Obama’s Special Olympics’ faux pas
President Obama is catching flack today for having a “Bidenesque” moment on NBC’s “Tonight Show.”
Here’s what happened: The president told host Jay Leno that he had been practicing at the White House bowling alley but wasn’t pleased with a score of 129.Leno said that score wasn’t bad. It could have stopped there but Obama then came back with this zinger: “It was like the Special Olympics or something,” which prompted laughter from the audience, according to an AP article.
But today, some people are not finding that a laughing matter. The internet – and even our Vent – were filled with people weighing in on the matter.
What do you think?
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101 comments Add your comment
Impeach Now
March 20th, 2009
8:55 am
This is what happens when the Clown-In-Chief doesn’t his politically correct staff typing words into a teleprompter for him to read. He’s just a sham who can’t be expected to think for himself and we are just beginning to see the harm this will cause the country. I say impeach him now while we still have a viable country. We’ll take out chances with Biden for awhile.
Russ
March 20th, 2009
8:57 am
wow….that’s messed up…no class
inou
March 20th, 2009
9:00 am
As offensive as it is, I’m more offended at his arrogance in blatantly saying to put the blame on him for the AIG bonus giveaway. That is exactly where the blame lies and he needs to do something about it. He’s so sure he’s exempt from accountability. What a pompous jerk.
socialismsux
March 20th, 2009
9:01 am
The man thinks he’s god and can do no wrong.
amitheonly1
March 20th, 2009
9:08 am
you all are kidding me right? This is just an avenue for you to vent your dislike of this man. We all say things that we shouldn’t on a daily basis – If we were called out on everything we say, we all would be in trouble. I am so tired of for lack of a better term “common” people taking others that are in the public eye and making a big deal of something when they actually ACT HUMAN. ex: Miley cyrus & one of the Jonas brother’s tugging at her eys. Imus making comments he shouldn’t / Rush on a daily basis saying what he says. GET REAL PEOPLE. At the end of the day he is a human being that happens to hold the title of MR. President. HE WON GET OVER IT – IF HE CAN’T FIX IT – THEN IN 2012 DO SOMETHIG
Jim
March 20th, 2009
9:09 am
I’m very much an Obama supporter, but let’s be fair…we’d be raking any other president over the coals for this comment, so Obama is going to have to suffer through the consequences of this idiotic gaffe. But I also do love to read the ‘outrage’ of the conservatives out there. Nothing puts a smile on my face more than a ticked off evangelical.
Noon
March 20th, 2009
9:09 am
As a parent of a child who participated in Special Olympics, I find Mr. Obama’s comments inexcusable. You would think the President of the USA would have better moral fiber and integrity.
Secondly, what in the world is the President of the USA doing on the Tonight Show while the Country’s economy is falling a part? Seems to me Mr. Obama needs to get his priorities straight or maybe he does in his eyes.
Nina
March 20th, 2009
9:09 am
I love Obama, but yeah…he should not have said that.
Turkey Slayer
March 20th, 2009
9:10 am
Just another example of what happens when “O” doesn’t have a teleprompter telling him what to say. I just love this guy. He’s more fun that a barrell full of monkeys. Oops, hope I didn’t offent the primates croud. LMAO
RM
March 20th, 2009
9:14 am
I have a lot more respect for Special Olympians than I do for this Buffoon-in-Chief.
Mike
March 20th, 2009
9:18 am
Actually, as the Republican father of a special needs child who participates in Special Olympics, I think people need to lighten up. Most people who have a special needs child have a certain “dark humor” about it anyway. Enough of the feigned outrage and political correctness!
willie
March 20th, 2009
9:20 am
He’s human…it just slipped out. Let it go.
Citizen of the World
March 20th, 2009
9:21 am
Oops! The president made an impolitic remark. Now let’s hear all the people who ordinarily rail against political correctness rake him over the coals for his lapse, simply because they don’t like him.
bill purcell
March 20th, 2009
9:22 am
It’s a shame that someone who promised so much hope and change, is now showing that he has the same stereotypes and uses the same derogatory rhetoric that keeps a people down, it is ironic, too, that these are the same types of language that racists would of used about him during the civil rights era, it is time to stand up for the rights and for respect for people experiencing disability and it should start with the president. I’m ashamed and disappointed in him. He should apologize.
Impeach Now
March 20th, 2009
9:23 am
To: amitheonly1: It’s very telling that you compare the “American-Idol-President” to celebrities like Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Imus, and Rush but, let me tell ya babe, these people aren’t the president, we didn’t elect them to the highest office in the land, and their gaffes don’t matter – it’s what keeps Entertainment Tonight and TMZ in business. When the president (small ‘p’ – that’s how I feel) belittles the Special Olympics on a TV show he needs to be raked over the coals and/or beaten in the head by some disabled child’s crutches.
Offended
March 20th, 2009
9:24 am
Mr. Obama was just making fun of his bowling by comparing it to the Special Olympics. I guess that makes it okay for any to blame their shortcomings on being “just like the Special Olympics.” Maybe all of these financial insitutions can use that as their excuse for losing hundreds of billions of dollars. “yeah, are traders are so bad, it’s like the Special Olympics on the trading floor.”
Sad, Mr. Obama, very sad.
Atown
March 20th, 2009
9:25 am
I agree he shouldn’t have been on the Tonight Show anyway, but everyone has a “slip” of the tongue or says something that is humerous to some and offends others… Welcome to life people
Get Real
March 20th, 2009
9:25 am
OMG!!!!! I cannot believe people are attacking him for this. Where was all this outrage when Bush was letting the American Economy fall into a balck hole? Where was all this media attention when Bush put us in a war we should not have entered, that has cost of lives and too much money? Where was all this outrage when greed took over America and American morals and values vanished? Get real. Don’t ever watch any comedian and laugh you hypocrites!
Still Offended
March 20th, 2009
9:28 am
I wonder if Eric Holder will come out and say that we are a “nation of cowards” when it comes to addressing and resolving Special Needs issues. I doubt it very seriously.
Obama's Teleprompter
March 20th, 2009
9:32 am
This is what happens when this clown doesn’t have his beloved teleprompter. I think it’s funny he mentioned the Special Olympics because that is exactly what I think of his presidency so far.
Actually, I have to apologize, it’s not right to belittle the Special Olympics by comparing them to Obama.
LSU
March 20th, 2009
9:33 am
Just imagine what you obamanites would be saying if Bush or Mcain had said something like this, congrats on your double standard. You people make me sick, I hope they rake Curious George over the coals, Get ready for him and the Man in the big Yellow Hat to run this country into the ground.
The Truth Comes Out
March 20th, 2009
9:33 am
He needs to be working on the problems our country is facing instead of his bowling average. The gaffe was just typical babbling from him when the teleprompter dosent have something for the current resident of the white house to say.
Bailey
March 20th, 2009
9:35 am
Don’t respect the man at all, but let’s face it – he didn’t mean anything by the comment. This is exactly what is wrong with this country!! People need to lighten up!!!! It is not all gloom and doom and we can laugh at mistakes people make while speaking in public without their prompter!!
I’m with Noon – What was he doing on the Tonight Show anyway!!!!??? Oh, I guess he has nothing more important to do!!
Honey Pie
March 20th, 2009
9:35 am
Forgive them father for they know not what they do………
Mike
March 20th, 2009
9:38 am
As the father of a mentally challenged man (who by the way is an excellent bowler), I take exception to the President’s comment. Special Olympics particpants are a very excellent class of people. They not only take pride in their skills, but they they take pride in their sportsmanship and their integrity. What does bowling like a Special Olympics athlete mean, anyway? For that matter, what is so different about a Special Olympian? Do they not train as hard, sweat as much or care as much as a “regular” athlete? The President does not get a pass on this. It was not funny. It was hurtful, inconsiderate and arrogant. He is supposed to mind his words and control his speech. His is everyone’s President, including Special Olympians. To be honest, it was more hurtful that the audience laughed. What a horrible society we live in!!!!
Wary of 'Impeach' nutjobs
March 20th, 2009
9:39 am
To “Impeach Now”: First of all, take a second to proof your notes before pressing “Submit.” I’d hate for you to be judged by the slip of your fingers while typing. I will, however, judge you based on the content of your message – which is absurd. Unless you were vastly more outraged by President Bush’s tenure in office than you were this incident, you have ZERO credibility.
Sarah
March 20th, 2009
9:39 am
After reading about the cheap gifts given to the visiting Prime Minister of Great Britian and his wife from the Obama’s, nothing surporises about this void of class couple. Class and good breeding are not something you can fake, nor is it something that others can thrust upon you, you either have it or you don’t. They don’t. Why is anyone surpriseed they can get by with this? They’ve been afforded double standards from the beginning. Look at the fake outrage his people had over the remark Rush made about him wanting Obama’s socialistic policies to fail when nothing was said about James Carvelle, on the morning of the 9-11 attacks saying in an interview that he wanted Bush to fail. Obama should stick to popping his chewing gum, going to basketball games and high fiving his homies, he’s more in his element there than pretending to be President.
Jessy
March 20th, 2009
9:41 am
You people disgust me. This man has been in office all of 2 freakin months!!! He’s already shown himself to be more of a leader by taking responsibilty for what others have so greedily stolen. I still haven’t heard a word about the billions spent/stolen via no bid contracts for a war that should never have happened. People this is nothing but a distraction. OUR President is dealing with a host of very serious issues, that have to be resolved. Shut the ‘F’ up with these baseless complaints, get behind him and lets get this country back into a position of leadership and power. Because right now we are all in the same boat. The boat is leaking jobs, the passengers are sick and aging, and all able bodied people need to be rowing, or I vote we throw your lazy complaining asses off the boat!
Tom
March 20th, 2009
9:43 am
It was a joke. And a funny one. Lighten up. People get all torqued up over every little thing today. Political correctness run amok.
BRETT SHEPHERD
March 20th, 2009
9:43 am
BIG F’N DEAL. ALL YOU SORRY ASS REPUBLICANS ARE PATHETIC. IF THAT COMMENT PISSES YOU OFF, THEN IT SHOWS HOW YOU ARE REACHING TO FIND ANYTHING TO CRITICIZE ABOUT THIS MAN. HELL THOSE OF US THAT DESPISE BUSH COULD COMMENT FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES ABOUT HIS QUOTES AND MOST OF ALL HIS PERFORMANCE AS A PRESIDENT.
BUSH LIED AND GOT US INTO A WAR THAT WILL DO FAR MORE DAMAGE, THAN A COMMENT ABOUT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS. I DON’T THINK THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS COMMENT IS GOING TO CAUSE DEATH OF HUMAN LIVES AND THE ECONOMY. NOT TO MENTION..THE TREATMENT THOSE TROOPS GOT WHEN THEY CAME HOME..GO TO THE PARK IN DOWNTOWN AND MEET SOME OF THEM.
ALL YOU ANTI OBAMA PEOPLE CAN K M A!
BRETT SHEPHERD
PEACHTREE CORNERS(NORCROSS)
LSU
March 20th, 2009
9:45 am
Jessy (Jackson)
If you or obama are the ones in charge of this boat, then throw my lazy ass off the boat. I’ll take MY MONEY and keep to myself.
Honey Pie
March 20th, 2009
9:47 am
Sarah, do you need a hug from a homie?
Tom
March 20th, 2009
9:48 am
BRETT SHEPHERD – and who says those who attacked Obama are Republicans. I am a Republican, don’t like Obama, and thought it was funny ( http://blogs.ajc.com/chatter/2009/03/20/obamas-special-olympics-gaffe/comment-page-1/#comment-2241 ). It is much more likely the Politically Correct uptight Dems are doing the complaining.
Impeach Now
March 20th, 2009
9:50 am
Sorry – my handlers didn’t proofread my comments before I submitted them for your approval. Too bad the president’s (small ‘p’) didn’t either. But, you know what? I’m not hear to please you or to win your approval – you don’t matter as much as a pile of krappe to me. And Brett – there’s a little key on the left that says “caps lock” – please turn it off before you post again, moron.
Andrew
March 20th, 2009
9:52 am
Oh grow up people! We’ve got bigger problems to discuss than a silly remark on a ‘talk’ show. Pathetic.
Kev
March 20th, 2009
9:55 am
This might be the first time that the Obama administration can’t place the blame on Bush and Cheney. See what happens when there’s no teleprompter.
neo-Carlinist
March 20th, 2009
9:56 am
This dust-up is just another example of business as usual in DC. For a nation founded (in part) on the premise of free speech, we sure have thin skin when it comes to humor (let us not forget, Jay Leno made his bones as a stand-up comedian). Most of us know of a mentally retarded adult. I have worked as a volunteer at a Special Olympics event in the past. Guess what people; Special Olympians are not offended, because they lack the ability to be offended. More importantly, the retarded adults I have met are devoid of malice. They do not engage in heated debates about political ideology. They do not judge others via race, sexuality or income. In many ways, this is what makes them “special” in my book. I for one am more offended and outraged that non-Special Olympians/non-retarded adults would attempt use the incident to grind a (pathetic) political axe, and present the faux outrage as an effort to “defend” or speak up for the mentally disabled. As I said, mentally disabled adults don’t know they’re disabled. I think it would be funny to interview some retarded adults and have one of ‘em say; “…the other day at school I had to play the President in some mock government excercise and I felt like freaking George Bush/Barrack Obama. It was embarassing…” I find it amazing that the defenders of capitalism/Democracy believe the strong survive and the weak perish, as if a competent exploiting a Special Olympian is somehow more offensive than business as usual on Wall Street or Capitol Hill.
Laf
March 20th, 2009
9:57 am
Maybe Brett was holding down the shift button. o.0 It was a funny comment, why would you want to EXCLUDE a certain demographic from humor? In my opinion, it’s even more wrong to assume that special needs or disabled people must be protected and can’t be teased. Let’s be honest, how many of you have actually been to the Special Olympics? There are plenty of hilarious moments along with the amazing accomplishments. It isn’t unreasonable to note that even the best disabled athlete cannot compete on the same level with an able-bodied one, including bowlers. Obama wasn’t saying, “disabled people suck”, he was saying, “I was sucking considering I’m able-bodied.” And that is funny. Lighten up people.
Sarah
March 20th, 2009
10:03 am
If President Arrogant and Ego could sit his butt down in the Oval Office at a decent hour each morning and work a full day and stop always being in front of a camera and the much need teleprompter, perhaps he could attempt to do the job the Confederacy of Dunces called American Democrats elected him to do. Sorry folks, just like some of you all hated everything about Bush and never supported him, we have the same right with this guy. get use to it. There’s much more to come. And Brett Sheppard, you can all cap your anger and outrage all day long but you won’t change my mind. The fact that you admitted in public and in writing that you live in Norcross disqualifies you from any arguement with substance.
JESSICA
March 20th, 2009
10:05 am
I am sick of america nit picking on things that does not matter. So he made a mistake and stated a comment that was in bad taste in regards to the special olympics. However Bush made PLENTY of comments that were WRONG was he persecuted for those no he remained our president for 8yrs which didnt do anything for any of us but make himself and countless americans rich and drive us into a HOLE. Now people expect Obama to solve 8+yrs (this problem started before bush) with in his first two months of office. He has put into place more programs and laws than any president I can remember and i am somewhat young to begin our healing process. Now we as americans and a country and only wait and see what happens. It takes time just like it took time to put us in this crap hole. Him going on Leno was great he connected he explained and honestly it took away from the constant bickering and MEDIA interpertations of whats going on. Plenty of people watch leno and we know this and that was the best way to talk to those people including myself. He tells us how it is and trys to break it down so we know whats going on. Honestly if we didnt have this debt and problems no one would have cared. GOD PEOPLE GET OVER YOURSELVES AND QUIT COMPLAINING. IT WONT SOLVE ANYTHING! WE ALL ARE STILL BROKE!
Honey Pie
March 20th, 2009
10:13 am
Sarah, I still have a homie lined up to give you a hug…..
Impeach Now
March 20th, 2009
10:15 am
Jessica – wow – I can’t believe you actually have the sense to admit that President (capitol ‘p’) Bush made, in your words, COUNTLESS AMERICANS RICH! Yes, more people made more money and increased their standard of living under the Bush administration than under any other – thank you for pointing that out. I (a middle class guy) increased my net worth significantly under Bush as did most Americans. Luckily, I made some great investments the week before Obama took office and will do well despite what he does to ruin the economy. My money and investments are safe because they were made smartly – I hope you did the same.
LSU
March 20th, 2009
10:16 am
Hey Jessica
Remember obama promised every one a job and a chicken in the pot as soon as was elected.
obama was not, is not, and never will be the right person for the president.
By the way if all you liberal democraps were able to bash Bush from day one we have the same right with obama. Just because he is black doesn’t mean he gets a pass on all the F-ups so far since being elected.
JJ
March 20th, 2009
10:16 am
Dear outraged GOP fools,
Every time our former President said nuclear incorrectly I cringed, the man couldn’t speak correctly and mispronouncing words revealed what total idiot he is and always will be.
Further, W had many gaffes and blunders during his long 8 year term – those of us who didn’t support him were told – he’s our President, show respect. Music groups were boycotted and shamed because of statements they made, people were called anti-American because they didn’t support a war he got us into – somehow though Obama makes an offhand comment that was insensitive, and you all are ready to toss him out of office.
Do you really think we’d be better off with McCain nodding off in meetings or Palin continuing to prove to everyone that she has no more education than your average high school student? Really?
JIM
March 20th, 2009
10:16 am
Political correctness is a fascinating concept. It only applies to those mean, uncaring conservatives and they are viciously attacked for any ill-spoken word. Liberals, who all are known for their acceptance of everyone and everything, and for never saying an unkind word are misunderstood, simply mis-spoke or their words were taken out of context.
I wonder which of the two groups pays more taxes, without being caught for not paying, which gives more to charity, and which are the real elitists.
BTW, I am not a member of a particular political party or Evangelical
Independent thinker
March 20th, 2009
10:17 am
Appearing on Leno suits Obama’s “pop star” image. I wish him every success, as it means I am better off. However, this “slip of the tongue” is a huge gaffe for someone in his position. However, I am not shocked. He cannot speak correctly without a teleprompter or script. If this were a conservative who made this slip, they would already be impeached. Personally, it is probably not that offensive in the overall scheme of things, but the double standard of the media once again rears its ugly head.
I guess I better go complete my tax forms…oh yeah, I can NOT submit them and claim it was an honest mistake!!
Independent thinker
March 20th, 2009
10:19 am
Hey JJ…Jimmy Carter majored in Nuclear Engineering and he still can’t say it correctly, so get off that horse, okay?
Emyrld
March 20th, 2009
10:22 am
Bet none of these “oh I’m sooo offended” folks have ever given any thought or consideration, not to mention aide or assistance to any ‘Special’ people or to the ‘Special Olympics’ cause!! Use your feigned outrage and vent to do some good in your lives. This is as we know just a ‘nit pick’ for any little thing that you can meander against our President simply because you do not like him. Get a life!!! At the end of the day …he will prove to be our Greatest President ever…and therein lies the rub!!!!
Hal
March 20th, 2009
10:26 am
That statement made me cringe when he said it and yes I am offended he needs to apologize but lets stick to this incident. It breaks my heart to see the venom that is forwarded at our president while our former president was was just as or more of a gaffe machine than our current. I see whats going on here and you all know too. Please everyone lets just get beyond that issue.
Hal
March 20th, 2009
10:31 am
Please lets stop with the impeach line folks. If our previous administrations were not impeached for their crimes against our own people, why would you impeach a man for some insensitive statement? Come on with the double standards!! Unbelievable, I didnt see this same venom when Mr Limbaugh said that he wants our president to fail! I didnt see this same venom when there were no WMD found in Iraq! Cmon folks, lets be fair.
Stop Pretending!
March 20th, 2009
10:32 am
LSU, during the campaign, John McCain actually said, “my fellow prisoners” to his audience. He didn’t get this much flack. This is some overhyped mess that people are trying to latch onto because they don’t like the man. Everyone on this blog has said something that would be considered politically incorrect. I believe his intent was to say that he wasn’t as good at bowling as the mentally or physically disable. We all know that to be fact because we saw him bowl gutter balls during the campaign. For those who also want to take shots at his all of two month (today) administration, GET A LIFE!! I don’t know about anywhere else, but the state of Kentucky an estimated 48,000 jobs and 75,000 in Indiana will be created or saved by the economic stimulus plan that was passed by Congress. I think that amounts to a pretty good start!
Bluebird
March 20th, 2009
10:32 am
First the St.Patricks day gaff, now this. He can’t speak or communicate effectively with or without a teleprompter. obumbles has really stumbled this week. Just when I thought we would never see anyone as pathetic as W. This guy is an incompetent joke.
I think the only reason he went on the Tonight Show was to try to boost his miserable ratings. As usual you can dress up a pig and take it to Hollywood, but all you have is a pig dressed up. His little plan to schmooze and fool Americans backfired again. We still see him for what he is.
Jessy
March 20th, 2009
10:33 am
LooserSU – You and the other complainers have already gotten YOUR money, my money, and others money. This is why we find ourselves in this situation now. And yes I guess you would like to take even more money and keep to yourself. No, my offer is to simply throw your lazy complaining asses off the boat with only the (silk)shirts on your backs.
Hal
March 20th, 2009
10:33 am
Great comment Emyrld!!! I had a special needs brother and uncle and you are right the same folks that are so outraged would not donate a dime to the Special Olympics and behind closed doors make fun of the special needs kid they saw on the street today.
SAR
March 20th, 2009
10:33 am
Obama is to the Presidency what Paris Hilton is to being a celebrity. They both can fake it very well.
Stop Pretending!
March 20th, 2009
10:33 am
I mentioned Kentucky because that’s where I live.
NRBraindead
March 20th, 2009
10:36 am
So now Obama has something in common with “W” saying stupid things.
William
March 20th, 2009
10:40 am
Hey Impeach Now, didn’t you mean here and not hear. As a President Obama supporter I am glad all you Rush Limbaugh heads are angry but you all were angry when President Bush was in office. So go ahead and rant away. And the only people who made money during the Bush years were the very rich, so you average working joes and joesettes need to quit lying and get happy
Sarah
March 20th, 2009
10:40 am
And they’re still blaming Bush……lol. Such accountability. I know the ACLU will be all over this, the same with the NAACP. Afterall isn’t everything they do predicated on fairness to all people? More to come folks…much more to come. He can’t not get in front of a camera so the camera will eventually be his downfall. Look how ansty his followers get when you don’t bow down to King O. This is too funny!!!
What a country
March 20th, 2009
10:43 am
What, someone took away his teleprompter??? They never let him off the leash, this time they let him go unscripted and look at the result.
Hmmmmmm
March 20th, 2009
10:45 am
What in the world is the POTUS doing on Leno? What a JOKE!
abc
March 20th, 2009
10:45 am
I voted for Obama, but I have to say, so far so bad as far as what’s happened politically since he took office. It’s still early, we’ll see; but, so far, so bad. That’s not to say Republicans would be doing anything differently, in spite of the rhetoric coming out of Washington.
The Special Olympics comment IS a very telling and poignant one, illustrative of Obama’s character in a moment when he evidently had his guard down. He obviously gave no thought at all to the mentally and physically disadvantaged people that he cast such aspersions upon. Attempts at PC recovery by him and his staff are worse than the gaffe. Hopefully, the episode will serve to raise Obama’s awareness, not only in terms of watching his mouth, but of the citizens he represents that have such challenges.
His arrogance IS showing.
SickOfGARepubsakaWhtTrsh
March 20th, 2009
10:47 am
I’m so sick of you back water marrying your cousin trailer trash republicans, blatant racists get over it, YA LOST! The comment was in poor taste as the President of the US; seriously how many Presidents have said things they’ve had to retract. Gimme a break. You still have 4 more years to b*tch and moan, so enjoy!!
Impeach Now
March 20th, 2009
10:48 am
“the only people who made money during the Bush years were the very rich” – funny, William – just keep drinking the kool-aid. If you got up every day and went to work, and worked hard and advanced in your chosen profession, you would have done well, too. I’ll bet you don’t even own an alarm clock. What’s up on The View today? Gonna catch some of them “judge shows” this afternoon before hitting the tall boys?
Stop Pretending!
March 20th, 2009
10:50 am
By the way, Sarah, we can still blame W Bush and any other president whose policy led us to where we are now. We just watched this country go off the deep end under W’s watch. The reality is, this country had a budget surplus coming into his presidency. We’ve seen failures under every administration from the founding fathers on. We have just never seen such a blatent failure as in the last 8 years. How bout we allow this president to get beyond say…HIS FIRST QUARTER!!!
JJ
March 20th, 2009
10:53 am
Hey independent thinker – I think I’ll ride this horse I’m on a good 8 years – one for each of the years of torture inflicted by W.
Speaking of torture I agree totally with who ever commented about the crazy people saying to impeach Obama when they didn’t want to even hear negative comments about a President who thought it was great to wire tap our phones, torture people with waterboarding and risked the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans in a war (Iraq) that has made us no more secure than we were on September 10th.
LSU
March 20th, 2009
10:59 am
Jessy
I don’t remember getting a check from you..If your talking about the stimulus check that Bush provided..Guess what I didn’t qualify for that so in a since NO I didn’t get a dime from you. Now I’ll jump off this very sinking ship known as the SS obama and take MY MONEY somewhere else..We will see how your welfare ass can cope then.
Lamar Wright
March 20th, 2009
11:06 am
As a volunteer with a program that helps disadvantaged adults gain a foothold in this world and try to be self-supporting AND takes great pride in their Special Olympics where everyone is a winner, the President’s remarks were disgraceful. Call it gallows humor, dark humor or whatever you want, but it’s nothing but an insensitive remark that rolled off his lips far too easily. HE, not some talking head, owes this part of his constituency a most profound apology. From a standup comic, we might expect something like this, but not from a man
in his position. We had much rather hear him talk about Special Olympics in the context of how it can survive in this crazy economy. Believe me, there’s nothing funny about it. Do the right thing; say it from your own mouth, Mr. President. You goofed – big time.
Democratic Yankee-Gen Y
March 20th, 2009
11:08 am
Although the use of someone’s disability as a form of humor should be unacceptable no matter what position you hold in society, it’s unfortunate that the society we live in has allowed it to be acceptbale. There is an entire television show on MTV titled “How’s Your News?” in which mentally challenged individuals travel around the country interviewing celebrities on useless information. The show was created by these mentally and physically disabled individuals but they are on a late night time slot on MTV as if this is a form of comedy.
President Obama is due the uncomfortable attention he will receive regarding the comment he made. Unfortunately, one comment having nothing to do with the purpose of why he was a guest on the Tonight Show will overshadow the remainder of the successful interview. Oh yes, by the way- our president chose to be on the Tonight Show to reach the American people who do not watch CNN and MSNBC and FOX news like others do. I believe that was a considerate thing to do for all of those who can not afford at this time to pay for cable or satellite and would still ike to see appearences by our president. Overall, Preseident Obama proved yet again why he is our President. He cares about the country as a whole, does not mind that there is a majority of people that don’t like him, and understands that Bush screwed things up royally which will not be fixed in the first 100 days of his presidency as you Republicans, conservatives, evangelicals, etc believe he should to prove himself worthy.
President Obama will forever remember the public mistake he made offending the entire mentally and physically disabled community. His shame should be punishment enough.
Here’s an idea…Why don’t we hold everyone who voted for Bush in ‘00 and ‘04 financially responsible for the mess the country is in today and all of the lives that have been lost because of 9/11/01 and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars?
Dlegend
March 20th, 2009
11:27 am
He who is without sin cast the first stone…….I thought so just like in the bible everyone walk away and all is forgiven. Isn’t it great that we serve an awesome GOD and his hand was in this election to have President Obama in office. God bless you and the United States.
Jane
March 20th, 2009
11:40 am
I’m not an Obama fan, but the Special Olypmics are what they are . . .it’s designed for those who are “challenged” in some way, and he was in effect saying he is “challenged” when it comes to bowling. I definately don’t think he was meaning any disrespect.
Justin
March 20th, 2009
11:42 am
This does not excuse the comment, but I think it’s being misrepresented. In my perception of the exchange, Obama didn’t refer to his bowling scores as being “like the Special Olympics.” He referred to Jay Leno’s applause for his currently mediocre bowling score as being “like the Special Olympics.” In other words, he didn’t laugh at the mentally handicapped for being poor bowlers. He made a joke about being applauded for participating in a sport no matter how bad the outcome. The second comment wasn’t appropriate, either. But I wish we could at least accurately report what happened!
R Dub
March 20th, 2009
12:38 pm
Sure it was wrong of him to say he bowled like he was in the Special Olympics, but was it not accurate? Surely a person of Special Olympics caliber cannot bowl a 300. Can an “LP” extend his arms to touch a 10 foot ceiling? I think not. Why can we not say things that are true? Besides, his reference to the Special Olympics makes it easier for the people who voted for McCain to understand. I kid, I kid. Get over it.
Mark
March 20th, 2009
12:53 pm
SickOfGARepubsakawhite trash, WE didn’t lose. Alot of whites voted for Obama based on his agenda. Some voted for him just to get GWB out of the whitehouse. 98% of black trash such as yourself voted for him based on his skin color. Watch and see how hard your black president is going to fvck his “bruthas”. you ignorant nog….
SAR
March 20th, 2009
12:57 pm
This is what happens when it’s the day off of the person who has their hand up the rear end of Obama and moving his mouth and telling him what to say. Doesn’t he have better things to do in this gone to hell in a hand basket economy than to pal around with his Hollywood pals? Doesn’t his socialism take up most of his day, since he starts to work each day around 10 am…after the gym and a game of hoops. What’s next for King O, twilrs and poses on the red carpet with Paris Hilton? To you Sickof repWhttrash or whatever your name is. Guess how tired law abidding citizens are of seeing people who were obvious Obama supporters on the news EACH and EVERY day of the week car jacking, robbing and stealing wide screen tv’s…24/7. My talk won’t kill you but those that I mentioned are out to kill and rob us all.
Sally
March 20th, 2009
1:35 pm
Our President is certainly not a thoughtless man, but he is a hu-man, and it can be expected that when put on the spot, even the most conscientious and erudite among us can get caught with a foot in our mouth. What he said jumped through the TV, and was hurtful. A President needs to be more careful when opening his/her mouth than the rest of us. But let us not forget the times we have made on off color and hurtful comment, that in no way speaks to our true nature.
Standawg
March 20th, 2009
3:04 pm
As popular as he is with the nation and the press at the moment, I don’t think there is nothing he can do or say right now that would hurt him, which is sad. Personally, I’m more concerned with him playing dumb about the mess with AIG, but someone will take the blame for him so he doesn’t have to.
Brian
March 20th, 2009
3:32 pm
Yes it wasn’t really correct to say but…………….
“Let those who have not ever stuck their foot in their mouth throw the first stone.”
BG
March 20th, 2009
3:40 pm
Boy have you all lost ypur minds! For the PAST 8 Years we had a everyday dumb , unable to speak , liar,and drunk running this country.
Nobody could or was allowed to say anything against the past so called cheif(The Dixie Chicks) without being BAINED! or called un -American ,And now we have a very smart , fast worker, great people person with great ideas of change and people think that they may say any rud,disrepectful thing and we are suppose to be OK with it. Well the new president is a great inprovement from was we were cheated into having for the past 8 years, .This is a regular guy that was not making fun of anyone but His Own bowling Scores. Get a Life, he is cleaning up the 8 year MESS from YALL’s so call Leader!!
Savage
March 20th, 2009
3:47 pm
I have never in my life seen a president followed as much as President Obama. You would think he has been in office for years not just two months. Correct me if I am wrong, but I honestly feel that most people dislike him so much because he is Black. If he were not things would not be as interesting or most would not care. Accept it and move on. Let go and Let God! Let the man do his job it is way too early to start the blame game. Where were all of you when we were getting in this mess. Chill!
BG
March 20th, 2009
3:53 pm
This president has written books for God sale! He Is and write his OWN Speaches,he coments using his on thoughts , not like BUSH. SO for 2 months in office , dealing with all the pat MESSleft from the past 8 years, I think he hit the ground running and needed to to try to slow down the many problems he must deal with , left from the past CHIEF!! Let’s not forget AIG etc! started 2 or 3 years before the new heif was Cheif!!!!
Impeach Now
March 20th, 2009
4:12 pm
Huh?
Michele
March 20th, 2009
4:16 pm
OMG. Does this mean Obama is–gasp–not the Messiah but a mere mortal?
Is it regrettable he said it? Absolutely. It’s a big deal? Not in the grand scheme of things.
Mark
March 20th, 2009
4:19 pm
Huh is right.
Mark
March 20th, 2009
4:23 pm
Me thinks BG has had a few too many highballs.
LSU
March 20th, 2009
4:34 pm
BG
March 20th, 2009
3:53 pm
This president has written books for God sale! He Is and write his OWN Speaches,he coments using his on thoughts , not like BUSH. SO for 2 months in office , dealing with all the pat MESSleft from the past 8 years, I think he hit the ground running and needed to to try to slow down the many problems he must deal with , left from the past CHIEF!! Let’s not forget AIG etc! started 2 or 3 years before the new heif was Cheif!!!!
WTF did any of this mean????? I am glad you dig ditches for a living.
Virginia Fisher
March 20th, 2009
4:50 pm
Wonder what kind of outrage he’d produce if someone offended his little darlings.
Soulfinger
March 20th, 2009
5:19 pm
I love the comments here..you folks are OUTRAGED by what the POTUS said on Leno, yet the comments that you guys are making yourselves are 10 times more hurtful and vicious. Time to grow up!
Houckster
March 20th, 2009
5:29 pm
It’s unfortunate but mistakes are part of the human experience but anyone who knows Mr. Obama knows that he certainly didn’t mean any harm. At least with Mr. Obama he didn’t whine that he’d been taken out of context and acted promptly to rectify his mistake. Not like a certain recent president I recall.
And as for the Hard Right trolls that are out in force today, I can only say their “outrage” gives me a great deal of pleasure. I’m looking forward to another 8 years of contentment. Such “people” do bring a smile to ole’ bin Laden’s face.
Mark
March 20th, 2009
5:56 pm
Special Olympians have more class in their fingernail than Obama has in his entire body. Let me ask: Do you think he would have invited them to the White House if he didn’t say that? A persons true character is shown 24 hours a day.
anon
March 20th, 2009
6:10 pm
Get over it people. Unlike the last Administration, Obama apologized. Obama makes one gaffe and you all are up in arms. Impeachment? are you kidding.
darrell b
March 20th, 2009
6:50 pm
I disagree with virtually every Obama policy, but I never cease to be amazed by the fake outrage generated by a politically correct comment. I worked with mentally disabled people involved with Special Olympics for 17 years. If you polled the Special Olympics bowlers to see if they were offended by Obama’s comments… zero would be offended unless they were told by some “well meaning” person that they should be offended.
Obama made fun of himself, not those who are in Special Olympics. If a typical Special Olympics bowler ever scored a legitimate 129 game, it would be cause for a great celebration. Many of these people have the ability to appreciate a joke, including taking a joke and dishing one out.
For all of you people who are claiming offense on their behalf… get over yourself.
anon
March 20th, 2009
7:00 pm
darrell b
March 20th, 2009
6:50 pm
Best comment on this blog.
Celebrity Bowling, Loser’s A Moron « Eat It Or Wear It
March 20th, 2009
9:40 pm
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Terry P
March 20th, 2009
10:44 pm
What a fortunate gaffe for Special Olympics. Now, Obama will be especially sensitive to the needs of the disabled in this country. I can only guess that it’ll be great for our special athletes.
bill
March 20th, 2009
10:49 pm
When the TelePrompter is off, the real Obama comes out. Remember people in small towns clinging to guns and religion? Now, he says what he really thinks about people with developmental disabilities. He is shameful. If he knew it was inappropriate, why didn’t he correct himself on Leno’s show? The reason is the real Obama came out — and it was only after his handlers got a hold of him that he “apologized” … lame as it was.
His handlers’ explanation was lame as well … call it an “offhand remark” and it makes it not important. Give me a break.
The TelePrompter-in-Chief is lost without it and his real stripes come out.
Dr. Leah McLellan
March 20th, 2009
11:25 pm
As President of the United States, Obama made more than a minor faux pas. He set a negative example. Supposedly this was the election of the young- young who supposedly look up to this man. So, when he demeans the capabilities of those who participate in Special Olympics and makes light of their medical condition in so doing, one has to ask: what example is he setting?
I have worked for many years, professionally and personally, to help educate people about those with mental retardation. I feel as though the President has sent the movement for social respect and acceptance back many years. They’re not a joke. They’re people, like you and I, but with particular needs.
Dr. Leah McLellan
March 20th, 2009
11:29 pm
To Darrell,
I worked in the field for over 25 years. And you are so wrong on so many levels. To begin with, you falsely claim that NO mentally challenged people would be offended unless someone who wasn’t so disabled told them. I submit, that isn’t so. The MAJORITY of people with mental retardation are MILDLY mentally retarded. They can and most assuredly DO comprehend an off-handed insult. Don’t you think it rather strange he would use Special Olympics as a way to “insult himself?”
Sugar coat it as you will, it’s still wrong.
Dr. Leah McLellan
March 20th, 2009
11:30 pm
Anon, should “nappy headed hoes” be something people should “get over?”
Karen
March 21st, 2009
11:07 am
I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Special Olympics, but the president is human like everyone else. Most people have made some reference similar to the one he made. I don’t feel it was anything against the organization. I’m overweight, but don’t take “fat jokes” personally. Everyone should back off and let him breathe. He inherited a mess and needs time to repair things. He did say things would get worse before they got better. I’m all for being politically correct, but people need to use a little common sense. I just feel like everyone just “looks” for mistkes people in the public eye make. EVERYONE makes mistakes and sometimes things sound harsher when said that when thought. Sure, he should not have said that but I don’t feel he singled anyone out. I’ll get off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening.