David Jackson

USA TODAY

President Obama and the leader of the Democratic National Committee sought Friday to downplay reports of friction between them.

At a DNC women's leadership forum, Obama praised chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for "the great work she is doing to keep our party strong."

The president added that "nobody, anywhere works harder than Debbie Wasserman Schultz."

Schultz, a U.S. House member from Florida, introduced Obama by praising his record, particularly on women's issues.

The two spoke just days after Politico reported that Schultz "is in a behind-the-scenes struggle with the White House, congressional Democrats and Washington insiders who have lost confidence in her as both a unifying leader and reliable party spokesperson at a time when they need her most."

Citing unnamed sources, Politico also said that "Obama and Wasserman Schultz have rarely even talked since 2011. They don't meet about strategy or messaging. They don't talk much on the phone."

In his remarks at the forum, Obama urged Democratic women to help turn out the vote in upcoming elections.