From The Sleuth column in The Washington Post:President Obama seemed relaxed and in good cheer tonight during his appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." But there was one misstep that surely made his advisers wince.
Leno asked the president whether the White House bowling alley had been "burned and closed down" in light of Obama's gutter ball embarrassment on the campaign trail last year. Obama replied, "No, no. I have been practicing . . . I bowled a 129."
The audience roared with laughter, and the late-night talk show host assured Obama "that's very good, Mr. President." To which Obama interjected, "It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something."
The audience laughed. But the White House didn't let the comment linger without clarification. "The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics," White House spokesman Bill Burton told reporters flying aboard Air Force One after the taping of the show, according to a transcript released by the White House. "He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."
Here's the comment on YouTube. Journalist John Hockenberry discussed the incident on his radio show, "The Takeaway." (Thanks to Penny for the list below.)
Bloggers respond:
- Planet of the Blind: http://www.planet-of-the-blind.com/2009/03/special-olympics-in-the-white-house-basement.html
- Bad Cripple: http://badcripple.blogspot.com/2009/03/obama-and-special-olympics-off-hand.html
- Big Noise: http://mybignoise.blogspot.com/2009/03/dear-mr-president.html
- All4myGals: http://all4gals.blogspot.com/2009/03/obamas-gaffe.html
- Finding My Way: http://uppity-crip.blogspot.com/2009/03/it-was-like-special-olympics-or.html
- Walking is Overrated: http://walkingisoverrated.com/2009/03/21/obama-makes-crass-special-olympics-joke-during-jay-leno-interview/
- Scothoser's Corner: http://blog.robbclan.com/?p=382
- Leaving Treadmarkz: http://treadmarkz.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/president-obama-bashes-special-olympics/
- Wheelie Catholic: http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/2009/03/question.html
- Barriers, Bridges, and Books: http://bbandbohmy.blogspot.com/2009/03/say-it-isnt-so-mr-president.html
- Left of the Moon: http://leftofthemoon.blogspot.com/2009/03/obamas-comments-not-so-special.html
- Gary Presley: http://www.garypresley.com/2009/03/obama-bowling-and-special-olympics.html
- Dream Mom: http://dreammom.blogspot.com/2009/03/president-obamas-thoughtless-joke.html
