshadowed by a compliment he paid California Attorney General Kamala Harris.
"She happens to be by far the best-looking attorney general in the country," he said of the rising Democratic star during his prepared remarks at a Democratic National Committee event in Atherton.
The comment was greeted with laughter by the paying crowd. "It's true. Come on," he responded.
(See full Pool Report of Thursday's events in the Bay Area here.)
On Twitter, #KamalaHarris became very popular with people reacting the remark.
The president also noted Rep. Mike Honda's height (or lack thereof).
"He's not like a real tall guy, but he's a great guy," he said while introducing the Silicon Valley congressman, whom he had trouble finding in the crowd.
Here is the transcript from the White House of those two introductions:
We've got some elected officials who are doing incredible work -- great friends. First of all, somebody who works tirelessly on behalf of California every day, but also works on behalf of working people and makes sure that we've got a more inclusive America -- a good friend of mine, somebody who you guys should be very proud of, Congressman Mike Honda is here. Where is Mike? (Applause.) He is around here somewhere. There he is. Yes, I mean, he's not like a real tall guy, but he's a great guy. (Laughter.)
Second of all, you have to be careful to, first of all, say she is brilliant and she is dedicated and she is tough, and she is exactly what you'd want in anybody who is administering the law, and making sure that everybody is getting a fair shake. She also happens to be by far the best-looking attorney general in the country -- Kamala Harris is here. (Applause.) It's true. Come on. (Laughter.) And she is a great friend and has just been a great supporter for many, many years.
The president arrived on Wednesday evening and attended two events in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood, including a dinner at the home of Ann and Gordon Getty, to raise money for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. 
The Atherton fundraisers included a morning brunch hosted by Liz Simons and Mark Heising, then a luncheon at the home of Marcia and John Goldman. Those stops were to benefit the Democratic National Committee.
Outside the fundraising events, a variety of protesters gathered, including some who oppose construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would carry oil from Canada to Texas.
Opponents of the pipeline were in Atherton this morning for an 8:15 a.m. rally.
Air Force One departed from San Francisco International Airport this afternoon.
The president was in the Bay Area for less than 24 hours and made no public appearances. His last visit to the region was in October during his re-election campaign.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
