Updated: Fri Mar. 20 2009 8:17:27 PM

CTV.ca News Staff

U.S. President Barack Obama has apologized after saying he'd been practising his bowling skills at the White House but that his low score was "like the Special Olympics or something."

Obama made the gaffe during an appearance Thursday on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

He told Leno he'd been practising at the White House's bowling alley but wasn't happy about his score of 129.

"It was like the Special Olympics or something," Obama quipped, prompting laughter from the audience.

Even before the taped program aired, Obama had already issued an apology.

On Air Force One, Obama called the chairman of the Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, and apologized.

"He expressed his disappointment and he apologized in a way that I think was very moving. He expressed that he did not intend to humiliate this population," Shriver said Friday on ABC's "Good Morning America."

He said the president's apology was "very sincere" and that Obama had extended an invitation to Special Olympics athletes to visit the White House to bowl or play basketball with him.

Still, Shriver said the incident shows that words hurt and words do matter.

"These words that in some respect can be seen as humiliating or a put down to people with special needs do cause pain and they do result in stereotypes, they do result in behaviour that is neglectful and almost oppressive of people with special needs," Shriver said.

The White House said Friday Obama realizes his quip was a "thoughtless joke."

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said the president believes that the Special Olympics are "a triumph of the human spirit."

Gibbs added that Obama "understands that they deserve a lot better than the thoughtless joke that he made last night."

Aside from the gaffe, communications expert Stan Collender said Obama "hit it out of the ballpark" with his appearance on the show.

"He was relaxed, he seemed to be in charge and he was able to mix it up a bit with the host," Collender told CTV Newsnet on Friday.

He said Obama's appearance made him seem "real" and "outside the Washington bubble."

Meanwhile, one of the top bowlers for the Special Olympics said that he would destroy Obama in a game.

"He bowled a 129. I bowl a 300. I could beat that score easily," Michigan's Kolan McConiughey told The Associated Press in an interview Friday.

Deborah Bright, who heads up Special Olympics Canada, said Obama's joke was "unfortunate" but added that the flap offers up a good learning experience.

"I think it always brings to light the importance of the choice of words that people use in their day-to-day conversation," she said.

Bright added that the controversy is "a great learning opportunity for people in the U.S. and for Canadians so that they really can get a full understanding of the very positive and powerful effect Special Olympics and sport for people with an intellectual disability."

With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

hollinm
Let's get real here. Are we that sensitive that we can't see the intent of the President's remarks? There are many things to criticize Obama for but this surely is not one.

Alana
Okay - people have been waiting for him to mess up. He did - he apologized - so let's move on!

wendy
Why is the US President even on the TONIGHT SHOW? Doesnt he have more important things to do?

LeonSFromLeaside
I am not a fan of Obama or his politics, but I have to defend him here. He didn't meant anything more than he was a terrible bowler and tried to make a joke about it. Why should the Special Olympics are off limits for humour? Words do not hurt. The sooner we realize that the happier we will all be.

Brad G - Edmonton
This man is not a superhero, he is a human being. People have ridiculous aspirations for this guy. He is capable of doing some great things, but he will stumble. Unfortunately the national media will present each one in painstaking detail.

Jackie Barrett
As a Special Olympics member for 22 years, including 4 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games and 2 Special Olympics World Summer Games appearances, while I know Barack Obama didn't intend to insult the Special Olympics during his Bowling game, I think the apology doesn't go deep enough.

As a President who is suppose to be the persona for change, its ashame that Barack Obama, being from a disadvantaged group himself, would insult another disadvantaged group.

I think as a form of reparation for insulting the Special Olympics, and the hard work they do to advocate change and eliminate societal ignorance against intellectually and learning disabled athletes like myself, he should donate 5% of his Presidential salary to Special Olympics.

On the record, Special Olympians like myself, devote a considerable amount of time and effort training for their sport, just like generic or non-disabled athletes, and Obama should at least acknowledge that fact.

I will forgive Barack Obama if he takes responsibility for these remarks and makes appropriate reparation for it.

Dexter
I am sick and tired of watching everything I say or do to make sure it's "politically correct". Sometimes words are used figureatively, and are not really meant to cause pain or embarassment. Call me a wop, or dego and I promise I won't have you arrested! Grow some skin people!

Ry in the Hammer
I personally thought it was hillarious.

Society, as a whole, needs to stop reading into things as trivial and minute as this. It was a simple joke. Keep'em coming "O".

tim
Pretty small gaffe. Pretty big apology. What can I say? Obama is a humble man with a lot of class, head and shoulders above any statesmen I can remember.

Kerry in Calgary
Chill out world! If you can't laugh at yourself you're more uptight than a spring in a fat lady's scale. Oops, think I insulted fat ladies. Get real people! Everyone is looking for something to criticize. As the old saying goes, "Judge not lest ye be judged yourself."

montrose
"As a President who is suppose to be the persona for change, its ashame that Barack Obama, being from a disadvantaged group himself, would insult another disadvantaged group."

Interesting comparison. He's disadvantaged because of what? His mental ability?

For some one who wants to defend disadvantaged people, you could have said this better.

I bowl therefore I am
Can you imagine how the spin would have played out on this gaffe if George Bush had said it instead of Obama? But it's OK a democrat said it.
I agree with other posters however, this is not a big deal. Regular folks make these kind of comments all of the time. As a final comment Special Olympians bowl at the same lanes as my son every Saturday morning and some of them are exceptionally good bowlers.

Pete
People like Obama, which is why most people are quick to defend him and forgive him. If it was Harper or Bush making those remarks, people wouldn't be so forgiving.

Lee
Anyone who is going to read into this any further than for what it was on the surface, seriously needs to get a life. Its no wonder that the people in power don't seen to get things done very quickly, they're busy trying to look and act like robots instead of human beings.

Murray W.
If this would have been George W. Bush making this same gaffe, he would have been crucified!!!

Derek
Attention Jackie,
Thank you for your well formulated answer. As I was reading your comment, I thought you commanded a lot of respect until you started asking for remuneration. The comment that Obama made was unintentionally hurtful. He apologized right away in a sincere fashion. With the attention that this story has received, the gravity of his error in choice of words is very apparent. I believe that President Obama has learned his lesson; furthermore, I believe that many more people have learned this lesson due to the publicity of this event.

Michael B., Ottawa
I love watching all the sycophants on TV, in the media and in the Obama fan club say this is no big deal... I have to wonder what the hew and cry would be had Bush said something like this... or if, like Obama did two days ago in an event with the Irish PM, thanked himself for inviting everyone to the White House... or when Obama three weeks ago walked into the window next to a door leading into the Oval Office... or if Bush had made a big deal of doing NCAA picks when the economy had tanked... or if Bush had spent the last six weeks throwing on average two to three parties a week with $100/pound wasuga steak...

I'm not sure what's sadder: having an obvious empty-suit like Obama as President, or watching the media and his fans fall all over themselves trying to hide this or make it seem irrelevant.

8 years of watching these same people lambaste Bush for this type of thing is evidence of a complete and total bias.

Darren
I see you are all defending him as usual.

What would have happened if Bush had said that? Everyone would have been going crazy with anger, said it was a stupid thing to say, etc.

Liberal hypocrisy knows no bounds.

The other lowell in BC
Obama quickly realized the gaffe and apologized for it. End of story. I thoroughly enjoyed his late night session with Jay Leno. Not only does he have a good sense of humor and good rapport with people but his ideas about change as articulated on the show are intended to create stability and growth for the US. I liked his comparison to Idol and everyone is a Simon Cowell.

Justa Fella in ON
Wow a record ! It took 6 comments before somebody said that an apology wasn't enough. I know I'm guilty of a whole lot worse, as are most people. The vebal gaffe is worth noting, the apology is worth noting, and maybe we can all learn from it. Nuff said !.....Next !

Bill - an educated person
To Jackie Barrett:

5% of his salary? are you serious about that? that's the most ridiculous thing I think I have ever heard! That's the kind of attitude that will bankrupt the world! Why should anyone have to pay 5% of their salary to a special interest group every time they made a tiny remark? Are you suggesting we institute a "swear jar" policy: every time someone says something publicly that offends even one person, they have to contribute to the "hurt feelings fund"?

Deeda
I have to agree with what I've read so far...the President made a simple mistake, and it should be taken lightly. I'm glad he apologized as quickly as he did, but that's it, its over and done..lets move on.

eileen
Why is this man on a comedy show in the middle of a financial crisis? Is he such a narcissist that he has to be seen everywhere? How about at the White House instead, doing some work rather than playing, trying to appeal to a late night audience. He is being paid to be Commander in Chief not Head Clown.

M. Cameron
As a person with a disability, it comes as no surprise to me that, his comment is being taken lightly, but, if he had made a sexist or racist comment then there would be much more anger. This is clear proof that people with disabilities have a much longer way to go before we get equal respect.

Prof. Pye Chartt
STRANGE GAFFE FOR AN ORATOR

While I agree that everybody makes mistakes by saying something they shouldn't have, and Obama certainly went out of his way to make appropriate amends here, I find it quite surprising that someone with such a gift of calculated, precise speaking and forethought would be so loose as to let that dumb quip out of his mouth.

Being presidential and being amusing is a tough mix, I guess.

Doug BC
I'm not qualified to compete in the Special Olympics,so I can't really speak for those who are.
But,I've always believed a persons comments need to be taken in context.Hanging on every word to find a reason to be offended is simply nonsense.More a matter of political correctness than anything else.If no offense was intended,I don't feel offended.
Besides,I tend to agree with "wendy".Obama is playing to his popularity right now.It's time to get over the show business style of governing and get on with the real work.Right now,I think Obama looks more like an entertainer than a president.
This "gaffe" seems minor compared to some of his other screw ups.And,believe me,there are many more,and many bigger ones to come.
More often than not,"it is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt".
So far,I get the feeling that the world is so hungry for solid leadership in the USA,that few are even accepting the fact that this administration is making some big mistakes already.
It's human nature to jump all over people we don't like very much.And it's also human nature to accept the words of people we like as gospel.The real truth is largely irrelevant.
Nearly everyone wants peace.You can say that anywhere and get a good reception.Where you run into trouble is when you try to interpret what people are willing to pay for it.
All to often,the alternative to war is not peace,but submission or slavery to an ideology that is unacceptable to one party or another.
Talk is cheap.So far,talk is Obamas strong suit.I see little real substance,so far.

Okay... let's move on.
I caught that last night and knew instantly that there would be damage control from the White House. An off-side remark? Sure. Do good people sometimes say thingsthat they regret? Of course.
I was very impressed with President Obama, despite the remark. He came across as being very, very sharp, witty, intelligent, funny and human. I truly got the sense that he would be someone I could sit down with in my home and feel totally at ease with. These qualities are a huge part of this man's appeal; he truly represents the people and my generation. I really like the guy; he is inspiring, optomistic and oh, so refreshing compared to that baboon who occupied the Oval Office for eight long, long years.
I too have made off-colour remarks that I have regretted to colleagues and friends alike. However, my character speaks for itself and have not been harshly judged for saying comments not unlike what President Obama said.
We are in the midst of a profound soft revolution here folks. This man WILL accomplish his agenda and will restore America's tarnished reputation globally as well as leading us out of this economic mess.
A great, great leader is amongst us.

L R
He made an off the wall comment that if we were making fun of our bowling scores we would have probably said something along similar lines. It was I killed myself laughing at the comment. People just have to get over things and stop making every little thing into a big thing.

Bruce W.
I think Obama would be more sensitive than the majority of people who are commenting on this issue; thank God.

If Obama, or anyone else, wants to be humble regarding their bowling abilities, or any ability, let them do so without comparing themselves or including themselves, with any group of people.

If Obama, or anyone, wants to joke, let it be done at no one's expense. If you don't think stereotypes or prejudice, even in the form of humour, don't hurt society, you're kidding yourself.

Obama is human. He makes mistakes. He made a big one.
Thankfully, he and his staff appear to be suitably sensitive and are taking responsibility for this mistake, given the influence that such an important man can have on society.

silvia
I don't like his policies but come on, do people really sit in front of their television set deliberately waiting for Obama to mess up so they can criticize him the following morning on the internet? Get a life already.

YouandMeTogether
The difference is Bush would not have apologised sincerely.

CC
Oh I see how this works. If Obama says something that's politically incorrect, he is "human". If Harper were to say the same remarks he would be an intolerant, radical, right wing extremist. A monster who is out to rid the world of the weak. The hypocracy of the left is sickening, at the very least.
And I am one who believes that political correctness is ruining our continent.

Mark
The big difference between Obama saying this and Bush is that Bush said stupid things ALL the time!

Karin
Maybe this is why sitting Presidents don't belong on talk shows. Other than that, enough of this darned political correctness.

Karen
Come off it already, really what's next, people shouldn't have to tippy toe around every word that leaves their mouth. Nor should they have to apologize for them. This whole political correctness is total overkill. Lighten up world, there's more important matters to worry about.

Kim
This just goes to show that us advocates for special needs have a lengthy battle ahead to change society's perception of disabilities. The president is no different than anybody else that we deal with on a daily basis.

HM
A harmless remark... and a top 10 news story... sad that some are so easily offended! He is sorry? I see nothing to be sorry for!

Jon
To Jackie Barrett. I really should give you a pat on the back for your incredible efforts and determination in the special olympics. Great Job. However, Barak Obama immediately apologized after his "little comment" and it was a heart felt apology. I thing what you need to understand is, money is not an apology when its from the heart...money is greed.

Gerald from Belleville
The comment itself is not a big deal, it's even somewhat funny.

That fact that Obama, the PRESIDENT of the United States, said it is very troubling.

On the spot and off hand comments often reveal what someone really thinks behind the veneer of political correctness. He may have apologized, but that he went "that way" when talking about a particular sporting ability likely reveals that he is prejudiced towards people with physical handicaps.

What this comment shows is that despite being part of the "visible minority", ie a non-white person, Obama also holds at least some negative views about other "visible minorities". Why this bothers me is that Obama made it a point in his campaign to be inclusive, to strike down the barriers of minority inequity. Much of his platform pushed for change and an atmosphere of acceptance and equality within the US. That he holds negative views towards an existing minority lets me believe then that his political platform and ideals are not in sync.

CYL
I like President Obama. I enjoyed the show and his humour. He's like everyone else, and I'm sure we have all said things which others misinterpret or take out of context. "The President is not perfect as the complainers". I would like to give them complainers a few of my words, but this site would not publish it.

Garry
I've read "end of story" 6 times so far on these comments. Well maybe it should be but many of us are seeing proof here that no matter what the big "Owe" (with apologies to Mtl) says, 'He' will be excused - immediately! End of story!!
Maybe he should be but the point is the media really would have nailed a right of center politician and continued to do so endlessly and shamelessly as some sort of proof of the stupidity/ignorance, etc of a non-liberal.
The hypocrisy and double standard is sickening. End of story.

Rick in NB
Yes we defend him. We defnd him because he is the real deal. Do you think this gaffe is the same as Bush's " Too many OBGYN's aren't able to practice their love with women across this country " or Harper telling Atlantic Canada that we have defeatist attitudes.
and there were no apoligies made for either. Obama is a class act.
Why does it bother you that we may be seeing one of the few great people that are born every 1000 years?

Kerri-Hamilton
I have a brother involved in the Special Olymics and did not find that comment offensive or in poor taste. Only those looking to stir the pot and cause grief will pick it apart. Guess what Obama is like everyone else and puts his pants on one leg at a time.

Jean
A number of people have said George Bush would have been excoriated for making a remark like this. I'd like to point out that the former president was given lots of room initially. The US was at war and so almost no one questioned the government or the president for a very long time. It was only have some very serious errors in judgement were noticed that people started jumping all over him.

Michael, according to the article I read it was the Irish PM who mistakenly started reading Pres. Obama's speech...unless two speech reading mistakes were made during that visit?

Joanne - Edmonton
Give the guy a break for god's sake.....he may be the president but he's still human isn't he??? All the ones who are criticizing him, take a minute and try to recall how many times you've made reference special needs individuals.....come on you know you've all done it.

Tamz
So he made a joke that offended a group of people, he apologized for it. Let us move on. Are with that insecure or so ready to pounce on people who may make the slightest error. Before anyone says anything, I am not insensitive to those of special needs (has a cousin who is special needs) but when one group gets targeted everyone gets so gung ho about it. Sigh

Funny Guy in a Serious World
He should RESIGN immediately! Forfeit ALL his future earnings. Maybe have to do community service.

Nothing is funny anymore. Everyone gets offended by any comment. His bowling sucks. I ahve volunteered for the Special Olympics and have joked about how much better they are than I am - a fully abled body who can't do any sport.

I have also joked about women being better Mothers because they are, gay men being better at artistic things (a lot are, a lot aren't) an dI am gay, we need to lighten up. There is a lot of bad things in the world. We need to laugh more and not take ourselves so seriously.

The world used to be a fun, happy place - with wars, the economic downturn, murders - we need to step back and see the humour in our daily lives and start to laugh again.

Paul from Regina
Well, I guess a lot of folks who aren't disabled in any way weren't offended by a handicapped joke. Big surprise. But does that really give you the right to forgive and forget on behalf of the people who were actually the butt of the joke?

Oh, and this is not a matter of 'political correctness.' PC is, for example, when you worry about the gender ramifications of the phrase 'mankind'. Expecting someone (particularly the president) to 'not make fun of handicapped people' doesn't seem like a trivial PC matter.

dave
Everybody, including world leaders make gaffes. The only problem for me is the way we react to who makes the gaffe. If George Bush had made the same gaffe, imagine the reaction!
But I agree, move on to more important things.

Samual
Why worry about this we know his intentions we should be more concerned about the mess he's making with the economy. Billions out the door making stupid laws to correct his mistakes. Obama & Harper are the wrong people to fix the economy. Too bad we don't have someone like Paul Martin as our PM he was the last PM to run a surplus. Harper threw that away.

Rob in On
Why does everyone have such thin skin now days? Please ...I truly believe it was an off the cuff remark meant only as a joke and not to insult or demeen the Special Olympics. If we could stop and laugh at ourselves once in awhile instead of being over sensitive when a joke is made we'd all be better off. If the intent was to hurt than Yes people should get upset, but clearly it wasn't and I'm positive there is not one person alive on this planet that has never made a gaff unintentionally. Obama is after all just human and humans make mistakes.

Steve the Pundit
No question; any conservative or right-wing politician would have been PUMMELED for making such a remark. The "honeymoon" continues for Obama and the Democrats.

Enjoy it while it lasts; soon the tide will turn as the policy failures start piling up.

AMM in SK
Jackie Barrett:

It is obvious that you are very passionate of the organization, and that is a great thing.

I also have to say though, thank you for giving me a good laugh this morning while reading... 'he should donate 5% of his Presidential salary to Special Olympics.'

I'm sorry, but tell me.. what would that solve? Nothing. If I asked for money from every person that had ever hurt my feelings, I would be a millionaire, as would many people in the world.

I am not by any means insulting the organization or your thoughts, I just find it odd that you think a donation of the Presidents salary would make it all better.

PC
As a parent of a child with a disability who may strive to become a special olympian Obamas words are deflating. The posters who claim we are too sensitive and that words do not hurt need a wake up call. Obama of all people should set an example for how not to stereotype a segment of the population. I wonder if we would be so quick to downplay these comments if Obama said he bowled like Canadians rather than special olympians. Damage control apology will hopefully make some people realize that comments like these are not acceptable.

Andrew
Its obvious Obama didn't mean to insult to disrespect athletes who compete in the Special Olympics. Partisan opportunists will seize any chance to make something political, here is no exception.

I must say that although my expectations of Obama have been pretty low, so far I am impressed. He seems to take responsibility for errors, which is more than I can credit Bush with.

James Lafleur
Heaven forbid the man makes a joke

People are so thin-skinned these days, it's sad really.

Connie (Calgary)
Let's not fake indignation. If you actually heard the comment you would understand there was no intend to offend anyone. Perspective people.

Anne
That's what is wrong with society, we've lost persective. Lighten up everyone...and stop pouncing on every little thing that is said. I saw the humour in that remark and did not associate it in any way with disparagement of the Special Olympics, something we all agree is a marvelous endeavour.

Barry in Ottawa
Suck it up people !!.. Most jokes insult one group or another !!!... I'm Sure President Obama meant no acutal harm....I think he should get a pass on this one.. can we do it.... YES WE CAN !!

John from TO
We all remember a certain prime ministers "fuddle duddle" comment.

But you got to feel for Obama though.. How embarrassing for him.

D in NS
For a second though, let's pretend it wasn't Obama (who we all love and respect) who made this remark.

Would any of you on here be tolerant of this sort of degrading comment had it come from a less popular President? Bush comes to mind....

I think it was a very distasteful and disrespectful thing to say; equal to that of a racial remark, and in this case against a group of courageous and wonderful people who have quite enough challenges in their lives that they do not need someone of the President's stature to diminish them further. Even as a joke.

A shameful comment. (and he knows it).

I suppose this goes to prove that nobody is perfect, not even this new President that everyone has such high hopes for.

This is just the sort of thing that our society needs to move away from. Do not condone this, speak out against it. This falls squarely into the same category as racism and bigotry. It doesn't matter who says it.

From,
Obama's comment shows that no one can be perfect. What impressed me most was how quickly and responsibly he chose to ammend his gaffe. Well done Mr. President.

From,
Another Canadian who wishes our PM could have been Obama!

Matt
I love how people can be so critical on other leaders but OBAMA?? No we gotta make every excuse for him.

Keenan Wellar
His intent was to suggest that being incompetent (at bowling in this case, but clearly a generalized stereotpye) is the same thing as having an intellectual disability. This is THE PRESIDENT talking. He has the power to influence people in very important ways - for better, or in this case, for worse. Most of the patronizing apologies have done little to help the situation, but that's not surprising, the like most people Obama probably hasn't given much thought to what it is like to face the world on a daily basis as a person with an intellectual disability.

MajorityOfOne
Much ado about so little!
It was a joke. A comparison of ability only. No harm meant and none should be taken. He is only guilty of self-deprecation which some would argue is a weak attempt at humor. However, he apologized and that should be that, if not, then who has the problem????

John
i don't even like Obama, but this was a good joke. Nobody is really offended. Why aren't people outraged over the tens of billions Obama's administration and the Democratic congress sent to foreign banks through AIG?

nc
I'm certain many others have made such comments that afterwards they privately thought. This was not a good choice of words. I know I have. But that does not mean there was malice.
Having said this. We are becoming extremely sensitive to everything. Soon enough we will not bother to speak about anything.
All he was saying he is so bad a bowler that he felt he needed special help.
I have the lowest score ever in bowling. We played a game of bowling with my 2 year granddaughter and I beat her only by 20 points. We were both under 100.
This is pathetic. Mr. Obama was saying he sucked.

Anthony
The President of the US going on a talk show while Rome burns. This is going to be a fun four years.

Kim
Slow news day?

Human...at last
Finally a side showing how human he is.

Anyone could make an error in judgement, say the wrong thing, hurt someone's feelings or put a foot in the mouth.

I am impressed he apologized quickly.

Time for the media and everyone else to get on with their lives, its said, its done, he's apologized, it is over.

Travis
Why is this being spinned as a "gaffe"? This was no gaffe but discrimination.

Jooge
Just for kicks, how would people have reacted if say George Bush or Hilary Clinton had made that comment? Would people be so willing to 'move on'.

Maybe he should have to undergo 'sensitivity' training.....isn't that people have to take when they are 'only human'?

Charley Rose
His intent was to suggest that he was bowling as poorly as a physically challenged individual would. Suggesting that physically challenged individuals bowl like that and can 't do any better. What's THAT!? That's handicap profiling, it was rude and is NOT something a person, politically inclined or otherwise, should say about another individual, even if it was supposed to be funny. Which is was not! Yes he sucks at bowling, but I bet you there are physically challenged individuals out there who could whoop his a-- at this sport!! So,dont' say,it was just a joke, it was not a joke, it was a suggestion of an inferior ability in his mind. He is supposed to be highly educated, could he not come up with something more tactful to say, like... his low score was "like AIG's credit score now" or something like that?

James
President Obama is a big man for apologizing even though I did not think it was necessary.

I think the Special Olympians would have just a wonderful time bowling at the White House.

The White House would be really neat to see if tours were offered.

Maybe later in the Spring when the blossoms are in bloom would be a good time to tour the White House if that were possible?

Kevin in Toronto
Does seem hypocritical. If Harper or any other politician, especially a Conservative, made that comment they'd be hounded for their resignation.

But, I agree. A mistake, he apologized, lets get over it.

Though I thought "This is like a death by a thousand cuts. Or should I say cold cuts." was funnier.

Maureen
I also think this was nothing more than a 'slip of the tongue' however if Bush had said this, the MSM would be going on about it for weeks with in-depth 'investigative' pieces on Bush's background and how he views people with disabilities, the record of Texas on hiring people with disabilities, his familie's business' track record with hiring people with disabilities - and on and on and on. So for the MSM to give Obama a pass on this is reflective of the easy ride he has received from the start. The more important question is 'why is he on a talk show when the economy is a mess and everytime his administration attempts to do something it backfires.

John
What financial crisis?

Let's not forget Obama is human, yes people it's true. He may the president, but he made a human error. As president it definantly shouldn't have been said.However ,,many of us have used that same type of "joke" to get a laugh in a crowd or something.

The main thing is he apologized.

Jackie Barrett
What I meant by the "disadvantaged group" remark montrose, is the fact Barack Obama represents America's visible minority population, whom are often considered a "disadvantaged group" or "affirmative action group".

Off the record, if Barack Obama gave me an invitation to bowl at the White House, I would definitely accept it.

Frank, Scarborough, Ontario
It's a good thing he's a Democrat (and Oprah-approved), otherwise there would be an outcry over such thoughtless remarks.

Joe
If this was any conservative, all the Liberals, NDP and special interest groups would be calling for their death but since it's the second coming of Christ saying it, it's ok.

Linda in Vancouver
HaHa.Most of the posts here point to the nature if the criticism,or lack of it.
Go back and see how many people say "I like Obama".
That is clearly the reaon most are jumping through hoops to defend anything he says or does.Not because of the material facts of the situation,but because "we like him".
Personally,liking a leader is not very high on my list of priorities when I go to vote.I want to vote for someone who can do the job properly.Liking him/her is not mandatory.It is never a good idea to think someone is right just because you like him/her.Not is it wise to assume someone must always be wrong just because you don't like him/her.
As some have already pointed out,if Harper of Bush had done the same thing in exactly the same way,no one would be defending them.
Double standards are very clearly at work here.

Jackie Barrett
I admit that my suggested penalty against Obama was too excessive and Draconian. I only said that because he should take some responsibility for his actions, and apologizing was a big step, something you would not get out of George W. Bush.

Maybe Barack Obama should attend the 2010 USA Special Olympics Summer Games in Nebraska next summer to show his support for these hard working athletes. That'll be a great way to make up for his mistakes, and make a big difference to the world's intellectually and learning disabled community.

GTA
How about an apology for duping the American public. This guy is a one man wrecking crew obsessed with destroying the United States.
As far as the bowling comment - no one cares except for the PC (politically correct) police.

Make a wiser decision Obama
If he truly wanted to avoid making a fool of himself, he wouldn't have went on the show. He put himself in that position and then he apologizes. And I think Obama obviously didn't mean the remark, he is lucky people find his apology sincere and he did it right away....otherwise he would have been in trouble.

Joe
One of the first times I went 10 pin bowling, the Special Olympics team was practicing beside me. They were extremely good. They also gave me some pointers.

No point to my post, just thought I would mention it.

budman
Come on people!!! It was a bad joke made in complete jest during the light of the moment. For those who don't want to be treated any differently...you sure spend a lot of time asking to be treated differently. Why are you not defending the poor bowlers who can't afford an alley for their house! Stop using your time on this and find something valuable to do with all the great energy you are wasting.

RGkaliwikers
Obamapalooza is still alive and well; evidenced by the sheer numbers willing to make excuses for his failings and gaffes. Imagine if anyone else made this comment...OMG the uproar!!

GUTSHOT! in Thunder Bay
IMPEACH OBAMA!

More weakness from a weak leader.

Seriously, this guy is such a fraud and the double standard from all the liberals is predictable.

As already said , this isnt a gaffe, this is outright discrimination. Where's Reverend Al, and Jesse Jackson???

More weakness from a weak leader. He will destroy America

wilbil
Obama didn't mess up as many would agree its just the hungry media out there looking for anything to make news.
This isn't news.

If the Stupids of the world out there really listened to what he said about HIMSELF! that would have been taken as a JOKE! get it a JOKE! he injected a little comedy/humor into the 1/2hr he had and look at what was picked up, whats wrong with the world can't people take a joke once in a while and try and laugh it should be tried sometime the world just might be a better place. Obama is trying his best to make it a better place and the finger wavers don't want anything to do with it.

NO APOLOGIZE ARE IN ORDER!!

Allison NS
Go watch "The Ringer" with Johnny Knoxville.

Stop Whining Jackie
Jackie get a life...he apologized and did not mean anything detrimental towards the special olympic athletes...time to grow up and move on

Special Olympians want everyone to relax
People in the Special Olympics are not offended one bit, that's why they're Special. They don't waste time on blogs and listening to the media making a big deal out of nothing just to get ratings. We could all learn a great deal from Special Olympians and their ability to always doing there best while having fun and treating everyone with the respect. They don't take every little ignorant comment so seriously. Obama is human and everybody puts there foot in it every once and a while, all Special Olympians would forgive him so relax and go back to crying about money!

Rick
Kudos to "Special Olympians want everyone to relax". Great post. I have nothing further.

STB
this is definitely not worse than the 'out-takes' video from past Special Olympics that has been circulating.

Roger Craig
He doesn't even qualify for the Special Olympics. My son is in local Special Olympics bowling and his average is 151 for the year. Special Olympics has some really good bowlers.

Gail
This is another example that society has become so paranoid and overly sensitive that people cannot laugh at themselves. President Barack is not stupid nor is he insensitive to the feelings of the American people. If we can't laugh at ourselves, what are we to do? Please everyone, people are leaving their friends and families and dying every day for what they believe it....freedom. If it were not for those brave souls and those before them, think how different the President's comment would have been interpreted.

Jay Kay
Give it a rest. Obama doesn't have a mean or malicious bone in his body.
He was making an an attempt at self-deprecating humour; he most decidedly was not casting aspersions against a well-respected organization, and especially not at any of the athletes who participate in the Special Olympics.

Rob
Okay,my brother is severely disabled, I am very sensitive about treatment to persons with disabilities, I do NOT support Obama, and I am NOT offended.

Rob
Jackie, are you saying that "non-disabled" athletes are just generic, unspecial, boring, overly advantaged,... or what are you really saying here?

Krankyswife
Wow! How is it that people who are in certain groups can joke about things within it but heaven forbid anybody else does. I have to agree people need to be not so quick to judge think about how many times you have made a "not politically correct" statment. The diffrence is nobody is watching every move you make to see if you screw up.

Mrs. Ogga
I'll bet that the members of the Special Olympics team fell over (on purpose) laughing at Obama's comment. The Prez is not a mean-spirited person, but the people who pick up on minutiae such as this are the hurtful ones.
Even God has a sense of humour. Have you ever seen the pope's hat?

Jay-TO
"Why is the US President even on the TONIGHT SHOW? Doesnt he have more important things to do?"

Why does Stephen Harper go on to CNN to address the American people with honesty and then ignore Canadians and lie to them? At least Obama is talking to Americans. Harper talks about and over Canadians but never to us.

saul r
If Bush or Harper would have said the same thing the lefties and most of the Media (especially the CBC) would have had a field day!!

As would many of you who now defend Obama and accept his apology

Dave from SK
You people disgust me. Here is a president finally acting like a person instead of a politician and you seem determined to beat it out of him.

And please stop pretending you're ACTUALLY offended by his remark. This reeks of partisan mud-slinging.

If people would jump on Bush or Harper it would be because they have no integrity. You can't make an "honest" mistake if you possess no honesty.

sarcasm

What I really want to know is why nobody is concerned for the real issue; how Obama's daughters were more interested in candy than the Washington monument! What exactly has he been teaching them?! Where are their values?! They're so un-American!

/sarcasm

I'm out of here. The hypocrisy is choking me.

PM
Everyone screws up now and again, and Obama's apology has rightly been taken at face value.

That being said, if a conservative politician had made the exact same error, they would have been pilloried by the press, and the liberals in this post.

I wonder if they're capable of recognizing their own hypocrisy... or do the ends justify the means ?

Laureen
no, let's not move on. Let's go deeper. This exposes a contempt for what he deems inferior. Should this surprise anyone in view of his widening the scope of abortion? The disabled unfortunately are victims of abortions following the liberal idel that decides worthiness of life.

John
If it was Harper you know damn well that he wouldn't have got away with it....like the new messiah!!
you bunch of hypocrits!!

Renee from Regina
"Mark:
The big difference between Obama saying this and Bush is that Bush said stupid things ALL the time!"

Yes, I suppose that is true! To be honest, I don't think it would have mattered to me who had said it. If Bush had said it, despite my complete and utter lack of respect for him, I cannot see myself thinking he would have meant any bad by it, either. People let these things slip, even if they don't mean any harm. We are all human, even *cringe* Bush.

Sarah, Ottawa
We as a society are getting hyper-sensative about things that insult or offend us. It is time to grow some thicker skin. People seem to have forgotten the old lesson of "sticks and stones."

As an aside, I doubt people would have been this forgiving if it had been Prime Minister Harper (or any other Conservative MP) who had made this comment.

oldcoot
It's getting to the point that you can't even have a sense of humour before someone is offended.His remark was taken out of context.....so get a life folks,there's plenty more to sqawk about than the comment he made on the Jay Leno Show.

bcontario
Perhaps Obama was on Leno to try and connect with the people and show he is human. Even he I am sure needs a break from the financial crisis.

We need distraction from the doom and gloom constantly thrown at us by the media.

He put his foot in his mouth, hold the presses big news. The media a lot of which are going broke will sensationalize anything in an attempt to raise viewership.

I am sick to death of politically correctness. It is coming to the point where I am not even allowed to be Canadian and enjoy my traditions for fear I may offend someone.

Society has gone off the deep end. Laughter is the best medicine.

karen
It would have been even funnier if he said he bowled like a Canadian....teeheehee...if you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?

Arthur G
I don't buy for a second the apology was sincere. I will bet anything, one of his thousands of advisors probably went up to him afterwards and said "Hey Barack, that Special Olympics comment probably won't go over well.". So, Barack puts on the Obama charm and makes a couple of phone calls and all is foregiven. What a joke. I have never seen a more teflon leader than this.

Bailey
What I have to laugh at is the fact that this isn't an actor or some low rate politician...this is the President of the United States making this remark. I always found him to be a good speaker... and although he has apoligized I still find his humor offensive....
And you all know damn well if this was someone else anyone else...you'd never hear the end of it.......

Me from down here
You lot are amazing - the outcry over a simple statement (which was apologised for) and yet, how many homeless people do you have (is there an outcry over that?), how many nutcases do you have running around with guns(where's the outcry?).

Just remember the most important thing - after a horribly Loooooong election campaign - you guys elected him, and now you are stuck with him

Ed in Ontario
While I don't care about the remark itself, Bush would have been raked over the coals for this. The apology would've been deemed less than sincere, etc.

Let's get over this, but please have some press consistency.

R.D.Murphy
Funny, I do not remember Shriver shooting off her mouth when hubby Arnie made his "girlie-men" remarks a while back. Makes you wonder about the sincerity of her remarks.