Woman who flirted with Obama speaks out

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - What should have been a fun moment with the President has turned into something of a nightmare for Luann Haley. She talked with News 4 and wants the world to know she meant no harm by her comment.

Haley said, "That he was a hottie with a smokin' little body."

When Luann Haley said those words to the President Thursday at his Buffalo chicken wing stop at Duff's, it didn't seem to bother the President, who gave her a hug and joked that the First Lady might be watching on television.

"It was great. Never did I think I would be speaking or hugging the President. I didn't mean anything by my comment. It was all in fun. We were all having fun and I'm sorry that people took it out of character," said Haley.

But Jay Leno used the quip in his monologue and some of the world press picked up the playful moment as a step beyond good taste. Suddenly, a wonderful experience turned negative, making her feel:

Haley said, "Very, very uncomfortable. I didn't sleep last night. My phone hasn't stopped ringin'."

Western New Yorkers supportive of Luann Haley said the President might have expected people here to express themselves in a straightforward way. After all, Buffalo has been called "The City of No Illusions."

George Struebel said, "I think you're talking Buffalo the city of real people, and it doesn't get much more real than that!"

Marion Smith said, "Years ago, you wouldn't have said that to a President. He got the top job in the world, but he's a fun kind of President, so I think he taking it in good stride."

"It's a day I won't forget. We have tons of pictures and we all talked about it at work today. It was a lot of fun. I'll never forget it," said Haley.