To his defense, The President was trying to funny. Did not work well, at all. 😮
Via Jack Tapper:
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.
Ouch. Not a good way to follow up the week. I mean, after A.I.G. and everything else happening, and he does this.
Of course, The President’s spokesman and the White House tried to walk the cat backward:
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.”
From the GibbMaster:
“Good afternoon. The President made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world.”
Meanwhile, a war of opinions over at HotAir between AllahPundit and Ed Morrissey has broken out:
Update (AP): The Anchoress’s point is well taken, but honestly, I tire of this politically calculated outrage. We all know what he meant; it was politically incorrect, but more political incorrectness among our political elite is all to the good. Lay off.
Update (Ed): Not if only one side gets away with it, AP.
Also, let’s remember that Obama is supposed to be leading, not campaigning or working as a stand-up comedian. He’s been insisting that we’re in the worst financial crisis in 70 years. Going on Leno to discuss his policies could have been a smart step; going on Leno to make quips and one-liners, and doing it badly, hardly builds confidence in his leadership or his priorities. When he stops with the crisis mentality, then he can show us why his stand-up career would have gone nowhere.
Also, wasn’t it Obama and his team that was screeching about the “political incorrectness” of Rush Limbaugh in hoping he’d fail, and insinuating that it amounted to treason?
Hey Allah, When they fire you from drifting off the script too much, you can come work for me man. I cannot afford to pay you; at least not until the Advertising money starts rolling in. I will need help with the dedicated hosting that we’ll have to get, because you are a big name writer and my puny little shared hosting account would not be able to keep with the demand, and I only get 50 gigabytes of bandwidth a month! So, when Michelle drops the hammer man; look me up! We would make a good team! 😀 😉 😛
More Coverage:
- Michelle Malkin: Obama’s “Special Olympics” joke: The teleprompter made him do it!
- Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: Obama insults Special Olympics? …
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