"the president respects police officers and the often difficult and dangerous situations we face on a daily basis.’’

Obama moves to quell Gates furor

Obama’s calls also seemed to ease some of the ire in the law enforcement community. Representatives from area police unions had denounced the president earlier in the day during a shoulder-to-shoulder noontime press conference in Cambridge, with Crowley, dressed in a suit and tie, standing silently nearby. By later in the afternoon, union officials were applauding the president.

“Sergeant Crowley was profoundly grateful that the president took time out of his busy schedule to attempt to resolve this situation,’’ said a statement by the Cambridge Police Superior Officers Association, the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association, and the Massachusetts Municipal Police Coalition. “It is clear to us from this conversation that the president respects police officers and the often difficult and dangerous situations we face on a daily basis.’’

Posted via web from Jim Nichols