Michelle Malkin » Obama’s “Special Olympics” joke: The teleprompter made him do it!

Obama’s “Special Olympics” joke: The teleprompter made him do it!

By Michelle Malkin • March 19, 2009 09:55 PM

Obama: One Big Awful Mistake America

Jake Tapper reports that Barack Obama pulled a Joe Biden (or a Barack Obama, for that matter) and ended up mocking the Special Olympics in a lame attempt to make fun of his weak bowling skills. But of course, the White House says he “in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics.” You be the judge:

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.

Way to go, Soul Fixer.

I blame Obama’s Prompter… or lack thereof.

But this is all just a big distraction.

Let’s get back to the real business of America: NCAA picks!

***

Lorie Byrd and Kim Priestap puts this in the proper, calm perspective:

Look, considering all the other things he has done and said the past two months, this comment is probably the least of his troubles, but I just have to wonder what the reaction to this would have been if it was President George Bush who said it. It remains to be seen how much attention and what kind of reaction the comment will get.

Kim adds: I understand President Obama was trying to make a self-deprecating joke, so I don’t want to make a bigger deal out of this that what it is, but, man that was cringe inducing. At least it was for me since I, like millions of other parents, have a disabled child. I mean his joke is right up there with Joe Biden asking a wheelchair-bound man to stand up. Obama certainly didn’t do anything to quell the teleprompter jokes.

I, too, could make a joke and tell the president to skip the comedy routine and stick to his day job, but he sucks even more at that.

***

Two differing opinions from Hot Air:

Ed Morrissey calls it the stupidest thing Obama’s said today (after the AIG/suicide bomber analogy). Allahpundit says it’s politically incorrect, but lay off.

The Anchoress: It’s going to be a looooong four years.” On that, we can all agree.

***

Hah: Commenter Coastal Conservative asks, “Is this what Michelle Obama meant by America being a downright mean country?”

Posted in: Barack Obama

Regular View

comments (191)

trackbacks (45)

See what others have said

Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.

Trackbacks

Trackback URL

Comments

« Older Comments

#654911

On March 20th, 2009 at 1:34 pm, undresiege said:

On March 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm, happyscrapper said:

For the record, I don’t get my “boxers in a bunch” about somebody joking about another being “retarded” or “special”. I respect those who are HONESTLY offended by such jokes. The pres. made a stupid, insensitive gaffe in a jocular fashion. The hypocrisy and phony outrage is still quite a sight to see from some of the folks here.
I make you look stupid for continuing to make exceptions for when it’s okay to make jokes about someone being “special”. Some posters here are “outraged” about jokes comparing one’s self or others to special olympians. Posters here have made jokes about other posters and public officials being “special like”. You excuse it because YOU think some deserve it, even thought it insults “special” people, and those that care for them. You can’t justify your inconsistency without looking more stupid. It’s easier for you to call me a troll, stump off, and again prove that you’re around 14. WAhhhh!
Again, you’ve made my morning HS. Tool.
#654916

On March 20th, 2009 at 1:40 pm, GladzKravtz said:

yohannbiimu #161. Abcnews includes the Special Olympics statement now. Vellly Interestink..
#654920

On March 20th, 2009 at 1:45 pm, GladzKravtz said:

Maybe something was wrong with my viewer or brain because the statement is on the politico now too. sheesh…I think I may need a fact checker! sorry
#654931

On March 20th, 2009 at 1:52 pm, greenfairie said:

Can you imagine if Bush said that? Sheesh.
#654936

On March 20th, 2009 at 1:58 pm, Dave Turson said:

at 1:34 pm, undresiege said:…Again, you’ve made my morning HS. Tool.

Written and signed off as only a Troll could–you create and place yourself under your own sieges.
#654937

On March 20th, 2009 at 2:00 pm, happyscrapper said:

It’s easier for you to call me a troll, stump off, and again prove that you’re around 14. WAhhhh!
Again, you’ve made my morning HS. Tool.

Actually, I didn’t “stump off”. I just don’t want to feed the troll any longer. There is a difference. I am still commenting on this thread when I have time. But talking to you is futile. Why should I bother? The purpose of this thread isn’t to argue with trolls. Glad I made your day. Have a good one…or not…whatever. Oh, by the way, if I am 14, how did I get three grandchildren?? You have actually made MY day too!
#654946

On March 20th, 2009 at 2:09 pm, undresiege said:

Actually, I didn’t “stump off”. I just don’t want to feed the troll any longer. There is a difference. I am still commenting on this thread when I have time. But talking to you is futile. Why should I bother?

I am done feeding you now. Go back under your rock

As it posts another response. You never should have opened this bag of worms, moron. Stay gold. If you wanna keep feedin, I’ll keep pointing out what a petulant little jacka$$ you are.
#654961

On March 20th, 2009 at 2:17 pm, John Deaux said:

undresiege,

Special needs individuals have diminished mental capacity through genetics. What’s your excuse?
#654993

On March 20th, 2009 at 2:41 pm, karnold said:

This fellow wants to bowl against The Prezznit:

I’m figuring on the Prezz to lose by 85. Any takers?
#655007

On March 20th, 2009 at 2:51 pm, undresiege said:

Special needs individuals have diminished mental capacity through genetics. What’s your excuse?

Ohhhhhh snap. Burnnnnnnn.

LOL.
#655077

On March 20th, 2009 at 3:31 pm, PhredE said:

He’s an interesting follow-up to the topic:

“Special Olympics bowler: I can beat the president!”

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_SPECIAL_OLYMPICS?SITE=NWCN&TEMPLATE=USHEADS.html&SECTION=HOME
#655099

On March 20th, 2009 at 3:45 pm, mike.musculus said:

#123
On March 20th, 2009 at 10:34 am, cheapseat said:
IN THE FIRST PLACE, BARRY SHOULD NOT BE ON A LATE NIGHT COMEDY SHOW. HE IS THE ~~POTUS PUTZ. WITH AS MANY THINGS GOING WRONG IN WASH D.C. . . .~~

Sorry, Cheap, “Truth in Disclosure” laws, don’tcha know.
#655135

On March 20th, 2009 at 4:11 pm, mike.musculus said:

#163
On March 20th, 2009 at 1:34 pm, undresiege said:
. . .
For the record, I ~~dont get my~~ write Barbraboxers ~~in a bunch~~ jokes about somebody joking about another being retarded or special. I disrespect those who are HONESTLY offended by ~~such jokes. The pres. made a stupid, insensitive gaffe in a jocular fashion. The~~ my hypocrisy and phony outrage
~~is still quite a sight to see from some of the folks here.~~
I ~~make you~~ look stupid for continuing to make exceptions for when its okay to ~~make jokes about someone~~ to be~~ing special. Some posters here are~~ outraged ~~about jokes~~ comparing ones self or others to special ~~olympians.~~ Posters. I ~~here~~ have made jokes about other posters and public ~~officials being special like. You~~ excuse it because YOU think ~~some deserve it, even thought it insults special people, and those that care for them.~~ You cant justify your ~~inconsistency without looking more stupid. Its easier for you to~~ calling me a troll, ~~stump off, and again prove that youre~~ I’m around 14. WAhhhh!
. . .

Sorry RSS, just those pesky “Truth-in-Disclosure Laws” again…

Though its easy to decypher when you have a Lefty Crypto-Fascist Decoder Ring(tm)…

Get One free in every bOx of OBOmber Os!

The Only cereal that has:
0 natural ingredients
0 flavOr
0 nutritiOn
0 value
100% empty calOries…
BUT envirOn mentally friendly because its made frOm:
100% Old wOrn-Out cOmmunist ideas
AND
Offal.
#655143

On March 20th, 2009 at 4:18 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

Mookie said:

Oh for Christ’s sake. Should Coulter apologize to Palin as well?

Huh? Please refresh my memory about that.

As a right-winger, Palin will appeal to the narrow 59 percent of Americans who voted for another former small-market sportscaster: Ronald Reagan.
#655150

On March 20th, 2009 at 4:20 pm, mike.musculus said:

Opps! edit #175:

Sorry RSS, that was directed at underpowered.

Dropped the PDA in the parking lot, I’m going to have to stop using it, its become a Lefty: its screen’s cracked. (for underpowered: makes it hard to read …)
#655166

On March 20th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, mike.musculus said:

#156
On March 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm, happyscrapper said:

HS, be gentle with UnderSized, he can’t hep himself!
But, thems was big words from someone claiming blacks are 3rd world ~~because Leftys hold them back~~ even though Leftys give them a handout.

Everytime UnderSized opens his yap more bigotry fountains out! Amazing! He must be full-to-busting w/it, like a boil or pustual.
#655167

On March 20th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

I HOPE BHO reads these comments, (he’s sooo insecure that he probably only gets 1 hour of sleep each night staying up to read everything we have to say about him), including this one to suggest that PLEEEEEZE!! Obama, consider replacing Robert Gibbs with Keith Olberman who is at least trying to stick up for you.
#655177

On March 20th, 2009 at 4:36 pm, wighttrasch said:

Heh. Olberman; who lies about his Ivy league schooling….
#655257

On March 20th, 2009 at 6:10 pm, undresiege said:

#175: I’m giggling about the fact that you’d take the time on your PDA to create a phony argument from an imaginary poster. Unbelievable. Type, type, type. How are the cramps in Rosie Palm? Fuuuuny. I guess I’m sorta flattered. *blushing*

HS, be gentle with UnderSized, he can’t hep himself!
But, thems was big words from someone claiming blacks are 3rd world

That’s actually RSS you’re slightly misquoting, but that’s okay. I’m still giggling.

Okay now I’m serious, kinda. I thought you were holding your breath and avoiding this blog after MM essentially rolled her eyes at all you Birth Certificate Truthers. Your contributions weren’t missed. I know, I know I’m a raaaaaaacist. My posts proved it huh, race-card boy? No, no I’m antiiiiiiiiiii Mormon, cause I think you’re a dummy. That too, huh? Giggle, giggle, whatever.

P.S.: I hope your pops if feeling better. I’m hope you’re a better son to him than the loon you play on MM.com. Give him a hug and cheek kiss for me. Tell him you’re sorry for shaming him.
#655277

On March 20th, 2009 at 6:46 pm, kjw33 said:

1. vote against born alive infant protection act.
2. repeal executive order permitting stem cell research.
3. special olympics “joke”

this ain’t rocket science folks. he clearly wants to rid the world of what he sees as genetic trash and/or mistakes. where do you he’s going with nationalized and/or rationed health care:
66 years old, retired and cancer? wow…that sucks. good luck to you though…just barely missed the cut-off for cancer treatments though.
don’t want my daughter’s “punished” with a baby, much less one that could be imperfect…abort it!

WAKE UP AMERICA! once bitten, twice shy. romney/palin 2012!

off topic: why is romney mia? he’s not going to help these clowns fix the economy and then take credit for it.
#655282

On March 20th, 2009 at 6:57 pm, tiredofit08 said:

On March 20th, 2009 at 10:03 am, wighttrasch said:

Obama is black?

nope he’s a mixed breed mutt….
#655292

On March 20th, 2009 at 7:15 pm, vsatt said:

I’ve had a chance to watch the video of the “joke” and it looks like he’s not saying his bowling is like the special olympics, but rather Leno’s response to the 129 score is what’s like the S.O. Telling him he did good to his face but turning aside to laugh.

If that’s the case, it’s even worse because he’s implying that when anyone cheers on and congratulates these courageous, hard-working men and women, it’s not sincere and everyone really thinks they’re a pitiful joke. Very catty and shallow on his part. He’s showing his true colors here.
#655299

On March 20th, 2009 at 7:52 pm, happyscrapper said:

On March 20th, 2009 at 6:57 pm, tiredofit08 said:
On March 20th, 2009 at 10:03 am, wighttrasch said:

Obama is black?
nope he’s a mixed breed mutt….

He’s half white and half Kenyon citizen.
#655411

On March 21st, 2009 at 5:00 am, rotarymunkey said:

Carter was attacked by a swimming rabbit while fishing and he never ONCE said his hunting or fishing skils were “like a Special Olympian”… and he’s been rated as one of the worst leaders we’ve had in the last 100 years! Sure he was ridiculed for it, but he took it like a MAN and was big enough to laugh about it later. I will give Carter credit for that…

For BO, there’s simply no excuse for that joke. None. A man with an Ivy League education should not poke fun AT THE EXPENSE OF MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED PEOPLE! Ever! There is no “bowling like a Special Olympian” if you bowled a 129! My WIFE hates bowling, and bowls almost a 150 every time.

Of course, since we’ve never even seen Obama’s actual, um, COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS, perhaps he does belong in that category?

For someone the MSM told us “has never placed a foot wrong politically”, he sure could be nicknamed “Dances With Two Left Feet”, couldn’t he?

I think I can hear Shillary cackling all the way from China!
#655415

On March 21st, 2009 at 5:10 am, rotarymunkey said:

Bumpersticker opportunity:
“Hi, I’m Barack Obama- Special Olympian!” along with that dumb smiling Barack photo MM always posts when he says something stupid. Pure comic genius!

BTW-if anyone want’s to jump on me for that it’s called “satire”. I’m using his own words against him.

What COULD make this sweeter is if he agree to the bowling game, get his butt whipped, walk over to shake hands afterwards, and have his hand refused by the Special Olympian who issued the butt-whumpin’! Oh Lordy, if you’re up there in heaven, please let me live long enough to see that happen! Forgive me for my blaspheming words on November 5th please. I didn’t really mean what I said!

Damn! And people thought Bush said stupid things when he said “Nu-cu-lur”

BTW-I heard someone on talk radio in LA today say that Bush said “Mission Accomplished!” about Iraq… Do they ever get tired of quoting something he DIDN’T actually say? I mean, if you’re gonna bash the man, there are so many other good choices, why stick with one which is blatently false?
#655416

On March 21st, 2009 at 5:13 am, rotarymunkey said:

Pres. Obama, If you’re reading this, I’ll offer my services as your joke writer for the next 4 years for just $100, even though I’m a conservative and hate every single idea you’ve produced. I simply cannot stand to see the Office of the Presidency treated this way! I would consider it my DUTY to make certain your big ol’ feet stay out of your mouth, insofar as I was able.

I ain’t doin’ it for Biden though… He’s hopeless!
#655478

On March 21st, 2009 at 11:31 am, cabrerski said:

On March 20th, 2009 at 10:48 am, John Deaux said:
A train leaves New York heading west at 50 miles per hour. Sam has 4 apples and give 2 to Mary. You’re an idiot.
See the connection? Neither did we.

Classic, JD, just classic.

You would think by now that lgm’s handlers at Kos, DU, and HuffHo are ready to disown him for being “too far gone”.

Word has it the White House will send an emmissary requesting that lgm to STFU.
#655590

On March 21st, 2009 at 3:12 pm, WestCoastCoconut said:

On March 20th, 2009 at 11:57 am, NavyMom said:

And to think we’re stuck with this clown for 3-1/2 more years. My prediction: One-termer.

He is not the only clown under the tent! Joe, Nancy and the rest of the house!

Lord helps us.
#656168

On March 23rd, 2009 at 9:17 am, mike.musculus said:

undre~~siege~~Sized, RSS, I see you have your fascist propaganda hats on.

These Lefty guys are like STDs.

They pretend to pleasure but take your life.