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President Obama “Jokes” About Special Olympics on Tonight Show

ABC’s Jake Tapper blogged about the potential impact of President Obama’s statement on the Tonight Show comparing his bowling to the Special Olympics. Prior to the airing of the show, White House spokesman Bill Burton made a brief statement to the reporters on Air Force One: “The president made an off-hand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks the Special Olympics is a wonderful program that gives an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the world.”

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.

Jake Tapper is ABC News’ Senior White House Correspondent based in the network’s Washington bureau. He writes about politics and popular culture and covers a range of national stories.

8 Comments on "President Obama “Jokes” About Special Olympics on Tonight Show"

Andrea on Fri, 20th Mar 2009 9:45 am

I am a parent of a young man who participates in the special olympics. I watched Jay Leno last night and was not offended in any way what so ever about Obama’s comment. I actually laughed. If individuals do not get over themselves for what ever reason we will never move towards a truly functioning eclectic society. Whether is race, creed, religion, ability or lack of….lighten up laugh a little, enjoy life and don’t take yourselves too seriously. Let’s chose our battles wisely.

kieran mcgovern on Fri, 20th Mar 2009 10:47 am

Give me a break! As a young disability rights advocate I find this appalling… appalling that people reacted this way. All it does is make the disabled seem super-sensitive–a stigman I certainly don’t want. People were waiting like hawks for the guy to make a verbal blunder, and when he finally does, it’s a big to-do. Look at his record; Obama has been a big supporter of disability rights, and this doesn’t change that.

Luis Androuin on Fri, 20th Mar 2009 11:38 am

I am a civil rights activists who has been directly involved in over 250 successful Title III and Title II cases. My reaction to Obama’s comments and your commentary: lighten up!! Instead of complaining, what we need are for more individuals with disabilities to be willing plaintiffs in actions creating access. Presently, it is a very difficult undertaking to attain significant participation other than just 3-4 members from an organization with over 250 members. This is true throughout the community of the disabled. In other words, stop complaining and get going. It’s easy to sit at the computer venting…but more of an impact is made by actually becoming a plaintiff in appropriate actions with scrupulous attorneys.

Rosemary Musachio on Sat, 21st Mar 2009 6:23 pm

I make jokes about my disability, and I let friends let make cracks also.

Luis Androuin on Mon, 23rd Mar 2009 10:41 am

I am gratified to see that I am not alone in my view to “lighten up.” I would also note that Obama’s State economic recovery package allows significant sums for disability rights (barrier removal, education, etc.). While Sen Palin rejected parts of this money for Alaska (she, who was “shocked to learn” of Obama’s comments), I was shocked to learn she had “learned” anything. Kudos to all on the true front lines who can see political demagoguery for what it is…and bless you! Keep up the good work…where it does the most good.

Heidi McGhee on Mon, 23rd Mar 2009 2:36 pm

I am a person with a disability caused by medical malpractice. However, during my statute of limitations, during my recovery/incompetency I can prove my case was pursued. By the time I regained my competency, my statute of limitations filing time ran out. FOR YEARS I have been trying to get someone’s attn regarding the “unlawful conversion” of my settlement, but every time I got to an atty, they would play me, then blow me off. I realize what I am talking about is very serious and because of what I have been through have feared for my life. Maybe this site can comprehend the cruelty incurred by the disabled.

Gene Boecker on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 4:21 pm

As President, it’s called a “gaff” - when something is said that could have been said in a more acceptable manner. In his position he should have been a bit more sensitive. But, I’m in line with the rest of you - the media needs to lighten up a bit. REALLY, focus on what’s serious.

I wonder if he had instead compared his bowling to that of a middle school bowling team we would have had some PTA group take offense with that as well.

Travis Perreira on Thu, 26th Mar 2009 10:55 am

The president was on there to show his more personable side. SURPRISE!!! When people are being themselves, they crack Special Olympics jokes. I’m glad to see so many other people on here feel the same way I do.

My only concern is that we may be granting a pass to a president so many of us know and love. How would we react if someone else made the comment?

It is hard to be consistently treated fairly when we do not consistently communicate how we want to be treated.

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