Posted on 03/19/2009 7:06:51 PM PDT by cdchik123
The first appearance by a sitting president on "The Tonight Show" may well end up being the last.
President Obama, in his taping with Jay Leno Thursday afternoon, attempted to yuk it up with the funnyman, and ended up insulting the disabled.
Towards the end of his approximately 40-minute appearance, the president talked about how he's gotten better at bowling and has been practicing in the White House bowling alley.
He bowled a 129, the president said.
"That's very good, Mr. President," Leno said sarcastically.
It's "like the Special Olympics or something," the president said.
When asked about the remark, the White House said the president did not intend to offend.
"The president made an off-hand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics," White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton said. "He thinks the Special Olympics is a wonderful program that gives an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the world."
Facing tough questions about the performance of his Treasury Secretary, $165 million in bonuses for AIG officials and anticipating a fight over his $3.55 trillion budget, the president has not had a particularly good week, and it's unlikely this will help matters.
- jpt
I like it, that was good.
If he is forced to apologize he will do so with such “grace and elegance” that his flunkies will fall all over him with praise, and turn the whole episode into a positive for him.
LOL. Tapper stands alone as basically the only drive-by journalist that holds Obama’s feet to the fire.
This “man” does not lead the Republic.
Not to me, ever.
definitely not ready for prime time.. or anytime..
Banned from the White House? I wouldn't eat dinner with Jake Tapper and if i did, I'd certainly drive myself - if you know what I mean.
Shall we think for a moment what the reaction would be if Rush or a GOP leader made the Special Olympics comment?
The NYT has already sanitized his appearance.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/us/politics/20obama.html?_r=1
I bet Tellie Prompter is probably saying “ I told you so “ about now.
Tellie will probably make Barry sleep on the couch.
Rush will be sure to tell 15 or 20 million people about this tomorrow.
Or is he just a contrarian? Anywhoo....kudos to him for his apparent clear thinking.
I don't really care if he's a lefty or not, we have to be happy that someone is acting like a real journalist and not a fawning sycophant!
Oy—remember how we never heard the end of Rush and Michael J. Fox?
Wouldn’t have happened if TOTUS was allowed up there with him...
The first president who was elected to fill a quota, is making fun of disabled people.
What a buffoon.
MST3K riffed that one! It is a classic.
He will probably swing by Oprah’s set and do an emotional apology on her couch.
Aw, come on, it’s kind of funny that he associated himself with the Special Olympics...
The teleprompter would never have said something so dumb.
Every time he pitches a ball it veers violently to the left...
Why is that?
When asked about the remark, the White House said the president did not intend to offend.]
Well, I’d hope not! But sometimes intent doesn’t matter. Notice the jerk didn’t even apologize! HE NEEDS APOLIGIZE! That is what someone who truly gave a damn and do!
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