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!

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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.

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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.

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