WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama says he called a Georgetown law student who was labeled a "slut" by radio host Rush Limbaugh because he doesn't want people who speak their mind about policy issues to be discouraged or attacked.

Asked to comment on Limbaugh's apology, Obama said he doesn't know "what's in Rush Limbaugh's heart."

Limbaugh apologized to student Sandra Fluke, saying he shouldn't have used the language he did and it was wrong.

Obama said the incident made him think of his two daughters and his hopes that they can engage in issues they care about in the future.

Obama said he doesn't want his daughters "attacked or called horrible names" for speaking their minds and being good citizens.

Obama said the remarks "don't have any place" in public discourse.