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[...] CNN Political Ticker All politics all the time Blog Archive Posted by root 19 hours ago (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com) I am sure some one at msnbc will have some lame excuse for another obama gaf and blame bush the comment the president made regarding the special olympics was are people out there that can 39 t put food on their table or a roof over their head stoday power Discuss  |  Bury |  News | cnn political ticker all politics all the time blog archive [...]

"Imagine if Bush said this?"

Are you Republicans really THAT petty and delusional? I think breaking the world is a little worse.

If ONLY this is what Bush did wrong. Imagine that! The hysterical fanatic OUTRAGE! and hyperbole over every Obama action, statement (real or imaginary) is so dumb. Aren't you freaks exhausted?

Well, I made a negative comment about Obama and the liberal media, but I used a concerte example instead of emotional argument, so–once again–my comment was not posted. This happens to me all the time here. I shopuld have been posted right after the 12:42 mark; I'll try not use use real evidence next time.

Look, forgot the P.C. way of looking at it and lets just be realistic for once.

Special Olympic bowlers (or any special needs sports) on average suck, they are speical needs for god's sake. Hell while we're kicking the P.C. jargon lets just say it, they are tards. Get over the knee-jerk reaction already.

Like you can't say fried chicken and watermelon around a black person anymore without the NAACP being notified.

Plain and simple there are too many restrictions and watchdog groups that people cannot be themselves or convey what they feel anymore. Even when it's the truth, something it seems this country has lost a very long time ago. It's very sad.

WoW! it is nice to read so many people out there on their soap boxes today...

thanks cnn for allowing me to kill my day at work by reading what all these whiners have to say about obama. good or bad still funny read.

The reason that there is a SPECIAL OLYMPICS is because the Olympians are special in that they are impaired or disabled in some way and are unable to compete in the world Olympics with other athletes. I think Pres. Obama's point was to say that he is impaired or disabled in some way as it pertains to the sport of bowling. Though technically, I don't think there is anything wrong with his comment. It probably wasn't a good choice of words since it could possibly be taken out of context and offend some people.

Actually it is not telling that the "obama haters" preface their statements with "what if Bush had said it"...it is accurate.

Personally, I feel there is too much fake PC, fake vicitm BS.Las time there was a special alympian gaffe that the media went crazy about the Special Olympina undrstood the impetus and reaoning and though the joke was funny....
...what is funnier is this Pres is showing how useless he is without a teleprompter and someone to feed him quotes frompast presidents...

My brother is in a wheelchair and he laughed. I think it was a mistake, but funny.

i hate obama and i think you guys are wayyyyyy too sensitive. Arguing on the internet is like the special olympics.........

nuff said

I thought Obama was supposed to be "better". Guess not.

Love how the dimocrats on here try to defend his remark.

1 He's only human
2 Say something about what republicans did
3 Say let the first person who never said anything bad throw the first stone
4 He was just joking
5 I'm not offended.
6 What about all the remarks GWB made
etc. etc. etc..

Yet these are the same people who would crucify a republican for making a lessor remark.

OK we know your lips are glued to obama's butt, but there really is no excuse for what he said other than he should not leave home without his teleprompter. Just admit that he isn't really all you think he is and move on.

he made a major blunder. get over it already.

Why is everything taken out of context. He was speaking of himself relative to his bowling skills. I'm begining to understand why the former president and his admin had so little to say. the media is constantly looking for something to critique. I guess it keeps them in business though.

Thanks for telling me this was a gaffe. Otherwise I never would have known. I thought it was just self-depracating humor. Have the Republicans become PC all of a sudden?

I think that we're making a mountain out of a mole hill because the remark came through without any intended, harmful consequences. It appears that our country can't wait to call our President on any minor situation that may befall him. This has become nothing short of mere jealousy with high hopes for him to fail as a president. Let's get on with it and focus on other far-more pertinent issues that may include, and not limited to, of course, the economy, healthcare, Iraq, and the elephant in the room: Our National Debt, compliments of our republican friends for the past thirty years!

****Shawn**** I'm not even a Republican and I think you're a pinhead! These people aren't all necessarily Republican either, they're just upset that "The One" could make such a careless remark. And btw, the people who were not yelling while Bush was "Shredding the Constitution" or "Committing War Crimes" were probably just relieved to see a president strike back since we got hit THREE TIMES under Clinton and all he did to retaliate was philander with his intern...Now if you wanna sit at the BIG BOY table, lets talk like big boys okay:D

Touche Cory, but the lie about cheating on your wife is much more worse than lying to all of us about yellow cake and the ensuing lives that are changed because of it. The only victims to the cigar in tuna town was the dress wearer and the whistle blower.......true republicans will have to wait til 2017 for their day, the rest of the wannabees need to go the the unemployment office for their benefit extensions unless they live in AK, SC, TX, or LA.........

somehow, hey will find a way to make this bush's fault...

Most people have compared themselves or others to those w/ impediments jokingly, when they mess up, or basically are horrible at something......... He didn't mean it to be evil or anything...... However as President one must be politically correct at all times......I watched the interview, and you could hardly hear that comment audibly...... Okay two months into the new Presidency, and I believe we've scrutinized him so much, called him every name, predicted dooms day scenarios, now I really feel we need to relax, and get ourselves together, and scrutinize ourselves.......Our country depends on our effectiveness........

The reason that there is a SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Why in the world did the tele-prompter tell him to say that anyway?

Lola March 20th, 2009 12:51 pm ET

I'm offended by his comment and the double-standard. It's okay to crucify some for politically incorrect statements and not others. Oh, and Obama would lose handily to a Special Olympics bowler. He would flat out lose if he bowled a pathetic 129.
___________________________________________

and who said he did not think his bowling was pathetic? He did say he suck at bowling ... duh

I think Americans did make-up for hurting its credability by reelecting Bush in 04 by overwhelmingly voting for Obama with whom the whole world shares a pride not only for his orignis, but for his deeds and leadership...

OH MY GOD!!!

Obama made a mildly insulting joke that was not funny. I am OUTRAGED!

But I love GW Bush, who shredded the US Constitution, blew up a trillion dollars for lies, killed thousands of people, committed war crimes, tanked the economy, shattered our alliances, quadrupled terrorism worldwide, continued destroying the planet to enrich his oily buddies, tortured, humiliated & weakened the USA and strengthened our enemies.

IMPEACH OBAMA FOR A BAD JOKE!!!

...or something like that. Freaks.

After reading these remarks, I had to add the following: I watched the show and I heard the remark: SIMPLY PUT, OBAMA WAS SELF-DEPRECATING. DUH! There was nothing mean about what he said. Get a life, people. By the very nature of the Special Olympics, those who participate do so b/c they cannot do so in the regular Olympics. Why? Because they are disabled in some manned! We are not all equal. But we as Americans simply cannot accept this. Thus, all kids receive awards in little league, soccer, etc. We are so afraid of hurting feelings...by God, we had beter get tough or this country will not make it through the mess we are in. At 58, I have a very good position and continue to earn a good salary...but I lost 38% of my retirement....should I cry? claim that it is not fair? You know what, I saw Obama bowl, and I have worked in the Special Olympics for years...guess what, he did bowl like a special olympics person.

It's very telling that pretty much all the Obama-haters have to preface this with "Imagine if Bush said this..."

They apparently don't see ANYTHING wrong with the content of what was said, just that if Bush said it the 'crybaby liberals' would be upset.

Talk about manufactured outrage.

Free advertising for the Special Olympic Committe.. Acutally they should thank him

Cary March 20th, 2009 12:51 pm ET

Didn't know there were so many mothers of special olympian bowlers that posted on the ticker……………hmmm
_________________________________________

LOL!!! .... right on the spot!

I can NOT stop laughing!!! ... jajaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaajajaa

What the heck is the President of the United States doing on a late night comedy show anyway??

Especially as Russia rearms itself, Iran has nukes, the economy is in the toilet etc etc....

Wake Up America!!

President Obama has done a very fine job, the remark last night was in light of himself, Get a life people, surely there is more important issues then this...

Two words.........."DOUBLE STANDARD"...........If Bush quipped that remark his head would be on the proverbial pike.

And for all you lemmings out there who can only parrot the talking points of the liberal left because you're either too lazy, self absorbed or plain stupid to make an informed decision on your own try to at least offer an explanation to your blatantly misguided statements instead of parroting a simple slogan.

who are these very angry people that take every word said by obama out of context? they can't even relax enough to take anything easy! you don't like Obama, your business! take a dive for the ocean and let us live pleaseeeeeeee!

All my right wing friends have jumped all over this as I am sure they would that he is a horrible human being!. But this was a mistake prue and simple and he got it right off and apologized .....how long did it take Bush to apologize about the Mission Accomplished banner! And many other things just went flying in the wind! Obama is human and made a mistake. And he messed up and said so .....that in my book is what he should have done!

I am a senior citizen who has been disabled for 50 years and I thoroughly enjoyed the Presiden'ts remarks. He made me laugh. Sometimes "humor" is the only thing that can get us through the difficulties if Life. Once you lose your ability to laugh at yourself, you might as well cut off your head.

Can't laugh at yourself or your predicament? You're more disabled than I am. Must really suck to be YOU!

Why should he care? I'm sure the Special Olympians voted for McCain.

Ed-
He did say something stupid.
He also apologized.

The point about bringing up past presidents & VPs is to show that if people want to be hyper-punitive, there are many worse past transgressions where no apology has ever been offered and deserve a lot more attention than the already 500+ comments we see here.

Interesting. None of the Special Olympics people took offense at Barak Obama's statement. However, it appears many mentally challenged people did.

I think people are really becoming overly sensitive. I did not find the comment offensive because he was referring to himself. I have heard more offensive things coming out of the mouths of politicians on national television every single day and believe me they don't apologize. He explained himself, please move on.

Having worked on the Obama campaign for two years, and being the father of a disabled child, I was frankly shocked and upset by this. I feel is shows a lack of awareness of the challenges families face with special needs members. I only hope this "gaffe" will give Barack a heightened awareness, AND bring more attention for the need for the removal of the "R" word from the daily dialog. OK Mr. President, show us what you are willing to do for the disabled!

I would of watched if he'd been on Letterman – Leno sucks

I thought that Obama was acknowledging that Special Olympic bowlers are better than him?

Didn't know there were so many mothers of special olympian bowlers that posted on the ticker...............hmmm

I'm offended by his comment and the double-standard. It's okay to crucify some for politically incorrect statements and not others. Oh, and Obama would lose handily to a Special Olympics bowler. He would flat out lose if he bowled a pathetic 129.

I love the mock "outrage" of desperate Republican hypocrites here. Where was your outrage when GW Bush was commiting treason and crimes against humanity, while shredding the US Constitution? The one thing you can count on Republicans is that they have absolutely NO sense of perspective, and act like fools over every little thing Obama does and says. It says everything about their wild-eyed, fanatic state of mind.

This was just a mildly insulting gaffe that was not funny. He apologized. The end.

FLLW UP ON Prejudice comment about special olympics: think about it. It the same as a white guy saying, I played hockey so badly, like I was black. Or black guy saying, I played basketball so badly, like a white guy shoots. America has a long way to go – President Obamma, please "check yourself." I still will vote for him next term.

Double standard.

Ask yourselves are you defending Pres Obama over those that need defending?

The knee jerk reaction should be to defend the disabled.

DOUBLE STANDARD FOR CERTAIN ITS SICK

(not all would care if bush said it either I KNOW)

I am not an Obama fan, however it seems today you cannot say anything without offending someone. Yes he should watch what he is saying, but how many of the people who are mad about that comment have made comments themselves about others. I say get over it no ones perfect. people are to quick these days to say someone owes them something, whether it be money, or an opology.

Wow imagine the liberal reactions if McCain, Bush, Palin or Cheney would have said this!

This is the absolute definition of hypocrisy.

I hope we don't start to see a pattern here. Of him enthusiastically endorsing anyone who he wants to make happy or apologize to.

It doesnt matter is alot of people make similar comments and it wasnt ment to be derogatory, he is the President of the United States and therefore is held to a higher standard.
Had President Bush made the same comment, he would have been blasted from every direction by the media, attacked by Democrats, and Repulicans would have been scrambling to distance themselves even further from him.
But it was Obama, he is such a great guy and since part of the little over fifty percent of the country that voted for him was the liberal and biased media, it is deemed as a simple mistake in choice of words. The rest of you people that have been sucked into the ideaologies of the Obama administration and living in some parrallel socialist world and have a concept of what is right or wrong. The only terms in which you think is Republican or Democrat, your political bias as well as your refusal to accept the consequences for your actions is what is dragging our country in the gutter.

Haha, great joke Obama. Making fun of retards is just as funny now as it was in high school! Totally awesome!

I am still shocked that liberals are defending this innapropriate comment. Obama stuck his foot in his mouth but the libs want to sweep it under the rug.

It ws no big deal . The news media has nothing better to do !

Non-story. Move on. Bush has said much, much worse.

it was no big deal....in fact I'm disabled and I did not take offense....no apologee necesary...we love you Mr. President...you are our Hero...President Obama.....go to hell Palin

TO: LAW
Not only did fat boy limbaugh make fun of Fox with his foul mouth but he did the song and dance imitating Fox and his inability to control his movements. His show is televised and it was capture on film. You can't get around that one (and I don't mean) pork boy (oops sorry pigs. Didn't mean to insult you!)
By your title I hope you are NOT a lawyer, but I doubt it.

The fact that there our over 800 comments on these two related threads, yet only 11 on the education article means either one of two things:

1) CNN keeps these up longer either because they like to keep nonsense going or these seem to be the most popular articles or

2) People care more about this than education. Therefore highlighting the need for more education.

I have a son with Down Syndrome and I forgive the President. Plus, I’ve seen some pretty dang good athletes at our local Special Olympic meets. I’ve not seen the Special Olympics Bowling meet, but I suspect, some of them bowl way better than 129. (Sorry, Mr. President!) Most of those athletes would forgive the remark..In fact, that’s what I’ve noticed about the majority Special Olympics athletes…They are basically free of animosity, jealousy, and even though they all want to win, (which in most people’s minds they are all winners for just having the courage to get out and do..anything) when someone trips and falls during a dash, without fail, one or more athletes will run back and help their friend up….sometimes whether they know them or not. I think some of America has forgotten or lost that aspect of being human and caring about others…Judging from some of the remarks I’ve read this morning…Get over stuff and forgive each other...Please!

Karen, are you married?? I love your thinking!!
Karen March 20th, 2009 12:33 pm ET

I can't believe this comes as a surprise to any of you. I'm not even American and I could see Mr. Obama couldn't deliver a speech without someone writing it for him. He's not so "eloquent" when he's on his own, is he? You would have chewed up Sarah Palin and spit her out when you were done with her if she had made the comment. All I have to say is, you could have had John Mcain but instead, you let Oprah pick your leader.

It was a joke he made about himself, no one else. Lighten up! I thought the show was good. I'll bet over half of the commenters have said something very similar. I'm very proud of our new President, people should give him a chance!

Obama, was relaxing. This was not a serious event. He is known for joking and I'm sorry for those people that can't laugh at themselves be it "blacks" be it Scots or whites or people with disabilities. Laughing is good for the soul. Lighten up people.
There was absolutely no malicious intent here.

I think CNN should find more important stories to cover. It must be a slow news day.

matt,

If Bush said this Keith Olbermann would have ripped into Bush and asked him to resign in one of his 10 minute 'special comments'. Any special comments for Obama?

Obama stated that as a president he would be much more visible and accessible to the people than previous presidents. This is one of the risks you take when you are more visible and do not have other people writing every word for you. I believe most people in the same position would eventually say something that would offend someone. Americans should be more concerned about the tide of greed and selfishness that has overrun our country and produced such people as Bernie Madoff.

He's human! No big deal.

Apology accepted. This gaffe was an unfortunate choice of words that I don't think was meant to be mean spirited or saId with malice. Move on everyone makes mistakes.

Mike, what has Obama done?? Not as President but before hand?? How did pepole get so wrapped up in this guy??

Vet in Texas,

I guess that is right up there with taking a cigar to tuna town, getting hummed in the oval office while on the phone with a foreign dignitary, lying about it under oath and being impeached. I think you missed a few of these. More recent, a reset button with Russia? LOL, they are laughing at us more, at least they could have done some research and translated the right word.

I believe that Obama will become a movie star after he is voted out in 2012. He belongs in Hollywood.

"Obama's Check List"

1) Feign outrage over AIG bonuses that were legally contracted and I knew about...CHECK

2) Have my basketball picks ready for liberal media...CHECK

3) Spend at least $100,000 of tax payer's dollars to appear of Jay Leno show....CHECK

4) Make fun of mentally challenged individuals on said show...CHECK

The USA elected a celebrity and sound bite as President of the United States....Good job. No, I really mean it....good job.

1381 days to go. I'm counting.

*Let's see if the very liberal CNN posts my comment.*

I can't believe this comes as a surprise to any of you. I'm not even American and I could see Mr. Obama couldn't deliver a speech without someone writing it for him. He's not so "eloquent" when he's on his own, is he? You would have chewed up Sarah Palin and spit her out when you were done with her if she had made the comment. All I have to say is, you could have had John Mcain but instead, you let Oprah pick your leader.

i am sure some one at msnbc will have some lame excuse for another obama gaf and blame bush ,,,,,

As the mother of a Special Olympian who bowls every Friday night I can relate to his comment and I'm not offended in the least. Most of the people that are so offended if you asked them to make a donation of time or money they'd decline. What the Special Olympics need is volunteers not rhetoric clearly designed to criticize the President. Log off and contact Special Olympics and give some time.

What troubles me most is we are running out of people to make fun of. I mean I can't exactly make fun of us normal people. It's just not funny.

Clearly, Obama is hanging around Joe Biden too much. He is starting to Gaffe.

Thanks for proving my point OBAMA SUPPORTER

This only shows one thing...he is human after all. He said something that is offensive to another group (without intending to be hurtful) then he aplogized for his mistake...He is just like all of us!

The Republicans must be very nervous about their party surviving. A lot of thinly veiled comments going on here.

Braghhh... the minute I heard Obama say that, I knew there'd be trouble.

It's too bad, the rest of the interview was a slam-dunk. He said a lot of good and wise things, none of which will be recognized after that slip.

It's interesting to note what people will allow others to get away with if it'sone of their guys. I'm offended by the remarks because my six year old is unable to be. I need for her to grow up in a world where that type of remark is offensive as many remarks that would have been brushed off in the past are now viewed as offensive. And to note, I was similarly offended by Michael Savage's remarks about autism many months ago. These kids are unable to be offended. Unfortunately I am not granted that ability.

Ric, you may have gotten used to eight years with a president who can't walk and chew bubble gum simultaneously, but believe it or not Obama can do more than one thing at once.

Dose of reality folks: special olympians have greater challenges than ordinary olympians. That's why they have special olympics and do not compete in the regular olympics.

Like it or not, this is the way it is. Obama was poking fun at himself, saying he has challenges in bowling. There was absolutely nothing insulting about this comment. If this is all you can grasp onto to criticize the guy, the he's doing a great job.

What is funny is that the liberals and self designated PC Police,

would rail on anyone else. But oops their beloved leader "no" he

cant possibly be so stupid. What a terrible ignorant man. Oh yes, I

forgot he is a Dem so the rules dont apply.

pretty funny. I am sure all the nappy headed hoes feel the same.

Can't all of you trying to defend President Obama just admit it was a stupid, ill-advised, inappropriate and offensive remark and move on? You're trying to dilute making fun of the Special Olympics by comparing the comments made by the President of the United States to an idiotic movie?

Really??

Honestly, stop for a moment in your adulation of Obama and see that–holy cow!–he isn't perfect!

@ Steve in CT, who said "So soon this guy shows his true persona. Less than 4 years to go."

I know right? It's so refreshing to have a POTUS who recognizes all by himself when he said or did something wrong and then takes the necessary steps to sincerely apologize and make amends. I can't wait for his re-election either.

To quote the now infamous Pico:

"Arguing on the internet is like the Special Olympics.. Even if you win you're still retarded"

Whether he meant to say something stupid really isn't my main concern. What IS my main concern is this:

We are easily headed for a major depression and he's on Jay Leno talking about his bowling score!!

I guess since most Americans believe his solution of printing more money and handing it to the banks is failing miserably, his main priority is trying to keep his rock-star, cool-guy image.

Nice priorities, Mr. President.

Obama also has to deal with his picks for the NCAA Tourny!! Screw the economy. This makes him look better. Plus he has to deal with his wife's fat arms in sleeveless dress, an his daughters' school activities. Where can he find time to deal with the country's problems?? Don't forget about the playground we are paying for for his royal highness to put in the backyard of the White House. And the trailer he has to put in for his mother-in-law, but I would kep mine there too

So, throwing up in the lap of a foreign dignitary in front of the world, being obviously drunk and looking at the womans beach volleyball teams behinds,misspelling potatoe....oh, I almost forgot SHOOTING SOMEONE IN THE FACE without having a hunting license........amazing! Jindal, Sanford, Perry, and Palin are failing their constituents for the funding the government is trying to give them just to say they were against it in 2012 and we're talking about this........Suck it up Americans and be an American, you can't do anything about it until the 2017 elections because YOUR leaders don't care about YOU.......be resilient, save your money, pay off debt, and live within your means! ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

Dear Obama Apologists,

Obama said something stupid and ignorant.

Just because you think poorly of any past president, DOES NOT MAKE HIS STATEMENT OK! Or maybe you think poking fun at a group of disabled citizens make you a good person?

Hold your elected officials accountable for their actions. It's really that simple. It doesn't matter what party they are from. Or have you all lost your values?

Hey Julie, the dumb one who was trying to compare this and the movie "Some thing about mary"....good one, this guy is the leader of the free world who suppose to tackle cmplex issues...and the one you were trying to comapere was a holllywood movie....oh I forgot you morons voted him bacause Mat demon asked you to do so.

I would like to see you much time he spend in Oval office to how much time he is on TV. I was in one of the town hall meetings, he was delievering same speeches as he was duuring the campaign..

once he is done with his 4 yrs i bet e would start a reality show "The Obama's"

This is getting really funny every day...we dont want a joker, TV president..we just need a president

I'm sure NOone else on this board has ever made an inappropriate joke or comment when with friends. Called A friend retarded when joking with them, repeated a racial joke that was actually funny, etc etc. Right. I'm part mexican, and I find some of the mexican jokes funny!!! What makes a joke funny is the bit of truth in them!

You would think with all these politically correct saints, the world would be a nicer place to live. Where the heck do all these jokes come from if no one is saying this stuff?????? How do they get circulated if no one repeats them???

I've volunteered for many years at special olympic events. It's wonderful. What he said was definitely inappropriate for national TV. But it was a faux paux. It's not like he said they didn't offer value to the world, he just said they don't necessarily bowl that well. If you've ever volunteered for an SO event, you would know that's true!

And at least he could READ a teleprompter. The other one had his speeches written too, the only difference was he couldn't READ THEM!

My goodness. If everybody who's whining about this did something useful, instead, we'd be out of the recession, cancer would be cured, and we'd all be going to heaven.

Get a life!

It was a joke. Has American lost its sense of humor?
I wish more politicians would be less politically correct as Obama was on Leno. It shows he is a real person, not a robot or a teleprompter.

"If he were a republican nothing would have been said about it" ?...

wow. You must be a liberal AND a moron.

"some republican guy" wrote... He said something stupid. He should be impeached.

Now that's funny....

Hmm... How would we have applied that rule to Bush or any other president....

Give Obama a break ... he is human just like you... All those who have never made a mistake .. please stand up.. and if you stand up... that intself is a mistake and dissqualifies you. ha ha ha

Oh, and before any of you oxygen thieves use the following statement ..."the difference between making an insensative joke about a special needs person vs a minority or culture is that THESE individuals, really are innocent"...to say that I was implying minorities and certain cultures WERE NOT innocent, let me clarify: I mean special needs people are innocent in that they lack the capacity to understand insensative jokes or why people make them...don't need to have my own comments spun:D

Well one of my Special Olympics athletes that I coach, made a statement that he could be president just like Obama, you know what? I think there would be little difference between the two, actually my player would make a better one.

I'm an Obama fan but this was bad...especially considering that he didn't cut Imus any slack – at all. Even worse is that Imus is just Imus while Obama is the president.

His appearance is another pay back for all the money he received from hollywood to get into the whitehouse.

Much like the AIG bonuses all a payback for money getting him into office....

Everyone should remember this is the first of many paybacks....

Nothing in life is given free for every action there is a reaction....

Of course all the Obama haters will be attacking him on this, but if any one of them never made such a mistake let them cast the first stone. I believe that he really did not mean to insult anyone, and was just trying to be funny. He probably realized his error as soon as it came out of his mouth and being the kind of guy he is issued an apology. Now lets move on to something more important – like bashing the GOP.

If this is freaking everyone out, we are in trouble. Lets concern ourselves with real issues. And lets not forget the Pres is a Human Being and will make mistakes. Hopefully his biggest mistake will only being minor compared to last administration!!

To: Dark knight

WOW, so the other cultures are not innocent when someone makes a joke about them. That was ignorant

You Obama Fanboys are trully pathetic. Honestly I was never a big fan of Bush but man oh man! You guys are just as bad as those who supported the war.

The more you defend and excuse a politician the more idiotic you trully look! Get a serious life already!

Are people really equating being disabled with being black? LOL! God Bless America! I love this country!... REALLY!

He apologized. I'm sure that this will make his administration be more focused on working for the families of "disabled" people. It's a "win win" situation.

The comment the President made regarding the Special Olympics was disrespectful and tasteless. I invite him to join our Monday night bowling league where our special olympians can teach him more than just how to be a better bowler.

Back down to earth and do away with all the "political correctness'

Obama does more for everyone every day than ANY of his predecessors....like Bush, Cheney et al.

He doesn't have to apologize for anything.

Mike in Kansas, I like your message!

Peace

Until the GOPers express outrage over Rush Limbaugh's imitation of Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's symptoms, they have no credibility on this issue.

They are making a tsunami out of a breeze. Typical of the blowhards they are.

Why can't they just shut up and do something productive?

IDIOT!!! This is just another way to show how stupid he is, of course wasn't it enough when he thinks that there are 59 states in the U.S...
Don't believe me... check out youtube.com Obama Gaffes

I’m not an Obama supporter, I don’t agree with his policies and don’t really like the guy, but it’s sad that the leader of this country can’t even make a self deprecating joke without some segment of our hyper sensitive population getting their shorts in a wad. Give the guy a break!

I'm sorry did I miss something? Did Obama say he wants to beat Trigg Palin with a stick simply for being born with Down's? No? He just made a special olympics joke? Oh, ok. Anyone who is offended needs to never say or do the following: suggest that someone rides the "short bus"; claim that they just said something "retarded"; never watch Family Guy, South Park, Something About Mary, or the Office; lastly, they need to dive off a cliff. Be sure to die, though, because you wouldn't want to spend the rest of your life as a reatrded vegetable, right?

I really can't believe that so many of you are using the President's gaffe as another excuse to slam him – actually, I shouldn't be surprised – most of you don't need any excuse at all.....

I'm sure that there is not one of the nearly 500 posters who hasn't unintentionally put their foot in their mouths at least once in their lives!

What really, really disturbs me is that CNN has left this forum (and other relatively unimportant ones) open for comments WAY beyond other forums – healthcare for instance. CNN really needs to get their priorities straight!!!!!

I'm a Republican and would like nothing more than to see him exposed for the bleeding heart liberal he is. However, I spend a lot of time speaking in front of groups and know that if you do it alot, you are going to make an occasional mistake. Let's give him a break on this because I don't feel he really has anything but respect for the special olympics and its members and supporters.

Bill

I'm still waiting for fearless, Jet-Pilot to apologize for his film skit that he presented at a big dinner in which he keeps searching for WMD's – "No WMD's under there, etc" People died over that gaffe in judgment, in Obama's case he was lampooning himself and chose the wrong organization to drive the point home.

Well, right-wingers, what say ye to that?!?!?!

it was a joke. its not like hes responsible for starting two wars, trillions in debt and hundreds of thousands of innocent lives blood on his hands......i guess all you republicans think bush is too good to apologize for any of that..

@Kathy

Get over it. He didn't talk about your son, nor did he talked about it in an insulting way. Everyone with a half a brain realized he was making a joke about his ability to bowl.
Stop using your son's disability as an excuse to feel sorry for yourself. It's not the president's fault your son is disabled. Stop looking for someone to blame for it.

Im shocked that republicans are so offended by the president when they have people in their party like ann coulter who participate in gay bashing, or say " we have to perfect the jews" But i guess in the end i understand how republicans would be offended because even republicans have the right to participate in the olympics even if it is the special ones So listen guys what the president was trying to say was that ppl like you who are mentally challenged should not expect to be bowling as well as regular ppl, and obama is admitting that with respect to bowling he is as bad at it as you are

Seems to me I remember Clinton deregulating the banks.

No that would have been HW Bush who started deregulating banks as well as NAFTA. But by skimming your comments it appears to me that you would not support Obama no matter what he said. In fact your screen name says it all. Just Me does not take into consideration anyone else, so how can we take you into consideration. If you want to make the case that Obama is not up to snuff you can do that but you will not be able to use last night's comment to do it. To do so implys that if he did not make the comment he would be good enough.

President Obama has nothing to apologize about on the comment on Leno last night. He made light of himself. That was all he did and the call for him to hire a disabled athlete to work in the White House amounts to no more that Blackmail.

Give the man a break. I am mentally challanged and thought it was funny and not offensive.

Isn't 129 a pretty good score???

Fatima March 20th, 2009 11:30 am ET

It was a poor attempt at a joke and he apologized for it. To those who forever pointing fingers at Obama, make sure your finger don't get stuck or try to point those finger towards you to question your motives.
At least, he didn't let people of New Orleans sink, lie about WMD, go to war with the wrong country, give irresponsible tax credits to the rich and destroy the economy,

Let people of New Orleans sink?? Sorry they live well below sea level. A huricane is a'commin' Duh?? Don't give me this garbage that our gorvenment failed them, they failed themselves. They knew a major storm was brewing and the people didn't want to leave the houses, and I have to pay for their stupidity?? Don't give me that crap that they had no where esle to go either.

@Kathy

Get over it. He didn't talk about your son, nor did he talked about in in an insulting way. Everyone with a half a brain realized he was making a joke about his ability to bowl.
Stop using your son's disability as an excuse to feel sorry for yourself. It's not the president's fault your son is disabled. Stop looking for someone to blame for it....

Why did Obama even do that show? 2 wars, economy in dire straits, millions out of work, CEO's stealing stimulas money, Iran going nuclear, North Korea about to test long range missles...gee, I guess with nothing important going on, why not.

LOL,

The flaming libs won't post any of my comments about how their messiah nobama.

@Kathy

Get over it. He didn't talk about your son, nor did he talked about in in an insulting way. Everyone with a half a brain realized he was making a joke about his ability to bowl.
Stop using your son's disability as an excuse to feel sorry for yourself. It's not the president's fault your son is disabled. Stop looking for someone to blame for it.

Of course Obama slipped. He didn't have his tele-prompter! This was a highly insensitive remark.

***********I know Obama didn't MEAN any offense, but the difference between making an insensative joke about a special needs person vs a minority or culture is that THESE individuals, really are innocent, and rely on others to defend them. So what he said was extremely uncalled for, typically the LIBERALS are the ones who point out such un-pc things by the way. ALSO...with the roughly million dollars it cost to transport the president, his staff, the press, AF1 to and from LA for a LATE NIGHT COMEDY TALK SHOW, two people's lifetime incomes could have easily been salvaged. Next time maybe he should save the million + dollars and address the country from his office. Bad Taste people*************************

Indeed it was a very misguided quote, and we all know President Obama wishes he can take it away. We as human beings are very quick to judge; it's in our nature. What is also in our nature is fallibility. We make mistakes, and then we learn from them. Yes, let us be critical, because being so will ensure that President Obama thinks twice before he speaks in public. However, before you begin to judge a man in public light by his comments, keep in mind everything off color you have ever said, everything and anything that may be perceived as an insult and then thank your lucky stars that your audience doesn't span into the hundreds of millions. If that were the case for me, I'd be in some trouble!!

We as Americans have different ideals and different perceptions of the world; this is what makes us so great! Without that we would be too monotonous, and that type of complacency doesn't breed progress. This is why we need the criticism. At the end of the day, republicans and democrats, liberals and conservative, we are all on the same boat here. So I encourage everyone who I meet, and everyone who reads this to recognize our differences and put them to the side, so we can work together, strengthen our economy and ensure our economic and national security for future generations to come.

Come on folks, get over it. It was just a wise crack that any 'ol nappy haired president could make. Just funny words. No big deal, words don't injure. Doesn't hurt the (already) disabled any more than they hurt already.

One reason I don't go fishing with rednecks is because I hate to be subjected to this sort of bigotry.

It seems like presdent Obama has too much free time on his hands, shouldn't he being working hard in a time of economic crisis rather than rambling about it with Leno.

The President? Higher standards?

Is this how Bush was elected twice? By holding the Office of the Executive to a higher standard?

Many people in this country, when polled, say they want someone like them in office...that they want to be able to "have a beer" with the president. Most of you say stupid crap all of the time.

Don't give me the higher standards BS.

The remark was off color and I can certainly see how some folks might find it offensive. Now get over it and let's get the country back on track.

This discussion board is proof that the reason we are in this mess is because of ourselves. We care more about some stupid gaffe than the whole mess that our whole world is in. Americans are the most ignorant population in the world. We are probably the only culture out there that pays more attention to the gaffe their president makes than any of the other policies he makes. So everyone quit acting like you care, becuase if you really cared you would put focus on helping everyone out in a time of trouble rather than focusing on some stupid sentence that the media picked up and ran with it becuase they know that americans competence level cannot handle any news that does not have to do with some kind of hollywood gossip. The problem is not the government; its the American people for being so close minded. To prove this point all one has to do is point out that out of all the industrialized nations we are the only country that has a significant population that still believes the world is only 6,000 years old. Move on America.

@ Lewes, who said "Movement! Special Olympics is not a movement, it's a program and a very successful one without any help from him! "

The only movement I'm seeing here is a semantics bowel movement. Give it a rest.

Has everyone out there forgotten the movie, "There's Something About Mary"??? The entire movie garners laughs from their Special Olympics characters. It was not carried out mean-spiritedly, just as Barack Obama's comment was not. He was making fun of himself. I remember this movie being quite a hit, and I don't remember all this over-the-top sensitivity being so apparent upon the movie's release. Lighten up, people.

Totally blown out of proportion. He is on a late night show and he is performing for an audience. I am also sure not not one of you speaking out against him has never made any remark of a stereotype ever. Get real. Find something meaningful to complain .about.

“Special Olympics asks Obama to consider hiring athlete”

It is funny that less then 12 hours after Obama had his slip up, that the Special Olympics wants him to hire one of their own. This an example of a bird waiting for its prey. Let’s blow this slip up out of proportion and force him to hire our guy as an apology.

Please note: All negative comments in this thread are brought to you by the "conservative" equivalent of Iran's "hair police". Sociopathic, futile and insignificant as ever, these naysayers just never grew past bitter.

@ Holly, who said "Since Obama became president we have become the laughing stock of the world. "

Wow, are you living under a rock? Bush made us the laughing stock...well, not really a laughing stock...more like angry-disappoint-want-to-throw-rocks-at-us stock for 8 years and by ALL reports, the only places Obama has a sizeable group of idiots who don't like him is in his own country and some cave in Afghanistan that we haven't quite found yet.

lets move on people...if you do think this is an important issue, may I reccomend you tune into Fox News....

So soon this guy shows his true persona. Less than 4 years to go.

Mary J. That was not my point. My point is, is that Mr. Obama should be at the White House doing the people's work. Seems like he and Congress just signed away trillions of dollars of fica money to bolster the economy. And this from a man who promised "transparancy" in government and that all budgets would be reviewed (by the public???) before being voted on. Neither he nor the congress could wade through 16 reams of paper over a weekend. Give me a break. If he is going to talk the talk, he'd had better walk the walk.

I am out of here and turning off the lying cowards in the 24/7 media who never questioned a darn thing until now. Join me at WWRL for the Ed Schulz show.

Obama's true nature is coming out very quickly. This is just another example. He was not and is not presidential material.

As punishment, they should remove the bowling alley from the White House and require President Obama to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods at Oakmont.

Why is the president of the United States on Jay Leno or any other entertainment talk show?

Now we know why he uses teleprompters for all of his comments. His unscripted remarks provide some insight into the real person rather than the scripted version we usually see. How about President Obama stick to the duties of the President and lighten up on his quest to even further develop his celebrity icon status. Do we really need to have a president go on the Tonight Show and broadcast his college basketball picks????

he apologized. next...

Why is this such a big deal? People need to just get over it! He just cracked a joke – that's all it was. He was making fun of himself – not the handicapped. If he were a Republican, nothing would have been said about it.

Correction - He "didn't" use any of those words.

I was just listening to a radio show here in Minneapolis that was addressing this topic and every single person that called in said that this was blown way out of proportion. The radio show actually asked people who had a child with special needs or worked with people with special needs or were involved with the Special Olypics to call in. The majority of the people calling had those connections and still said that President Obama's comment was not a problem and they were not the least bit offended.

Obama doesn't need to hire a special athlete to show that people with disabilities are able to contribute to society. We had someone running the country for the last 8 years that proved that.

Its about time people stopped being so sensitive to every little word somebody says. If we'd concentrate on more important things and worrying about hurting someone's feelings, we'd be in much better shape. He wasn't saying anything offensive. And no matter who made a comment like that (Obama or Bush or McCain, etc) it still would have been a funny comment and nothing offensive. Lighten up people. And I agree with a previous posting – nobody seemed to worry when Jay said the bowling alley was burned and a basket ball court put in. People today just seem to be looking for something else to complain about. Don't we have enough problems without this petty stuff??

He said something stupid. He should be impeached. This whole country went down the tubes the day Saddam Hoosain blew up the world trade center and now that Nancy Pelosi is gonna give all them jobs at ACORN to illegal immigrants and we all have to pay 90% income tax to support all those socialist welfare queens. My head's gonna explode!

You know what Just Me? It took over 20 plus years to get us here. If you know so much why don't you take over and let's see what you can accomplish in 60 days. Have at it...

I didn' t watch it, I could care less about what he said there...or anywhere else for that matter.

Maybe he should get on the "View" and formally apologize. Then on to "Ellen's show" and "Jerry Springer". Besides isn't that why y'all voted for him...to make TV better. Atleast that way he may be detracted from running the country, you know, his other responsibility.

Please give Mr. 'Barama' a break! In his mind, knowing that 300 is a perfect score, and remembering that he had recently scored 37, he obviously meant it as a compliment when he said a score of 100+ is worthy of Special Olympic status, thus placing himself humbly below the achievement level of individuals with performance challenges. But of course, he was the only person privy to the relative meaning of those numbers at the moment he made his off-the-cuff coment, and what may have made perfect sense to him obviously did not to anyone else listening...Knowing Mr. 'Barama's' humility beneath his outward self-confidence, as we all know by now, should leave no doubt in anyone's mind regarding his intentions, whether he uses the 'politically-correct' terms to verbalize them or not. PAA

Onno Udemma,
While I would agree that the president's remark was not appropriate, I don't think you can compare it to being called the N word. What special needs person do you know had been lynched...

March 20th, 2009 11:34 am ET

@ Ryan Anderson March 20th, 2009 9:24 am ET

BULLSH*! Idiots on this blog ask for his impeachment every single day, based on absolutely nothing. If presidents could be impeached for stupid remarks, We wouldn't have suffered the last 8 years of hell. The interview was great, the audience laughed at that comment, there were no gasps of horror.
-=--
LOL Are you serious? They crowd has a sign that lights up that tells them when to laugh/applaud!

I voted for Obama. I worked for Obama. I contributed financially to the campaign. I defend him everyday . but, I have a son with Down Syndrome. I am extremely offended that the president feels himself superior to those who participate in the Special Olympics. I am very angry. I don't need to grow up or get a thicker skin. I need a president who realizes that the R-word is just as offensive as the N-word.

give the man a brake, and get lost, I know everything you say is perfect, this is the best president you`ve ever had in your life, and you don`t know it, and that `s a mental disability.

Obama is a political screw up.....He is standing behind Geithner and the whole economy mess but Geithner was a crook in the first place by not paying his taxes like WE ALL have too.....its no wonder things are a mess more now..... this country is only going to get worse....i thought we didnt really have a very good selection this election ..Republican or Democrat....but everyone who thinks Obama is some kind of savior are so mistaken.....he is a sneeky politician who only speaks well becuase he has a teleprompter all the time....and some others have posted on here that he still acts like he is campaigning...its because he is not confident in what he is doing so he keeps going back to his campaigning ways thinking that people will belive that he is really doing something when all he has done is cause more of a mess.....and he has only been President for 2 months....wait till he has been in office for two years ....people will not be able to wait to get him out of that office....

I cannot believe that the President of our United States went on the Tonight show and acted a fool. How respected can he be to the world when all he wants to do is be a Hollywood star. How ridiculous is that when our country is hurting right now . Since Obama became president we have become the laughing stock of the world. We don't need our president making fun on TV when main street Americans are out of work, losing their homes and trying to keep their kids in school with little or no resources. And only the rich are getting richer and richer.....please stay in the Oval Office....keep your attention on our nation. That is what you were elected to do.

All of these posts say, "Get over it." "He's only human." "Move on." These are the same people that would be first in line to tell you that Bush is an idiot, he sounds like an idiot, he looks like an idiot, etc etc etc.

The fact is that the President should be held to a higher standard than the average American. The President is the example of America that the rest of the world looks to. If the President (Obama, Bush or anyone else) were to say something disparaging about Hispanics, or Jews or any other segment of society, would you same people be standing up and saying "Get Over it"? I would certainly hope that partisanship could be placed aside and the people's outcry could be heard.

Mr. President, while I believe what you said was a slip of the tongue, I am shocked that those words would even be uttered from the leader of my country. I expect more from my President, regardless of your political affiliation or mine.

President Barack Quayle! help, i can't think without my telepromter!

Just skimmed the comments. OK...what am I not getting? We have an unexperienced "regular guy" in the White House who seems to be in WAY over his head. I agree, we all say stuff we shouldn't. But, excusing this demeaning language from the President, no less, by saying he is just a "regulary guy" and he really didn't mean to insult American citizens, when others have been slammed for much less, astonishes me. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't we have a huge mess in our economy? Don't we have a number of huge extremely critical issues that we are paying him to fix. Didn't "we" elect him to fix the mess??? Change now. Bah! And don't use the Bush crutch. (Seems to me I remember Clinton deregulating the banks, which probably started this mess.) Granted, he didn't start the "illegal" war, but isn't he the one who "floated" the idea of letting our veterans get their own insurance to save money? Give me a break! He should be at his place of business doing the job the taxpayers are paying him to do....not going on a late night showing his "comedic" prowess. How many "regular guys" and working men and women have the license of walking away from their jobs, at will, and schedule in "play days"? Ask any small business owner.

The comment was very unfortunate and I understand it was meant to poke fun at himself but the bottom line here is: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES CANNOT MAKE THOSE TYPES OF MISTAKES. Our president will speak to world leaders and must be careful with choosing his words as those words may cause a backlash that we cannot afford. President Obama must be held accountable as Bush, Cheney and the Republicans were always ripped to shreds if they spoke inappropriately. It's nice to know that this President will accept responsibility for his mistake and apologize for that.....but that was a terrible comment as I have a special needs brother and the comment although meant to be funny was insensitive.

I cannot BELIEVE this is causing such a stir. Just sit back a moment folks and think rationally, ok?
The president has been in power just 60 days at the time of this writing. Our previous administration had 8 LONG years to put us into the mess we are in out of greed plain and simple. The big guys got their money and ran. A let them eat cake mentality.

I have never seen a past administration continue to try to garner headlines, (our sharpshooter past vice pres) when they were so clearly out voted. CHANGE is what the American people voted for, and change is going to take time. We did not get into this mess in 60 days and it is going to take lots of unraveling of the yarn to set it right again.

When I see Cheyney spouting off, it is like he is sending a message to his crooked friends, "keep your mouth shut or we are all gonna go to jail." Just the feeling I get.

I firmly believe there are many more shady arrangements that were made in the past 8 years then we will ever know about, billions taken under the table and lots of back room deals made.

Leno was SO correct. Shouldn't more people be going to jail?

Do people forget the building contracts in Iraq had the fingerprints of Haliburton=Cheyney all over them? Did it not profit Cheyney to agree to keep the war going to line his own pockets? Wake up!

If the Republicans tried to work with the administration instead of looking our for their own re-elections, and their own 5 minutes of fame on news sound bites, our country would be much better off.

Obama was elected by a huge majority. People are sickened by what our country has become, both here and around the world. Let Obama do his job.

I personally would like this administration to take a good hard look at the costs Nursing Homes are charging Medicare under the blanket of "MISC" charges. I have personal experience on this and Medicare is getting ripped off everyday across the country, and no one is taking a look at it. Make the Nursing homes break down the costs. I tried and got nowhere. Maybe the government can do it, or cut off their aid.

And finally remember folks, it is going to take a heck of a lot more than 60 days to uncover all of the crookedness we have been subjected to in the past 8 years!

This is a non-issue (except, of course, for the PC do-gooders and right-wing hatemongers). Obama was poking fun at HIMSELF, morons! Offense can only be taken when it is intended, and clearly that was not the Presiden't intent when he made his comments.

I know how hurt are obama supporters, that the president made a insensitive remark and they dont want anybody talking about it.

By the way aren't they keeping a diligent count of how many mistakes bush made?

Oh sorry , obama is above all presidents, my bad....

Does comedy show hosts have guts to make fun of obama on this gaffe as they did for bush?

God Bless America!!

Hey Candace,re 9/11 and Iraq like most bushies...you are not too well educated are you? nobody has forgotten 9/11 and i personally have no problem with bushs decision to attack the taliban, though i wish he had actually managed to "git" bin laden and he did sit by ignoring outgoing clinton admin. warnings. FBI info, and reading "my pet goat " ..but in case you havent yet heard or figured it out the 9/11 bombers were saudis operating out of Afghanistgan..the war in iraq had close to zero to do with 9/11

Unjust war??? Have you forgotten 911???? Ask our brave men and women in the military if is unjust!!!! You didn't loose anyone in 911 did you??? You can bash Bush all you want but at least he didn't sit by while The Trade Centers tumbled costing close to $4,000 American lives. How soon we forget!!!

I wonder how much grief poor poor bush would suffer such a gaffe. it would not good enough to hear or read that bush is sorry for a mouth to brain disconnection again and again and again.

it's funny reading the comments from Democrats (the Champions of Political Correctness) trying to defend Obama's remarks.

I have been a Special Olympics coach for 20 years. I routinely hear people make comments like this. It's generally not meanness. It's simple ignorance about the Special Olympics population. I don't get upset with people, unless they fail to learn from a mistake like this. I believe Barack Obama to be a very decent person. He realized his mistake, and apologized. That's refreshing after 8 years of no personal responsibility in the White House.

President Obama made an attempt at humor that could be misinterpreted. He had and has no "ill will" or "disrespect" toward the Special Olympics or disabled people. Accept his apologiy and move on. You'll probably see that he does more for disabled people during his presidency than anyone has since ADA was enacted. R.I.P. (Oops, I apologize if I offended any dead people!)

Obama offends special olympians and their parents and apologizes the next day. George W Bush gets 4500 solders killed and 100k+ Iraqi civilians killed all to occupy a country that did not attck us – we are still waiting for an apolgy on that one.

This IS the kind of change I voted for.

Nick – "By the way my credit score is looking like a 129 Mr. President!"

Well maybe you shouldn't have opend up those 12 credit cards you couldn't pay off, or taken out that mortgagge that was waaaay above your income means, or bought that 3rd car for your wife and 2 1/2 kids.......anyone who blames someone else for their credit score is an ignorant, irresponsible cry-baby and should have their pacifier taken away!

I DO MIND that our President made such a remark. If this is the way he speaks on national TV, what does he say with no cameras on. He is also quoted as saying he "is a fan of the movement". Movement! Special Olympics is not a movement, it's a program and a very successful one without any help from him! And as far as Obama inviting Special Olympians to the White House, BIG DEAL! I wouldn't let my two children (Special Olympians) walk across the street to see this guy. He needs serious PR help when speaking about special needs individuals. His handlers need to be handled.

OK Look I am disabled, I took no offense to what the President said, such a big deal made over a simple statement.

I think it is great to know that a President, is still a person, and down to earth.

Give it a break. Mr. President I will bowl you anytime.

some of you are shocked. he has been a prolific gaffe machine since day one. stop it.

I'm critical of our President's spending habits and the way he's handling our economy, but people need to grow thicker skin. The comment? Big deal. It wasn't malicious.

I'm more worried about the millions that are being spent flying him all over the country.

Come on America! It was obvious from the context of the situation that our President was making a joke in a light moment. His comment wasn't a text without tone that could be taken the wrong way. What was said was not meant to be demeaning. Let's grow up!

I'm sure the President didn't mean any harm by his remark. He said something stupid....we all do. But, you have to admit, if Bush made the same gaffe, the media and the public would be hammering him 1,000 times harder right now. It just proves the double standard.

"Bill March 20th, 2009 11:37 am ET

I voted for McCain and all I got was this wrotten President."

and apparently a ROTTEN education.
at least with Mr President Obama we will have education reform.

Looks like the messiah's teleprompter could not make it in time ..
I am sure eventually people will wake up to the fact that while it is a Great Historicaly fact that we have the 1st black President in America ..
we as Americans made a HUGE mistake in making this individual the President
Say what you will, his presidency will do more harm to the stature of Black people in this nation than good

Yes, I am Black and NO I did NOT vote for Obama!!!
HRC all the way !!!

I don't understand why no one is asking Jay Leno to apologize for suggesting that Blacks or African Americans don't bowl with his comment that "the bowling alley is burned down and replaced with a basketball court." Amazing....If nothing else....President Obama should finally recognize he is no longer a "regular American." Stop with the late night shows and take care of the economy....And Yes I am a President Obama supporter.

To those, who are finding it so offensive, here are some pointers:

1) At least he knows to talk/joke without the help of teleprompter.
2) He had the good sense to apologize for it.
3) He doesn't hide from the citizens and only speak in tightly controlled circumstances to hand picked audiences like Bush did.
4) What were your comments to Bush's "Mission accomplished" , "Bring it on" or "I am the decider"?

Though Prsident is "down to earth" person,needs to think internally while making sensitive comments effacting people.We have seen people ultimately falling on their face when an EGO takes over the common sense>
I hope Mr. President will not lose his COOL at the same time his HEART for the people whom he dealy loves.

I feel sorry for the right wing zealots.They are like the dogs in my neighbors yards,tied up by closed minds and fences.They just bark for the sake of barking, out of bordom and lack of freedom.

I actually missed the joke. I didn't even hear it. I think if Bill Burton hadn't said anything about it. This wouldn't be a big deal.

Obama's the president. I would hope people would hold him to a higher standard than the average Joe or a radio entertainer. He shouldn't be making jokes about retards. Not to mention he's from the PC tree-hugging Democratic party. That's like the Senator from the pro-moral, anti-gay Republican Party who solicited gay sex in the airport bathroom.

the double standards some Americans have are amazing. "oh, he's human" said by obama's supporters..wonder what they would be saying if it were Rush who said it..hmmm...

America at it's finest...hypocrisy

I went swimming the other day, and I swear it looked like the Black Olympics.

There is something deeper to this issue, more serious then a simple mis-step (by the most more powerful person in the world). The root problem is that there is a negative connotation given to people who have a disability. The perception that some how their efforts are unequal to a 'normal person'. In this case bowling, but in other cases there are more serious inequities that cause a lower quality of life to be preceded as acceptable.

As Obama has been faced the same level of judgment in his abilities to lead the free world (perceived as less able to lead because of his ethnic back) he over came those and became president; over shining the glare or racial discrimination with hope. I trust he can see the error of this mistake and begin to advocate for equal treatment, perception, and opportunity for all disabled so they too can over come discrimination.

And at the very least should provide funding to public education for better treatment of those who face discrimination because of disability.

How fortunate we are that Pres. Obama is aware of what he says and recognizes that it might be misinterpreted. I Wouldn't it be nice if more people were that honest. Yeah for Pres. Obama . Looking forward to the special education people at the White House.

what a horrible, insulting thing to say, especially from the president. and this is the way he thinks when his guard is down or there is no teleprompter. President Barack Quayle?

I voted for McCain and all I got was this wrotten President.

robert hoy,

Just a history note. Germany did not want change, they were angry and racist and wanted the supreme race, hmmmm kind of like the ring preaching hatred. Do you recognize yourself? I’m sure that’s the kind of America you want.

So Shriver says Obama` apology was sincere. That`s a shock!

Why was he even on the tonight show to begin with....you would think he had more important things to do with his spare time....he is just a high ranked celebrity!

Oh boy, here we go again. You need to grown up people. Get a life or something. We have so many people that want to God. All you see and hear are other folk’s words and not your own. By writing your hateful words on this blog it is you that need to be silence.

It seems that all you are doing is wishing that you live to get up each day and write on this blog. Forgive me, but you are so prefect in what you do and say that God forbid that you shouldn’t make it into heaven. At least our President is human. Nor you or I will have the last say so on judgment day. Thank God.

We have some crying and begging to see President Obama birth certificate.

God forgive me for saying this, but I guess they will be asking for Jesus birth certificate as well.

God forgive me for saying this, but your son, Jesus was born in a mangle.

God forgive me for saying this, but since your son, Jesus wasn’t born in a hospital, and let us not forget that he was born in a far away country and not the United States he can’t be the choice one.

God forgive me for saying this, and his name is Jesus Christ.

God forgive me for saying this, what is a Jesus Christ?

God forgive me for saying this, Jesus mother was human and you were a spirit so that would make Jesus half and half, Half human, Half Sprit.

God forgive me for saying this, so Jesus is not one of us.

Now I understand why I should be praying more and more each day. I give you Lord all the glory and praise that I was given another chance to wake up this morning and to get my life in order before I die; or before you return.

Oh God! forgive me, forgive me, and forgive me.

I watched The Tonight Show last night and as soon as he said that comment I knew he would get blasted for it. To me it was something anyone would say and it wouldn't be a big deal, but since Obama haters are looking for anything to bring him down this was another chance. The guy has been in office for 59 days and yet is taking the blame for Bush's 8 years of utter chaos. He favored big business and the rich for years and now the rich are getting caught in their own greed and somehow that is Obama's fault. I say let Obama serve out his term before we judge him. He cannot do any worse that the "WORST" president ever, President Bush did. There is a book out on the stupid remarks Bush has said while president. I voted for Obama reluctantly but so far agree with his policies of flushing out the scum that have ruined this country and taking a higher road.

Obama is constantly "putting his foot in his mouth". Might as well just walk around like that all the time. With his stimulus bill, that's all I'm going to be doing,,,, walking. There's nothing in it to help me. Small business and self-employed, doesn't get any help at all. Bush's tax check really helped, but now, I guess they're gone, in favor of helping the irresponsible. Everything is upside down. Work hard and pay for "stupid"!

Obama is human – keep being human – when you screw up it's okay, everyone does. I saw the interview and didn't catch that so if you are hearing impaired no big deal!

Gezz CNN who is in u r moderate board. i guess OBAMA staff...all your comments are pro OBAMA, this has been the case for soo long.

Obama is nothing without the teleprompter!! I wonder if Michelle is proud of our country now since a complete moron running the country

@ Ryan Anderson March 20th, 2009 9:24 am ET

BULLSH*! Idiots on this blog ask for his impeachment every single day, based on absolutely nothing. If presidents could be impeached for stupid remarks, We wouldn't have suffered the last 8 years of hell. The interview was great, the audience laughed at that comment, there were no gasps of horror.

The people who are saying "get over it" and "stop being so sensitive" crack me up. I bet they wouldn't be saying this if a racist remark or joke with a racial overtone was uttered. What kind of reaction would W have received if he said he "swims like a black man"? The entire black community would be calling for his head. This comment is on that same level. For some reason it's acceptable to make jokes about people with special abilities, but you can't make jokes about a person's race. DOUBLE STANDARDS PEOPLE. FIGURE IT OUT!

I understand Obama is human, but mindless comments like that is why our President doesn't need to be on a late-night, comedy talk-show!

If Bush did that the media would have never let him live that one down. I agree with everyone else–he needs that teleprompter or else he's just an idiot. What a puppet! He shouldn't have been on Leno. He's got to come down off his high horse and realize he's not Brad Pitt. He's the president of a country that's facing awful problems at home and abroad. Act like it! Stop throwing unnecessary lavish parties with musical guests, filling out brackets, and making guest appearances on late night entertainment shows. Why don't you try doing your job? Must be nice to have it so good while people are losing their jobs everyday and you and your party continue to take our money and turn our country into crap.

Everyone needs to take a deep breath and realize what nobody wants to say...if a republican had said this, the democrats would be calling for his/her head, just as the republicans are doing this morning. This is ridiculous, and absolutely demonstrates why things don't get done in this country. We care more for party than for country. This is a complete non-issue. The guy said something stupid. He apologized. End of story. I didn't vote for him, don't even like him, but come on folks. Give him a break

Its because he is "Black" get honest.

TO TENNESSEE:

I am also from TN and many of us did vote for him. He may not have won the state, but there are a lot of people who are with him every inch of the way.

As to failure: before you even think to call Obama a failure, you had better look at Senators Corker and Alexander along with Congresswoman Blackburn from TN, who have been total failures for years. They stood toe to toe agreeing with everything Bush did or said. You may even want to look in the mirror before calling someone else a failure. At least PRESIDENT OBAMA is trying to do something, which is way more than anyone in the party of NO has attempted!!

Nothing to do Mr.President???? you have time to go on the tonight show while the USA is in dire need of help, homeless people, starving and need help??? How do you sleep at night??? I knew you were a joke from the get go!!! Get real

Do your JOB!!!

So Don Imus makes fun of Black girls hair... and he gets fired...

The Smelly BO makes a comment about the Special Olympics, in reference to those with special needs... and we try to brush it off?

He is human, he does make mistakes, but he is also the PRESIDENT of the United States. He needs to start acting like that...

HOPE AND CHANGE??? No, just another joke in the white house... BUSH, CLINTON, BUSH, OBAMA – is this really the best we got?

I'm sure the hardest part of being the U.S. President is having everything you say and do dissected and scrutinized. Give the President a break folks, he is only human. President Obama represents a new generation. He is brilliant and very energetic. All of us asked for change, we have it, let's embrace it, and focus on the more important issues of the day...the economy, education, health insurance, global warming, etc. Let's stop giving so much time, attention, and energy to trivial matters.

KEVIN – Wonderful suggestion on volunteering! Togetherness is what this country needs and we need it now.
Now...
This doesn’t even compare to what we have had to endure over the past 8 years. I don't think the world will hate us over this as they do over GW. Everyone is human and we all make some oops s now and then, the rest of us just aren't in the spotlight when it happens.
Howard, Ryan, Sled Dog and Joy seem as hungry for any ammo they can scrape off the floor as that big idiot they call Rush is – if this is the best you have on the man – go ahead and waste your time. I take it none of you critics laughed at "Benchwarmers" or "Ringer" right? (Howard? Ryan? Sled Dog?) -because of your moral superiority and perfection? Did you call anyone to make an official apology afterwards? Didn't think so. This was minute – Funny, maybe not in the best taste, no discernable malicious intent, apology + restitution. Forgiveness.

It was just a joke. We have all been there, said something insensitive about someone or a group of people. I know I have. I think that everyone in here has too much time on their hands. How about getting off the internet where you work, quit blogging, make your company some money and help support our economy.

OK here's another politically correct moment that can taken anything out of context... I didn't even vote for Obama (so I'm not one of those "Obama is God" type individuals), but I do like him and heaven forbid the man show personality. I know, as uncouth as it may be, I would have probably made a similar comment. It was a joke... and I think everyone knows it was nothing malitious.

So he apologizes, GREAT! Now... he's been cornered into hiring someone from the Special Olympics or else he's a bad president who hates people with disabilities... give me a break! The man has a big heart, I most definitely have to give him that!

Oh, big fat deal. I am so sick of the thought police monitoring every word a public figure makes. It was a harmless remark, disparaging only to himself. The reporters who are jumping all over this probably say much worse a dozen times before breakfast. The man is trying to lead this country at one of the worst moments of its history. Do you really have to analyze and pick apart every word that comes out of his mouth? Are the news outlets so desperate for material that they have to pander to one of the lowest element in our society? And yes, I consider the self-righteous political-correctness bullies to be among the lowest of the low. Why don't you people find a worthwhile cause and start building something instead of trying to rip apart our society and recreate it into your smug little self image?

I don't believe OBAMA deliberate intended to insult or offend anyone with a handicap, he was poking fun at himself for his low scores in bowling. You would have to be so full of hate and anger not to understand thatsometimes we say stuff we do not mean, but it comes out wrong.

You Obamanites are funny, you keep blaming Bush for everything. First of all Bush didnt lie about 95% of the things he promised on the campaign trail like Obama and the ecnomony is still tanking and Obama has been President for 2 months, Obama never seems to work, he just is always "making appearances" , he's not campaigning anymore, i dont think he understands that. Stop getting brainwashed by everything, oh when obama thanked himself because he always reads the teleprompter......why arent people making fun of that? If it was Bush you would never hear the end of it. Just admit that Obama isnt as good of a leader as you thought he would be, obviously...hope? change? ... right

Guess Who???,

Guess who won the last election???

my sister has down-syndrome. me being furious is not me being over-sensitive. it's not me being unable to 'take a joke'. this is not about 'political leverage'. to me, this is as serious as it gets. this man is humiliating the most innocent, the most precious people on this planet. he's poking fun at the defenseless. my sister would have no idea he was making fun of her. he is a coward. at least gw didn't have to apologize for mocking people with disabilities.

PEOPLE!

It's the hypocrisy of CNN and the media. Of course it's a trivial slip in the grand scheme of things but imagine Bush, Rush or Ann making the same slip. Holy you know what would be erupting in the halls of CNN, MSNBC, and CBS.

Get over it and stop being so sensitve? How hypocritical. It's ok to be sensitive about cartoons that depict the congress as monkeys, but not ok to react when special needs athletes are degraded on national tv? Obama's "slip" was shameful and provides insight into what he really thinks.

I find nothing offensive by his remark, he wasn't disparaging the special olympics. He was mocking himself.

I'm glad he apologized to all the those who may have been offended, Geez...

Hillary would not have done this!! This guy's a joke and America is finding out.

It was a poor attempt at a joke and he apologized for it. To those who forever pointing fingers at Obama, make sure your finger don't get stuck or try to point those finger towards you to question your motives.
At least, he didn't let people of New Orleans sink, lie about WMD, go to war with the wrong country, give irresponsible tax credits to the rich and destroy the economy,

Glad to see Obama is human, and I hope that people will forgive him as such. Too bad no one showed the same kindness toward Bush in the early years of his presidency. Granted, Bush made many, many horrible mistakes in terms of his policies, but the press and the Democrats were relentless in their often personal criticisms of him. You may not like him (I don't!), but are you foolish enough to think he's really that dumb? Reminds me of that quote - "the smartest thing the devil did was to make people think he didn't exist". Anyway, I'm no Bush apologist, but the double standard is telling. I just hope people don't turn on Obama as they turned on Bush, because then we'll never get anything done, and we'll never get around to fixing the mistakes of the past 8 years.

heavens forbid that a president is more like an average human being, and relates to the average american. heavens forbid that we have a president that is looking out for our interests and not those of his own ideals. heavens forbid that we've seen this president out in public, doing hard work on a DAILY basis. Have we become so used to a silent ineffective president who makes no changes and keeps everything at the status quo that anyone that would actually do work and attempt to make a difference to BETTER our country is looked at as a bad person. It makes me very afraid that there are people out there that seem to make negative comments about this president without using their heads or really any sense of logic. He has done more in 8 weeks, minus the war, than bush had done in 8 years. I bring up Bush because you obviously are still in denial that Bush caused all of the mess that we are currently in. It is not Obamas fault. He is the one who is responsible for getting us out of the mess. You need to stop listening to the biased fox news, and start thinking for yourself. Also, ask yourself one question, what has Obama done that has affected you negatively? I'm sure 99% of you can't come up with one thing. Now on the opposite side, what has he done to affect you positively, and I bet 99% of you can come up with something. People need to ask themselves what is at the heart of their dissatisfaction with Obama, and I think only then will they realize that its not Obama that has the problem.

IMPEACH HIM!!!!

Yes, I am another righty moron looking for the miniscule error to tell the entire world "I told you so". And by the way, the economy is his fault, housing is his fault, etc.

Get a life freaking useless morons!!!

Amazing at how many liberals/democrats keep defending Obama. He screwed up, it was insulting and he is a fraud and a liar! Since 20 January 2009 Obama has been president and has spent more in 60 days then GW Bush did in 8 years.

Regarding Obama's comment about the Special Olympics – I am not the least bit offended. We have become far too thin-skinned. As for the Special Oylmpics, I am lukewarm at best. While I applaud the advances made in helping our less-abled, I am a retired teacher and realize that many of these advances have been made at the expense of other children. Look at any public school and examine the mandated resources devoted to the so-called less-abled. Then look at the resources devoted to the gifted. The proportions are way out of line. BTW, I have a learning-disabled son. Did he need help? Yes! As much as he got – no!

The big question for all the talking heads on tv is this...what if McCain, Bush, Jindal, Palin (oh yea..she has a special needs kid...she wouldn't have said this) or Rush had made this comment. The talking heads wouldn't be so..."ya know...he didn't MEAN anything by it!" Rush is right...when the Prez is off the teleprompter, he gives Joe Biden a run for the money. Cmon media..hold the Prez accountable like you would a Republican.

Scott Lara
jaxbloggers.com

Candace, where was your outrage 3,6, 9, 12 months ago? All the things you mentioned just happened two months ago, right?
Do you remember how long it was before Bush had his cabinet positions filled? What did Irag have to do with 9/11? Stop repeating crap you hear without having any knowledge of what you're spitting, it takes away from the validity of your agrument.

There are more important things going on in America and the world that require our focus than this minor misstep by the president. Out of all the important points he discussed last night and questions answered we are in serious trouble if all we can find fault with is that!! . He released a statement to Special Olympics understanding the 'faux pas' but here we go...the media blitz is about 3 words instead of the overall content of the interview..!!...gimmeabreak!

Lighten up and get on with the agenda! The point is that there is a mess to be fixed – now let's get on with it!

Oh please people impeachment? Really? we wanted Bush impeached for violating our constitution. There is a huge difference. Why are you all so willing to turn a blind eye and give up your freedoms just for Bush? That is why we hated Bush, we love our country and were trying very hard to preserve it. I love Obama, but If Obama does anything like Bush did, i will vote him out too!

Where is the outrage when a president of the USA makes fun of the disabled on national tv? If Bush did this, he would be impeached.

Wait just a second, did you just say "We're all humans and we all make mistakes"? Where was that attitude anytime W made any kind of mistake? Instead, CNN was all over him.

The media's bias for Obama has gotten sickening. You people made the leap from journalists to propagandists about 6 years ago. Keep pumping the mighty Obama train as he continues to break campaign promises and run our country into the ground.

I am tired of people wanting President Obama to make an apology everytime he says something or does something. Has George W. apologized for our bad state of the economy and running this country in the ground- or did I miss hearing that one?

Gee, I wonder what Hannity and Limbaugh will be talking about today, over and over and over and over.

I, Love Obama God knows he is head and shoulders compared to poor George, however I did not like that remark i have a bro who is autistic..Anyhoo I don't belive he really meant that...

cadance, Iraq had nothing to do with 911. Silly kid

The guy is human...and a regular guy. Who here has never once made fun, lightly, of someone or some organization that in essence does a lot of good. For crying out loud, we are human, and thankfully so is our president. He is someone we can actually relate to just like us in many ways. We are not saints, and I do not expect our leaders to be. Hell, we can't even expect our religious leaders to be saints, so cut the Pres some slack. Laugh a little people...at yourself, at others, with others. It's good for the soul.

I am person with a disability and I think this has been blown out of proportion. Grow up people.

PEOPLE, LETS STICK TO THE AGANDA, HE HIS HERE TO FIX WHAT BUSH BROKE.
HE IS HUMAN AND HUMANS MAKE MISTAKES, MOVE ON , LET HIM DO HIS JOB.

Hey, look it's me again! Just thought you needed to see me again today like I need you to see me. Look, I'm laughing and joking at nonsense while America rots from the inside. Don't get me confused with Nero, now, ha-ha-, I'm not that guy. I admit to getting somewhat nervous without my teleprompters to tell me what I should say, but that really doesn't matter does it since everyone loves me and will forgive me when I misspeak or give the country to the pigs (oops!). I hope all my beloved voters keep me in your thoughts continually as I do you. Have a nice day.

It's no worse than what any other human being may have let slipped. He's president but hes not perfect (especially with a 120's bowling average!). If that's the worst thing he does in public discussion then he's already ahead of the curve. Americans have no right to be that overcritical when we, as a society, are ripe with sarcasm, satire and other such remarks. Lighten up people!

Since you're taking the time to read these comments, I encourage everyone to get out and volunteer with your local Special Olympics branch or some other volunteer organization. Get out, lend a hand, do something! Thanks.

I did not vote for Obama and do not agree with anything he has done in the few months he has been in office. However, does every word a person say have to be examined for every possible meaning. We know he did not mean anything ugly. Get over it American! So many things happening in our world and we take time to concern ourselves over such nonsense. Even with the bad economy, it looks like we can still afford the PC police.

@ GetOverIt, who said "People need to stop being so freaking sensitive and just grow a thicker skin"

They're not being sensitive. They couldn't care less about the Special Olympics or that portion of the population. They're jsut jumping on an opportunity to impugn Obama. Nothing more, nothing less.

Obama held himself accountable and apologized before anyone said boo about it. I wonder if the GOPers on this site will do likewise when they realize that exploiting this slip of the tongue for no other reason than political leverage, not sincere concern about the issues, equals exploiting that group.

can america take a joke, all the mistakes and mispronounced words and the struggle sometimes with the B guy. america did not complain every thing president Obama,says curved or not even there is something. said

can we take a joke leave the man alone he has more important things to do.

every one is different and the world is changing so fast lets accept it

Lol, "If Bush had said this, people would be asking for impeachment". Dude, if you can kill half a million civilians and thousands of American soldiers in an illegal war while removing due process and the right to privacy for Americans and plunging this country into the worst recession in years while running the most secretive and corrupt government since Nixon...and not get impeached...I think you are safe from saying something about the "special olympics".

Ok, Obama made a mistake. At least his mistake didn't cost the lives of 600,000 Iraqs and over 4,000 Americans in an unjustified war.

Unjust war??? Have you forgotten 911???? Ask our brave men and women in the military if is unjust!!!! You didn't loose anyone in 911 did you??? You can bash Bush all you want but at least he didn't sit by while The Trade Centers tumbled costing close to $4,000 American lives. How soon we forget!!!

Obama needs to quit playing with final four picks, talk shows, basketball games and do the job he was hired to do! I am sick of the democrats defending all he does when the country is starving, losing homes, losing businesses, and their retirement. All Obama does is campaign and waste money flying around on air force one! He doesn't even have his cabinet positions fillled yet! Enough is enough...freaking get to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One angry American!!!!

Never posted here and probably never will again. But you whiny bunch of excusers and comparisons to past history need to stop. Judge a person on their actions and deeds. You voted for a president based on his hope and change message when his past history showed absolutely no basis in fact for this. So when a sitting president thinks Jay Leno is the right medium for his approval ratings and when he tries to use humor to compare his bowling improvement as the same as a Special Olympics event then do not complain to me when in four years your country is in shambles and AIG is still in business.

God bless America for it seems like we will need every bit of help we can get.

We are a country that is divided politically. One would think at these hards times we should focus on how to get this country back on track and not nit-pick every mistake our president says. Didn't we have enough with Bush?

I have to wait another hour to see what my messiah,Rush Limbaugh, wants me to say about thios since I cant think for myself.

nice going mr. president – just like all your other policies.

People need to stop being so freaking sensitive and just grow a thicker skin for god's sake!!!! I am so sick of all this PC weirdness–you can't say anything anymore without offending someone!

I forgive Obama because he admitts when he is wrong. Now, if he had let New Orleans sink, bombed the wrong country, and destroyed the economy, and then made a statement like this I can see being upset. The Special Olympics has forgiven him so why should we keep this going?

I watched the clips and then I watched the full interview. All you negative folks need to watch the full interview. It's way to easy to believe the worst things because the clips are deliberately used out of contexts and to show things in their worst light.

I'm going to stop watching so much cable news. The pundits are full of it and they have way too much control over how we think. We need to think for ourselves.

Seriously, people! Is this really that big of a deal that we waste our time talking about it. President Obama is human, and made a joke. Those of you who have never said something that could be taken offensively raise your hand. Why spend so much time worrying and criticizing this when there are much more important issues at hand. Get over it and move on!!!!

Many Post only talk about the Special Olympics comment but the rest of the program?, He stay 8 weeks in the Office only and Bush 8 years of bad government and the republicans are all saints now and the last 8 years Where they were??

It is time that the President of the United States of America stop acting so cool and start being a grown up.

It was a joke that was in poor taste, none the less it was a joke poking fun at no one but him. We have bigger fish to fry let's move on with getting the economy back on track.

What would the response be if Bush would have said this?

Let's lighten up and not have to be policially correct all of the time. He made any error, no big deal.

Will the Republicans just shut up? The President is never out of touch with what is going on, whether in the White House or on Air Force One. All you can say is that he shouldn't be on Leno and that he should be in the White House working on problems that George Bush created. The next thing you Republicans will say that when Obama is on the toilet, he needs to be concentrating on the economy, not anything else.

I have to give Obama credit for being the only President we've had in decades that has the ability to admit when he is wrong and to apologize with sincerety.

This country has become so soft. I can't believe this is even headline news. European leaders parade their mistresses around in public and over here our president is crucified for making a joke about handicaps ON A COMEDY SHOW. If you took offense to this, please seek a mental health professional because there are far worse tragedies in life than being the butt of an innocent joke.

Compared to the gaffes that Bush used to make practically every day, this one was microscopic. Obama is human, he's just a lot better at it than most people, so when he does slip up everyone blows it WAY out of proportion. Greatest President ever in the making here folks.

I have a Down Syndrome nephew and I wasn't upset or offended by President Obama's comment..everyone has a slip of the tongue..he is only human and trying very hard to reach out to everyone... and I know this president wouldn't intentionally hurt anyone!! It's a shame the media just can't wait to jump on something..I guess they haven't got enough really IMPORTANT news to report about...better watch out for your jobs!!!

Yep, like he said...everyones a Simon Cowel from American Idol

there always something to snipe at.

As a mom of a person with disabilities it is unfortunate that President Obama made this comment. However, I am sure that there is not one of us who has written in this forum that has not made a similar comment that we have regretted or have even done something much worse to disparage someone that is disabled, of a different race, nationality, etc. We have to quit being so insensitive or we will be angry people forever. I have been around several disabled persons lately that actually laugh at themselves as we as the non-disabled are able to joke and laugh at ourselves. How refreshing when we can all be together and not have to walk on "eggshells" with one another...that is when we are truly accepting of the disabled and can all feel like we live in an environment where we are accepting and there is a degree of normalcy.

To those who say this is a "non issue" and not a big deal, that is was just a joke... in some ways I agree.

But would you say the same thing if this came from Bush? or Cheney? or Limbaugh? or someone else you disagreed with? The answer is no, you wouldn't. You want those people to be sensitive to others (and not make jokes or political cartoons that could be seen as offensive) but when someone like President Obama does it, that is alright and we should just let it go. I think our nation is too sensitive as it is, but you should be fair across the board: If Bush couldn't say this without attack, why is it not a big deal for President Obama to do so?

I agree with what Dave said, "It's obvious he thinks his skills in bowling are handicapped". If people actually took the time to really get to know Obama they would know that this is exactly what he meant and not to offend anyone!!!

I read his book "The Audacity of Hope" and it is SO inspiring!!! He has another book that is on the "The #1 New York Times Bestseller " list called "Dreams from My Father" that I am starting to read and already enjoying it. He is a real person just like Hall for Obama wrote "At least we know he is not Jesus and don't have to walk on water. You without sin please get in line with Jesus". AMEN to that!!!

Ok, Obama made a mistake. At least his mistake didn't cost the lives of 600,000 Iraqs and over 4,000 Americans in an unjustified war.

So for the moral majority, of wHich you are neither, give it a break!

I've volunteered to help out organizing Special Olympics events. I don't thik we need to crucify Obama for the remark, but I think what he said was ridiculous. If I were to make such a comment at my job, I'd be reprimanded. Feel free to defend and excus him all you wish, but there's no question that he came across as extremely condescending.

I've seen videotape of the President attempting to bowl at stops during last year's campaign. I think he would probably be the first person to say that he wouldn't stand a chance bowling against Special Olympians.

Pegasus – Your remark stating "He was, in essence, stating that he was so bad at bowling that he felt he could be put into their program." is the reason why this is a very big deal. Have you ever attended the special olympics? Have you ever worked with a special needs child? I seriously doubt it. Many of the kids who attend the special olympics perform above and beyond some profesional athletes. Secondly, the challeges they have to overcome are purely remarkable. I am sorry that I have a president who does not have any respect for others. This is a big deal and I expect America to show Obama this.

The media had such a bad news day yesterday that this topic about Pres. Obama's comment about the Special Olympics was the main topic of reports most of the day. I was watching the Leno last night, knowing the comment had been made, but it happened so fast I missed it.

Media, why don't YOU go to Sacramento and do your homework on finding the homeless along the river homes. And then report why many of the 250 people living there (and growing daily) aren't interested in those found homes.

Let the Prez have some personal time. REMEMBER WHEN BUSH TWO TOOK A TWO-WEEK VACATION RIGHT AFTER HE WAS INAUGURATED?

Obama should stay away from the press......just don't give interviews. He won't have to worry about being human in his comments (BTW, I am very disabled and the comment didn't bother me) and he can get a heck of alot more work done. Just don't have press conferences either. To heck with the media, they make up news anyway.

Geez folks, get a grip. All of you that are "outraged" are probably the same people that felt like the "Magic Negro" song was funny.

A man can't even make fun of himself without the wingnuts getting their panties in a bind. A lot worse things have been said on late night TV and I'm, quite frankly, glad to have a president that's not so wrapped in "political correctness" BS to be human. Whether he proports that he bowls like a pro or like a Special Olympics kid, it was nothing more than a comparison.

Hell, I bet there's some special Olympics bowler out there that's happy as hell because the POTUS bowls like him.

I truly do not think President Obama meant to offend anyone. I feel really good about his policies and feel he has us on the right track to being financially stable again. As I watched him last I am impressed by his intelligence and sincerity. This was not something I was feeling with former President Bush.

We all love Obama. Greatest president ever....Keep at it Obama. I am glad the GOP folks are not happy. We had too much crap from your president for a painfull 8 years. Live with it

One thing sticks to being true. All you Bush haters just salivated at the mouth when he flubbed up a word or sentence, but all of a sudden quickly come to the defense when it comes from Obama? At least Bush didn't intentionally make asinine remarks about a certain group of people. Talk show or not; the fact is a leader of his stature should watch his P’s and Q’s a little closer in the future.

OMG, did that bastard Bush sell America's sense of humor when he was in office too? If it went to the Chinese it's already been slathered under coats of lead-based paint. There ought to be an investigation or a full blown Congressional inquiry!

Don't blame us. We didn't vote for him. Unfortunately, he is turning out to be even more of a failure than even we expected.

Get a grip! He made a mistake! Who hasn't? Was it a little insesnitive,probably. There are Special Olypians that bowl much better than he, so let's make sure we keep this in perspective; the man tried to make a joke, in many other circles it may have been considered funny, but he missed the mark, realized he made a mistake and apologized for it. For the love of Pete, it wasn't like he shot someone in the face!

You who apologize for Obomber, saying "oh, it's just a remark and he's making fun of himself" - what if the quote went something like this:
“I bowled a 129. It's like — it was like Black Children, or something."

Special Olympics people are an oppressed minority too, however our esteemed Mr. President is neither.

Wow, how can we possibly fix anything when the best people can do is snipe at each other.

I am a senior citizen who has been disabled for 50 years and I thoroughly enjoyed the Presiden'ts remarks. He made me laugh. Sometimes "humor" is the only thing that can get us through the difficulties if Life. Once you lose your ability to laugh at yourself, you might as well cut off your head.

Can't laugh at yourself or your predicament? I feel so sorry for YOU!

Little less focus on these meaningless stories. Why is he on Leno in the first place? Doesn't he have bigger fish to fry?

President Obama has been spending too much time around the original gaffeman Joe Biden. I would have expected something like this from Joe.

What was the purpose of the trip to California? Instead of going on
the Tonight Show our president should be in Washington working on the nation's economy.

People sure seem forgiving of Obama even though he's making mistakes left and right

Thank God our President is Human, Unlike the Aliens running our country for the past 8 years,, anyone got a problem with it move to the MOON! trying to be so perfect in an imperfect world is Distasteful Period

Obama is a breath of fresh air (and America sure as heck needed it). I think that he's sincere in his apology and meant no disrespect to disabled people. How many of us have made this type of comment ourselves – I know I have. I think it's great that he can relate to the public from any venue – from the seriousness of a press conference to laughing it up a bit with Leno. He's human, he's down to earth and doesn't see himself as "above" anyone – in that I mean he doesn't think he should be more privileged than anyone else. He's an extremely intelligent man with America's best interest at heart but he's still a "regular guy" too.

The reason Obama is "campaigning" and going on these shows is because he's trying to get his message out there and build consumer confidence. Consumer confidence is one of the main things that's slowing down our economy at the moment. I would THINK that most people would be smart enough to understand the tactics and strategy of what Obama is doing, but apparently I've given some people too much credit.

"If Bush had made the exact same comment, what would you democrats be saying today?"

Wow, he was self-depreciating and he didn't make up any words!

And here come the Obama-haters! All you people calling him disgraceful and 'dumb' for his comment, big flippin' deal! People make comments ALL the time that are out of the pocket. He's no different. You are all pouncing on the man for this little comment, yet heard NOTHING else he said in the interview. He apologized, most of you are right winged Christian (I am, but not a right winger) do like Jesus, forgive and move on.

I have a daughter in special olympics. I was offended. Well the american people got what they wanted. They eleced a sound bite for president. Thank u american people. remember change for change sake is sometims not a good think. ask germany in 1931. they want change. they got it ...hmmm i think it was hitler
nuf said

I agree with Carol. I think that he just used a poor choice of words. I should feel really insulted because I'm someone who has a relative with a disability, works in Special Education, and coaches Special Olympics. It was just a poor choice of words. President Obama is not trying to say anything bad about people with special needs. I'm more insulted by the reporter on CNN who uses the word ret**ded.

So much love and forgiveness! Finally, an end to political correctness! Now we can all stop censoring ourselves, safe with the knowledge that our words will not be used out of context to attack us. What a blessed reconciliation the President has inadvertently created. He is special!

Give me a break! Before any able-bodied people get bent out of shape with what I am about to say, keep in mind that I have been disabled all my life and grew up taking part in many local Special Olympic events and raising funds for those events as well.... that being said: Last night when he made this "gaffe", there was no one in my living room laughing harder than myself and a friend of mine who has also taken part in many of the last decades World Special Olympics. Why? IT WAS FUNNY! Can we please move on and talk about something that really matters instead of getting so upset on the behalf of the disabled, about a joke about the Special Olympics or the disabled that even the disabled found funny?

cnn if you have me blocked out then say so.221 have been posted since mine and mine was simple to the point.if you arent going to post my remarks then tell me i am tired of it

To Larry from Apex, North Carolina ... It's secede, not succeed, and rogue, not rouge. Learn at least one language before disparaging the intelligence of people from another state.

This just serves to underline the fact that if you are going to be humourous, you're going to insult people...it's important that we should understand the nature of humour... Case in point, Don Rickles...

I can't beleive I voted for this peice of crap. I am whole heartadly regretting my vote, we have been duped...

Not offensive at all. He was on an entertainment show, not a world-wide summit meeting. This guy can't even crack a joke without apologizing to 30 people.

Apparently, he didn't bring his teleprompter with him.

Well, look on the bright side. He could have been joking about
looking for WMD's under his couch..Nope, none here.

HEY MIKE IN PA,
The American people lost. Check out your paycheck in the next few years, taxes taxes taxes my friend. You and your peeps have got to be stupid if you think taxes won't go up on everyone. forget the 250+ crowd, which isn't very much anyway if you live in NYC, LA, San Fran, and such, but just you wait, the tax man is coming to a small town in PA very soon. Best of luck to you.

His congress is running wild and handing out bonus's.

Then to correct the problem they are changing tax codes.

Yep good think the idiot boy is hanging out in LA with Jay Leno.

This guy really does not know how to do anything but campaign.

Someone tell the moron he won the election....

Oh thats right he does not know how to lead might as well start my

campaign for 2012... And I can use the 600K donated from AIG

While I agree that the media would be all over Bush for saying this, I think it's all much ado about nothing. It was a joike, folks. It was funny.

21st century Americans have to be some of the thinnest-skinned people in history. What a bunch of whiners and complainers! Maybe what we need is a new influx of politically and culturally insensitive jokes to toughen us up a little.

Next time Obama is on a talk show (and it will probably be, oh, Conan Obrien next time), I suggest he says instead that his bowling scores are "gay." That would be much more fun.

Then he can tell an Aggie joke or two, a polish joke, and finish off with one about women drivers.

Half of the PC crowd will die of strokes, and we can get on with what's important in life.

I am glad to see that the Obama supporters are saying that we all need to have thicker skin and have a sense of humor. I do agree with this. However, next time someone draws a cartoon that is controversial, maybe you shouldn't be demanding that they be fired because you interpretted it differently than the cartoonist intended. Sometimes a joke is just a joke and a cartoon is just a cartoon.

We all make gaffes! Stand up the one who has not!

This was a horriblly stupid thing to say, period. And still, people justify it. It's not "okay" and it's not cool. It's amateur-hour! Someone needs to tell Obama that he WON and to stop campaigning and start being President. Enough with the TV appearances, and the Hollywood tours, and the rousing speeches. GO DO YOUR JOB!

If you wanna talk about bad statements, how bout the one where Mrs. Bush (the older one) said that those Katrina victims, sleeping in the Superdome probably never had it so good.

Bet you all were soooo outraged at that one, huh?

What should one expect from someone four years removed from the Illinois State Senate with little or no political accomplishments.

Obama sinks himself a little more every day. Truley ...being on the Leno Show showing who he is and just how blind he is to whats important to the American people. I

Common now, use some sense! We know Obama is not a cynical, mean-spirited person. This is nothing compared to Bush's gaffes. If Obama were making comments about the participants in the Special Olympics I could see justification for an uproar, but he wasn't. I don't know if it's the times or hi color – but I find it curious that, literally, his every word and movement is watched and criticized! The man has been president for only 2 months, and folks are still in a tizzy! He is held to a different standard than most. I've always said that he will have to do twice as much as any other president and get less than half the credit! It's the same scenario in the boardroom I've seen when person of color is in charge.

I agree that if Mr. Bush had made this remark he would have been slaughtered. However, in good faith President Obama has apologized quickly and proactively – President Obama – I was surprised you did the Leno Show – I know you are a leader and creating some positive energy however Jay is only out for Jay........
CNN will after all 'make hay' though because that seems to be the nature of the news organization today.
Just the Larry King coverage of the tragic death of Natasha Richardson confirms the 'trash' news that is CNN daily.

Sounds like Obama needs some sensitization training. Oh well, we know when your black or biracial in his case you can say, think, and do anything you want, and it's A-OK to just say "I made an Oopsie. Sorry." Now, if Don Imus had said this or McCain or Bush or McConnell or any white person, why the NAACP, the DNC, and Obama himself would call the remark into question. Stay tuned, everyone. Eventually, you're going to have to acknowledge that the IS in What IS? means what it sounds like. Prejudice and underlying bias.

We all know liberals think that these children should be aborted anyway. He's just playing to his constituency.

Would it have been a problem if he had compared his score to a person who is a bad bowler? No. Then why do we make a bid deal because he compared his poor bowling capability to Special Olympics. Do the country, or at least the people who are making a big deal over this, have a problem with people who have special needs? I have a grand-daughter who have special needs? Do we laugh at her misteps just as we laugh at the missteps of all of the grandchildren? Yes. Why? Because we don't want her to feel as if she is any different than any of the other grandchildren. As a a result, she is finishing her first year in college. Something that not all of the other grandchildren have done. Special needs people do not want to be treated with kid gloves, they want to be loved, nutured and corrected when they are wrong just as the other of us regular folks; if you can define regular anymore. Everyone seems to be "hung up" over one thing or the other. Let's get over it and move on!

As I read the outrage-by-the-far-right, mean, rude, criticism that is typical of the GOPers, I realize that the far-right leaders have said worse and that BUSH was one big gaffe after another!

The far-right-folks incessantly complain, demean, about everything and anything Obama does. And they ignore the FACT that a GOP president destroyed our Nation!

@ JB......... honestly, Bush made SO many gaffes that it pained us to listen to him speak!

About the tele-prompter comments, you people have obviously not listened to Obama at a Town Hall meeting, nor watched as he was interviewed.

GOPers keep up the vitriolic remarks, it will help the Democrats be reelected in 2010 and 2012!

The GOP members of Congress have a 19% approval rating. America is aware of who the ....... Grand Obstructionist Party is.

Bush would have been drawn and quartered and dispersed to the four corners of the nation for anything even remotely similar.
But all this aside, we will turn the other cheek as we have all to often.
By the way, happy birthday GOP. Way back when democrats promoted slavery, a group of people decided we needed someone to protect the rights of Blacks, forming a more perfect union by creating the Republican party and thereby making it possible for Obama to become president today.

This has got to be one of the stupidest arguements in the history of stupid arguements. To all the sane rational people out there who understand that the presidents comment was a jab at his own bowling skills or lack there of, I say good for you for having good common sense. It amazes me how stupid people can be by jumping on a band wagon that has no wheels and trying to ride it for all its worth.

As has been stated, if this was Bush, every left wing, tree hugging, whale saving, 2 legged 3 eyes pinstripped hairy toad loving idiot would be on tv, radio and internet calling for his head. But, hey Barack OJesus, or the Saviour formerly known as POTUS can get away with it.

But, alas, I kinda understand him. When you work with the folks in the house and the senate ALL day, you probably feel like you're in the Special Olympics.

When we try to treat the President of the United States of America with less decorum than deserved than he will not be taken seriously. By agreeing to go on the tonight Show, I believe he is lowering the standards set up before him by presidents before him. He is not a movie star, a comedian or a rock star so he needs to stop trying to get the laughs and start to get the country out of this mess. This is what he was elected to do, not be a celebrity!

Gaffes and slip ups like this give insight into what people of power really think & say behind closed doors. No matter what kind of apologies he issues after the fact, we now know how he really feels towards the disabled.

People it is not that serious... Okay he made a mistake but have you not? most of yall are just mad because the time has come and we have a black in the wh!!!

We should stop talking about this minor issue, however insensitive and inappropriate it is. This is distracting us from our most urgent : the economy.

Did anybody else notice when Obama named our most pressing issues, he mentioned healthcare and education but didn't mention the economy?

Just wondering who pays for the President to appear on a variety show.

I rest my case: To the poster who claims Limbaugh made fun of Michael Fox–you have been suckered by the media. Had you cared enought to give a careful listen in context to the way that all came down you would understand how this was deliberatley twisted and distorted by the media. But you don't really care about truth, do you?

Also, good move. Try to defelt any legitimate criticism about Obama by pointing to something else. Just like when little Billy gets scolded by mom, you cry out: "But Jimmy did worse than I did!"

This is another non-issue that the media will try to make headlines about. I am a parent of a special needs child. I watched the show and I, nor my child was offended. We have a president that put a large amount of money into the stimulus package for schools to help special needs children in schools. This was a huge improvement compared to the last several years, when No Child Left Behind was so underfunded. We, as parents that are on the front lines everyday working with the schools to try to see to it that our children are educated, truly appreciate what he has done. This remark does not hurt him in our eyes. He is human!!! He also cares deeply about the children.

To RJ in NYC:
Anyone is welcome to record my remarks, because I think before I speak.
Also, I was not elceted to hold the highest office in the land. If he doesn't like being under the microscope he should quit. He knew what the job like before he ran for it.

It's unfortunate when somebody has to apologize for an inoccuous remark meant in self-deprecation just because it might offend a few people, most of which have nothing to do with the Special Olympics in the first place. it's a funny remark and should be taken as such. And yes, if Bush had said it, I would have said the same thing. Humor should not be partisan.

Obama you are the President of the United States. It's time for you to act Presidential. Not crack inappropriate jokes on national TV.

Yes, Bush wasn't the greatest President, he may even have been the worst in modern history. Yet, I can't imagine him saying something like the comment Obama made.

I have a disability, you never make jokes on the disabled. Never.

I thought BHO was smarter than this. By making this comment he said "special olympic' bowlers are not good at bowling. While I realize he was trying to say I suck at bowling that is not what came out. I am sure teleprompter counseled him afterward.

Just tells you what he actually thinks about those with mental disabilities. If a someone made a comment that Blacks are built differently in their muscles or something like that he would be looking
for another job no matter how hard he apologized–oh wait–that is
what happened to Jimmy the Greek and anyone else that would be
so stupid to make fun of the black race. But its OK to make fun of those who are mentally challenged. I'll bet he even laughed when he
saw Gov Palin's son.

I bowled a 129 last night too. It was like I was half black or something.
Oh, I'm sorry. I did not mean to disparage people of color, I was just poking fun at myself.

You shouldn't make fun of mentally challenged people– Bush might get offended.

comrad obama has already spent 3 X 's in 60 days what bush spent in 8 years , is that a gaff? And should we give him more time to spend 3X that for his health care? At his town meeting he said don't worry about the projections.....just let me spend more. How does Comrad obama say F...YOU..?......Trust Me

I have 2 special needs children.

THIS IS THE BEST THING THAT COULD OF HAPPENED!

Now the president will be exceptionally sensitive towards our special needs community and support programs. Im not offended by his Gaffe, and see it as an opportunity not a slight.

If Bush said that????

Wonder how that would have went over with the press??

To all of you crying about Obama taking time to do this show or fill out an office pool just remember that Bush was on vacation 20 of his first 60 days in office. Obama has yet to call in sick.

Suck it up and get over. You guys lost in November.

The President made some great points about things like technology and how AMerica can be competitive and instead of the media taking these great points and expanding on them by inviting great minds that can explain how these things can be accomplished, we have the media focusing on a comment the president made explaing his handicap in bowling and blowing it out of proportion for the sake of ratings.......MSM is not to be trusted....

figures obama worshippers come to defend there messiah everytime he makes a mistake but if it was a republican you would be calling for there head...but we always known that Obama is full of crap

My God I wish people could find some stand to take to make theirself
feel like somebody. Im not an obama Fan at all. I dont like him. Fact
of the matter is that your all right bush would have gotten blasted for
making that comment. CNN, MSNBC all the left would had taken a dump the size of texas and played in it, If the "Other Side" had said that.
With that said as much as I dont like obama That was not a big deal
all all.....get over it. There is not one mentally challenged person
that is tore up or even hurting over that today, they dont even know he
said it or what he ment by it....Hes offended your stand and wasnt
politically correct.....You all will be fine.

Wow, I'm surprised CNN reported on this, I thought they were covering for the guy just like NBC and CBS are! Thanks. It was shameful that POTUS did that, but then he went on to make fun of waterheads, which are another name for mentally challenged individuals, what a shame that this sitting President has little regard for the most vulnerable of society, i.e babies that are aborted and now the mentally challenged.

This sort of thing will happen when the President is willing to actually put himself out there and talk to the American public. He doesn't hide from the country and only speak in tightly controled circumstances to hand picked audiences like Bush did. If you will recall on numerous occasions he still managed to stick his foot in his "bring it on" "mission accomplished" etc etc mouth.

He needs to stop campaigning and get to work. His off-color comment should not be the issue here. He probably calculated the remark in order to divert criticism for appearing on a night-time talk show.

Blah, blah,blah...
In 15 years, the terms will change again, and something like 'physically/mentally challenged' will be verboten.
'HOW can you say someone is... challenged! Have you no feelings!!!'

Back to work, everyone. EVERYONE is offended by something these days, and everyone expects a tip for what they are paid to do.

If this was bush forget it everyone would have been ripping him apart but Obama makes a joke and hey thats ok Obama is a joke himself this guy will go down as the worst pres. ever enjoy that title bush for now but obama is not that far away.

This shows us how he truly feels about people wit disabilities. How dare you people that say oh he made a mistake, when you open your mouth and say something it is not a mistake, he belittled people of and in the special olympics and people across this globe with handicaps and special needs.

Also stop comparing him to Bush, Bush is gone Obama is his own man that makes his own mistakes as you put it. No own asked this man to compare his inabilities to those of someone with special needs.....

I would like to hear how he truly feels about different races, and gender as well. Is he truly above the law, does he feel he is better than everyone except people with special needs....what a bum.

Give me a break. Do you honestly think President Obama meant to slam the Special Olympics? He was poking fun at his bowling skills. You critics have such a holier- than -thou attitude that if no one that isn't exactly like you and thinks exactly like you and "is perfect...exactly like you" is a piece of scum or bringing an end to society as we know it.

You should look at yourselves in the mirror before you come across as so self-righteous.

Go Obama!

It's not a gaffe. It is an insult to the special olympics. I don't understand how people can say it was unintentional. Does he not have to be held responsible for the words that come out of his mouth. If I were to say something about murdering someone. I would be held responsible for the words out of my mouth. But I guess when you become so high and mighty.... you lose all accountability. If I were his advisors, I would keep a teleprompter posted 3 feet in front of his head. This is the true man you elected America. We are going to get what we deserve. I just hope like heck that we learn from our mistakes!

I can see a feet-in-mouth disease here. You just can not offend people first and then apologize for what you did.

you, people are stupid. this is a way to make you (stupid republicans)to talk about a gaffe he made in order to forget about the AIG. those republicans are dumb. politic being played. I love you Obama

He later apologized to Bush for any suffering his comments have caused him and his fellow Olympians.

Thank you rockstar Obama for daring to speak w/out a teleprompter – you complete, inexperienced moron. Your a disgrace along with your whole posse, Nancy, Joe, Barney, Teddy........(excuse me while I puke in my trashcan). The epitomy of hypocrisy is what you all are. You take thousands from AIG in campaign money, then cry and wail about AIG when the pressures on from the public to use our money wisely. You tell America you'll run a transparent government then shut people out in every way, shape and form. But hey, like you said in your townhall debate with McCain, "the millions of dollars in earmarks are such a small part of the bill". The American people don't care. Of course you can say that with ease. It's our money, our children's money your waisting. Let's spend $400+ million for abortions. Let's force hard working Americans to pay for Health Care for the lazy, pot-smoking losers that CHOSE to live like they're living. Lets force the rest to pay for the those that CHOOSE to spread their legs for a couple seconds of satisfaction and then reap the consequences and have 6 kids. WHO CARES. Obama will take care of us. You people that voted for this joker are absolutely, positively, without a doubt, S.T.U.P.I.D. Welcome to the Socialist States of America.
ps – GRETEL – all our/your listed criticisms are true except #16. Thanks for listing.

Let me call the waaaaaambulance for all you people with nothing better to complain about. Were is the disparagement here? Are we no longer allowed to say thew words "special olympics without every idiot in the country complaining about it? guess what folks, many special olympians probably can't bowl. Its a fact, so what. Time for folks to get a life.

We have lost our intestinal strength when things like this affects people. The whole country is approaching an event from the Special Olympics. Let's move on and stop being so soft. I have given to the Special Olympics. Good cause. If this bothers you, make a donation. You will feel better.

It is a disgusting comment. As a person with a family member who has down's syndrome and competes in the special olympics, I take offense. I think it illustrative of what I always knew was there with Obama - elitism. Obama is all ego. Unchecked ego is a problem in the world that has never been named "emotionally disturbed" but probably should be.

IAre the four years up yet?

If Bush or any republican made this comment it would be the lead story on every media outlet and the libs would be screaming bloody murder

Fools

Obama was obviously making a self-depracating, disparaging remark about himself. You Obama bashers are just being phony oportunists.

DVD's that won't work in Britain.... the wrong translation on the red button with Russia.....The Tonight Show, with Jay Leno, and making fun of the Special Olympics......a half-staffed administration, with the part that IS staffed filled with tax cheats....an economic recovery plan without substance.... what the heck is going on here? I'm very disappointed.

response to RJ in NYC:

No I would not feel offended if Bush, Cheney, or any republican in that administration would have said something like this. honestly I pay attention to the bigger stuff not words, I honelty didn't care when bush said his stupid remarks either and thats becasue that all they are. Now bush's actions however now that was an administration full of "special olympics."

moderator – can u contact me about how to fix certain tech issues? I can't post anything on another part of CNN

With all the good this guy is doing for the nation we should not make a big deal out of this. Why would J want to boil this great interview down to one bad statement?

If those words came out of his mouth... then he meant it !!!

Come on people, I have 2 special needs childrens in my family
What the President said did not move me....he was talking about himself. CNN you are trying to make this out of something.........
Who wants to cast the first stone? All of you are hypocrite.......
He was not making fun of special needs people. We know what is in
his heart and he is a good man. For those who cant handle it
go away..........

People calm down. I do not support any of the decisions Obama has made up to this point and I didn't vote for him but to say you are offended by this comment is utterly stupid, unless you are actually mentally or physically disabled and then that is your right. ANyone else saying they are offended is just spouiting off becasue they can. There are much more things to get on our President for right now, changing health care benefits for our disabled vets comes to mind. Why aren't any of you complaining about that? Oh right, becasue it doesn't violate Political Correctness.

While what Obama said was probably just a silly attempt to be funny – after all, he did the show to get close to his fan base – as President he had no business being there. I had a feeling he'd do something like this as he'd be without his trusty teleprompter. What is really amazing is to see the reaction of the press. If a Republican had done this there would be calls for their resignation. The late night comedians would have a field day. Somehow I doubt anyone will touch this tonight. More pathetic than his bowling or narcissistic need for the spotlight is his hypocritical outrage over the AIG bonuses...since his party crafted the bill that gave them the loophole, his congress rushed it through, having no time to read it, at his urging and he signed it without knowing what was in it. And the American People just nod their approval like bobbleheads.

If Bush had made the exact same comment, what would you democrats be saying today?

TO RJ in NY – Limbaugh made fun of Michael J Fox and his fight with Parkinson disease. That was worse than anything Obama could have said.

Jay, You are full of it. People say the things that they say, I think you are a product of an old way of thinking, I think society as a whole is approaching these things with a more open mind. What is important is that he can say it and not mean it and other people can laugh about it. Just like the monkey cartoon if we look at it for what it is rather then what we are looking for in it.

Has anyone besides me absolutely had it with this eggshell environment of political correctness?

MSM will drive this into the ground like they do so many "other" unimportant matters....I am more concern about the economy.

parent of a disabled person, here. former volunteer for the special olympics –the president's comment was unfortunate, but he has apologized. okay.

i know i've said things i wish i hadn't even in a public forum. no one is perfect. we learn from our mistakes. that said, i watched the interview in its entirety and was unhappily surprised that cnn has not focused on the body of what the president had to say. it was well worth watching. i suggest others do the same.

it's important that the press look for more than gaffs, sound bites and one line mistakes. gotcha media on the left or the right isn't reporting, its annoying (yes, i made a palin reference on purpous).

peace and apple pie,

eva in sunny cal

I would advise Obama to get back to DC and get to work but then I remember everytime he does something the economy gets worse. Best he stay away and play with the kids.
There is no confidence in him from the people that count.
He has no credibility.
He can't staff treasury because there is no one with any smarts that will work for him.
Wheres the outrage for the trillions, not milions, of debt he is dumping on the taxpayes that have to pay for this crap?
We will be paying more that 165 mil to retain the lawyers when AIG takes this all to court. Beside the fact that this taxing them 90% is against the constitution in 2 places. BHO must have gotten an Afirm. Action law degree.

I am sure the president did not mean any malice. Aside from the comment I thought he did a great job on the show. He was very natural and real.

What was he thinking? I suppose showing up on a late night show is "cool and hip" but we don't need that in a President! We need a serious leader and not some celebrity / comedian want-to-be. How can the other world leaders take us seriously after that stunt? This is what America wants in their leader?

As a taxpayer, I'm glad to know that my dollars are going to support his bowling game, crested jacket, fuel on AirForce One to fly him to the Jay Leno show, not to mention all the other things we don't even know about. There are people out there that can't put food on their table or a roof over their head stoday, and this is supposed to make them feel better? Above all else, I'm so disappointed that our leader showed such disrespect for the many individuals and families by his flippant comment. I'm sure there was no intended harm but nonetheless it was inappropriate and there is no excuse.

Get over it. We can send American children to ill advised wars to become disabled and no one complains, but an off hannded remark they jump out inn the streets. Nothing more than pharasis.

One comment should not dominate the coverage of this lengthy appearance - there was much more of substance to talk about

For those who keep complaining about Obama thinking he better than you typical people just keep in mind that he simply is better than most of you.

Oh what freaking ever. So what, he made a dumb joke. Everybody does. To those posting how angry they are about it, get over it. To those posting here bringing up Republicans, Bush or Cheney, get over it. The time for petty hatred because of labels (Democrat/Republican) needs to end. Political correctness is overblown and is causing everyone to have very thin skin. Everyone needs to grow up and move forward.

Look it was a joke OK? Leno and every other comic gets up and makes jokes about all of us, skinny fat black white jew gentile .... give me a break. And it was funny. Great to have a President who can think on his feet and if he feels he stepped over the line, he can say hey, I screwed up, got carried away, sorry folks.

Now the comment I have never been able to reconcile is "Osama Bin Laden .... I never think about him". And I am still waiting for an apology from ANYONE for that comment.

For all you people who have been posting what an intelligent, insightful, thoughtful man he is, wake up. Are these the comments of someone who could be described as such? When Mr. Obama goes off his prepared speeeches, fed to him via telepromter, this is what you get, someone who soundsl ike a blundering buffoon, mocking those who have special needs

This was a bad one by Obama.

By the way ... did Bush ever apologize to the families of the dead and wounded in Iraq when he clowned around at a black tie event about looking for WMD's under his desk?

Didn't think so.

President Obama went to Cali and gave 2-3 Great speeches and the people LOVE him. Governor Arnold S. said Obama was beautiful and thanked him for ALL of the BILLIONS of dollars he is giving the state of California. He goes on Jay Leno and does very well but makes a joke about his bowling score and NOW after this silly joke, a lot of you fools are upset as if he's some cruel shock jock or something, it's UTTERLY RIDICULOUS! Please, use that energy and go look for a JOB if your unemployed and if you have a job do something more constructive with your silly outrage, direct it at the GREED on Wall Street or better yet be a MENTOR to a child with disabilities! It's rather useless if you think berating the President as if he meant to demean people with disabilities. Americans are sad people, it takes nothing to throw you off message and get you ALL in a tizzy over something as meaningless as a joke about his bowling skills! UNBELIEVABLE, but you are not to blame, the MEDIA knows exactly what buttons to push, and it seems as though that is the ONE thing they do very well.

A) This man should not be using taxpayer $ to fly to California to appear on a TV show
B) It is disgusting to think that a person who is supposed to be the leader of ALL Americans would insult a disabled group of Americans.
C) Why is the President spending so much time away from Washington? Is he trying to avaid the heat? There is lots of work to be done. He needs to be back there doing the job we are paying him to do.
d) Can you imagine if a siiting republican President would have said something like this?

WOW! It is amazing how quickly everyone has come to the defense of the President after making such a insensitive statement! I wonder if the same people would be so forgiving if Bush said the exact same thing when he was President?

Actually, if Bush had made that comment no one would have said anything because the comment would represent the rule rather than the exception. The man is human in spite of the "messiah" tag that the republicans continue to hang on him.

At least we know he is not Jesus and don't have to walk on water. You without sin please get in line with Jesus. If you never made a mistake you are human.

leave it to the media to take .5 seconds of an interview and turn it into something bigger than what it was. he clearly was speaking candidly and meant nothing of it. loosen up! i'm surprised sarah palin isn't soap boxing off this though...

Gee whiz ... leave this man alone already. After 8 years of imbecileville, what a pleasure. At least his is not a walking gaffe.

He is the President of the United States and he can say whatever he wants to say. Plus, it was funny. The only thing I'm upset about is that he apologized. The President shouldn't apologize to anyone. I wish he would show some more toughness and swagger.

Hey, Deborah, Jeff, Rob and all others who do nothing but pick apart everything that Obama says and does. Is this your contribution to the world, to blog about how other people are not bettering your life for you? Get off your A$$ and the internet, quit dogging other people and do something productive. This is ridiculous. How are you helping the economy?

When did the US populace become so thin-skinned and dystopian?
<<<<<mourning the loss of the Good Ole America of Yore

I'm sure that our very presidential president meant no offense to any particular group. We all have probably made a similar comment at some point, and meant no offense to anyone in particular or as a group. He's only human, despite what his detractors continuously have to say. I actually stayed up late to watch this show, and saw a president who is smart, charming, elegant, and articulate, who calmly put forth his plan for our country. He has charisma from the top of his head to his feet, and I am very proud of him. After the Clinton years, I thought we would never be able to see a competent president and administration that we could be proud of again, but we have lucked out, and should being doing everything that we can to help this president. That goes twice as much for the media, as they are the ones who seem to be inciting people to riot by constantly doing what they consider to be necessary news over, and over, and over. I now see more than ever why certain factions are so down on them, they are really boring and are not helping at all.

I am just surprised that no one is screaming: This is all Bush's fault!!!

BHO = Barack Hindenburg Obama

I support the hires and the policy changes made by this administration. I intensely dislike Obama as a person. Off-guard for a few minutes with an adoring audience – he had to go cross country to get one, but whatever it takes – he makes yet another casual remark that reveals who he really is.

Apologies are pretty weak if it's your kid he's talking about.

To Mike in Texas: You just don't get it! Any comment from anyone in Texas has no validity. Soon you empty skulls will succeed from the Union and become a rouge state. Texas should have a law that REQUIRES the wearing of big cowboy hats to cover their pinheads.

Is this a big deal? – Probably not
Was he being a jerk? Yes
Do I like him? Less and Less everyday he has been president.

Move on and stop being so critical. Can some of you please take the microscope off of President Obama! Get over it! He won! Lets make this country a better place now.

Wow, only a Muslim born in a distant land would say something like that! Thats what happens when they get uppity.

Gretel
16. We have no Ideas, no Solutions, and we can only engage in petty criticisms of the new popular president
************************************************************************
Yes because that is all Conservatives want to do, is pick apart, or maybe just call those out that oversensative on one issue, and okay with other issues as long as it involves their political hero, maybe he should have never gone on Leno in the first place, maybe the AIG bonus gaffe should have reminded him that he has a lot of issues within his own party, and maybe he should remember that he came second only to Dodd, for campaign contributions from AIG.

I have a problem with DC as a whole, and i think every single political position should have term limits, we have too many senators and representatives that get comfortable and can play the game.

And Dems are going to have to come up with a new category because a lot of conservatives are distancing themselves from the republican party

also check for your local Tea party this year, there was one in Cincinnati recently that had 4000 people, another one will be in Houston over the summer, but google Tea Party 2009 and find a local one to protest the direction "our" country is going.

Our President is made out of teflon. He gets away with gaffes like this, yukking it up on Leno while DC is burning,, demoralizing our economy and saying he only wants to look forward, while he daily reminds us that he "inherited" this mess. Does anyone out there actually believe the AIG bonuses were an act of God, while he and Dodd were no. 1 and 2 recipients of donations from AIG management? How long will this honeymoon last?

Jackie in Dallas.... Political Correctness is a product of the left-wing in this country..... and WE are taking it too far????? Come on now, get real.

It was in the spirit of the moment and It was late night tv. Besides worse things have been said on late night tv. I personally found it very funny

Okay.. he said it! he opened his big mouth inserted his big foot.... He apologised for it.. No one was hurt; no one died; LET IT BE PEOPLE!! I find it refreshing that he actually appeared before a live studio audience and talked to the people. If you "wound-licking" Republicans would just back off and quit making "Mindless" posts on CNN we would all be better off...... You know President Obama is admitting his mistakes and "APOLOGISING" publicly about them...WOW WHAT A CONCEPT???!!! He is doing a great job so far and working really hard to jump-start the economy.. At least he admits that we are in a recession and possibly on our way to a depression....Gee did 'W' admit that??????????????????? that would be a BIG FAT... "NO!" President Obama has at least has the strength to tell the TRUTH to the American people.. WOW ANOTHER GREAT CONCEPT.... Just get over the hatred and work with your President to make America strong again.... Quite arguing Republican this or Democrat that.. WE ARE AMERICANS....

I support the President Barack Obama, I see nothing wrong with him being on J. LENO show, I see nothing wrong with his agenda President Obama is cable of doing many things at once I love that he is working very hard. The Mistakes made have nothing top do with his abilities to do his job as he see fit he is president and can carry out his agenda as he see fit and able I support him. I am pertubed by the way the Republicans are acting I have not good feelings about their intentions I don't beleive they are in the best interest of the public but in the interest of there own agenda. I say to the Republicans I expect you to back of this finger pointing bring forth your great Ideas and plans work with this president get the job done. News media while I like the fact that you are doing what you can to help people find jobs and all the good things you do but I cannot stand how your behavior is about reporting the news you sound and act like VULTURES waiting for the kill. how unprofessional stop beating news to death 10 times over every news casters repeat the same thing over and over. We are intellgent people we do not need you to analyze situations for us. You look so dogmatic KNOCK IT OFF.

Well stated Kate... Political correctness is out of control in this country, so what he made a slip of the tongue. How many of you "outraged" people have never said anything stupid? Get over it.

This is just ridiculous, I do wonder what the people the run the special Olympics say about this, they probably laughing about the joke, yes the joke. And I mean the special Olympic not you republicans. And yes you republicans are special in your own way

I love this President but was dissappointed at his joke. I'm glad he apologized. Unlike Rush Limbaugh who made fun of Michael J. Fox and his battle with Parkinsons disease.

It is very convenient to quote scripture and to piety about a rather insignificant comment of self-deprecation. We are also reminded to "judge not." Mr. Obama has apologized and invited them to the White House; maybe they can give him lessons. Get over it and volunteer in a worthwhile charity.

This man and his administration is a JOKE! I just read another article on him by Peggy Noonan – "He's everywhere and nowhere". How sadly and dangerously true!

And THIS is what CNN calls breaking news. How pathetic. Who's
the a __hole there doing the monitoring?

We are supposed to believe H got a degree from Harvard? How did H get in....bowling scholarship???

Comrad obama does not make misstakes!!!!!!!!Destroy the teleprompter!..........

This guy is just another presidential bigot! Now we know the character behind the slick words! Wonder how he would like becoming disabled in a car wreck and learning the pain and humility of playing Hoops from a chair? Imagine...kissing up to Iran (they will kill us all if given the leeway) and dissing the good and honorable people of Special Olympics! This is NOT a leader, and the comment was BUSH league.

Thanks to many of you for missing the point. Everyone says stupid things at one time or another; the President is held to a higher standard. Each of the morons here that are so excited to "feign" the GOP reaction/impeachment and all that are shallow, clueless automatons just following along without a balanced thought. It's the reaction or lack of one from the heroic media that is somewhat vexing; GWB or any other Conservative would have been pilloried in the press...the evil Rightwing radio etc. would have excused it (as it should be), but they sure wouldn't have spoken it up like it was a zero issue. You all don't realize that you're actually the sheep....morons!!!!!

Not in good taste, but not intentional...there are more important things that need to be focused on. Like fixing the horrible state our country was left in from the last 8 years under Bush!

@ RealityKing

You planning a trip to Japan (I hope)?

I'm very disappointed.
The only way President Obama can even begin to make good on this distasteful comment is to continue with tax breaks for the wealthy, fall to his knees and worship Rush Limbaugh, abandon alternative energy funding, keep our troops in Iraq until they find the WMDs, do nothing and deny there's a recession, uphold the Constitutional right to deny citizens habeas corpus...
I could go on and on.

For crying out loud. It was a pleasure watching our president on Leno's show and even got to see him laugh.
Of course, the media picked up on one misspoken word. We who support our president know he would never intentionally show any disrespect for anyone. He truly loves and supports the American people and proves it every dayt.
Between the media and the republicans do not know how he keeps his cool.

I meant to type late night tv

If George Bush said this, the press and America would not have taken it so seriously.

They would've made fun of it and chalked it up to the rest of his gaffes. (remember all the gaffes Bush made? There were so many!)

So, President Obama makes one gaffe, and people treat it like its the end of the world.

Relax!

Obama's comment was inconsiderate. I wish that our societal reaction was different, though. The media sharks circle the waters waiting to sink its teeth into this type of remark. It bloodies the water in which we all swim. Those who greatly dislike Obama will join in the raging feast. Those overly fond of Obama will attack the attackers. Most of the rest of us will swim away and forget the whole incident as fish do. Very few of us won't take the bait.

I love listening to people say that if he doesn't have a teleprompter he can't reach people. Town Hall meetings? He answers every question, the good and the bad which is a lot more than Bush could ever do. It was a dumb comment poking fun at himself. everyone does it.

And THIS is what CNN calls breaking news. How pathetic.

Would it were President Obama be placed in a wheel chair for a day
in mid-town New York City and then make fun of the differently abled.

Obama shouldn't have been on the Tonight Show in the first place. Distasteful and tacky – this is not what I expect how the President of the United States to behave. Running the country is not a popularity contest.

And furthermore, Obama shows his elitism by making that stupid, stupid comment about Special Olympics. Yes, he probably didn't mean it the way it came off, but that slip of the tongue showed his true character.

I love all you people saying "you're making a big deal out of nothing!" Most of you are probably the same people who would be flaming Bush or ANY Republican who made that same comment, and you know it. But of course, if anyone DARES to criticize Obama, he/she must be racist and/or full of hate, etc.

Obama is now the President. Like it or not, EVERY President needs to be equally accountable for not only actions but words, and EVERY President needs to be able to be put under scrutiny. There should be no double standard here.

I think a really telling comment was made recently by a news pundit...he said that when Obama has a bad day, the Dems make sure that someone else has a worse day. That's completely the truth. But guess what, folks? Blaming Bush and the Republicans (which you've joyfully done) isn't going to last too much longer. If anything, I'd say the actions of the Democratic leadership (especially Pelosi) are doing a ton to help ensure the GOP will do well 2 years from now.

Don't get me wrong; I very much want Obama to do well. He is our President and I respect him because I respect the office. But to this point, he's looking more and more like someone who is exceptionally fine at public speaking but less talented at actual leading. And he sure doesn't get a good mid-term grade for "doing what he said he was going to do". What would be a huge help for him would be to defang Pelosi...you Dems should be aware that Pelosi and Reid are by FAR your greatest liability right now.

This isn't a question of democrat/republican. This is between P/C, self absorbed whiners and normal people.

Me, I am a republican (red through and through) but this is pathetic. His comment wasn't disrespectful towards anyone but himself. All you P/C goons who love to criticize need to get a life. Find a cause that is worthwhile and fight for it.

Now I understand why he uses a teleprompter all the time. The true character comes out when he is caught off guard. Look he is the President of the United States. He needs to start acting like one and stop acting like some Hollywood Star. He is suppose to represent ALL people. His arrogance comes out. His remark about Special Olympics was unprofessional and insulting and also when he gave his Town Hall speech, he was very cocky in saying people saying he should be in Washington instead of Jay Leno. Did anyone catch his smirky smile (just like his twin Gibbs does!) and his defense. All I can say if you want to be President, act like one and get your staff & congress on the same page. I feel like cover-ups are already happening.

well i see the FOX dummies are are allover CNN this morning. what happened ? did FOX not print your nasty comments?
i loved our president last night and think he is doing a wonderful job!
i love the fact that he is so ordinary and can laugh with us. god help we get a little laughter now and then. the repubs can not stand it unless all we read is gloom and doom coming from their narrow-minded little brains. they want to see us in fear with no optimism so they can scare us into putting their loony party back in charge.
sorry repubs...that will never happen again.

That was distasteful as is his appearances on late night. I take great pride going bowling with my wife and her residents who have disabilities and watch them smile. for those few hours. I as well as my wife will remember this joke as we vote in a few years.

Ed – Do you mean everything that comes out of your mouth?

To all the people saying, "Big deal. He was only making fun of himself. What's wrong with that?"...Are you serious? Are you saying that a person making fun of himself by comparing himself to another group of people is OK? What if I said "Yeah, I'm a terrible driver. I'm like a woman or something." This is how stereotypes are developed.

Doesn't anyone have a sense of humour any more? The American press are so ready to pounce on and disect anything anyone says! Obama merely uttered an oft-used figure of speech that is intended to point out an able bodied person's lack of ability even though they suffer no limitations; not to belittle anyone who performs tasks even with limitations. I know many families involved in Special Olympics who I'm sure would chuckle at his remark ... at least Obama can poke fun at himself ... I'm sure he never intended to offend anyone. Lighten up people!

It was in the spirit of the moment and it was lite night tv. Well I found it very funny.

real headline:

Obama apologizes for something The GOP would have told everyone to stop being up tight about if they had said it.

We all make mistakes. The problem is that political correctness has crippled our thinking in this country. Oops...did I say crippled? I better issue a public apology.

roy March 20th, 2009 10:06 am ET

If George Bush would have said this, liberals would have screamed bloody murder and called for his head. Obamas on the job training is wearing thin. His lies about AIG and now this is not the change we can believe in. Hypocrites!

-------------------------------–

looks like you're screaming bloody murder and calling for his head. who's the hypocrite now?

There is no real way to put a PR recovery spin on this. People that truly care about humans with special needs or disabilities do not use "Special Olympics" or "Retard", even when joking. People that truly appreciate racial differences do not use stereotypes or slurs when telling a joke or when talking to friends. I don't care if you are the President of the United States or Joe the Plumber, there really is no "I didn't mean it that way" when it comes to this type of behavior. What is imprinted on a person's soul is revealed in casual conversation, not in apology calls or press releases.

If George Bush made this type of comment you people would be all over him.

For all of you criticizing CNN...you don't like it, don't read/watch it, and for goodness sake, stop blogging here! Go back over to Faux News or listen to Rush.

We have taken political correctness to a level that is unbelievable!

Keep laughing progressives.., Obama is stirring America right down Japans path of destructive deficit spending..

>>>
Desperate Japanese head to 'suicide forest'
Aokigahara Forest is known for two things in Japan: its views of Mount Fuji and suicides. Fired from a job, Hundreds of Japanesse buy one-way tickets to the forest. Once there..., Japan's suicide rate, already one of the world's highest, has increased with the recent economic downturn. (full story in CNN today)

Ok- I'll try to get this by the censors again...

We've much greater things to worry about in this country….like the 1 Trillion Dollars that the Fed decided to print up the other day (causing the price of Oil and Gold to shoot up like MAD), and yet the Media doesn't consider an event like that to be newsworthy.

CNN- Do you plan on censoring this forever?

How about one of your crack cub reporters tackling the unconstituionality of the Bill of Attainder the House just rammed through.

After all, everything else they've rammed through has gone over SO WELL!

Try being a watchdog instead of a lapdog….your'e humiliating yourselves.

For me this is not a bash Obama thing. I am a parent of a special needs child & was very hurt by the joke. I know his office apologized (would be nice if he actually makes a statement himself) but hearing the joke was very upsetting. I would have felt the same if Bush made the statement.

Pres. Obama is a human being just like the rest of us. He works hard, he plays, he makes jokes, and he rests. He is allowed to, and should, have a normal life outside of work just like any other employed person. His comment about Special Olympics was simply a metaphor that he bowls with a handicap (in this case, his handicap is lack of experience or coordination or whatever?) This should not in any way indicate he is cold-hearted or unappreciative of the handicapped people in our society. HOW can we have all the problems of the world on our shoulders and spend hours of press time and staff time reviewing and analyzing a simple comment like this. Grow up, America!

We are all a little politically incorrect sometimes. We need to not be so sensitive about it. If anything, we all need to have thicker skins.

You people need to lighten up. Lets be real here has anyone seen the special olympics. They arent exactly the most coordinated people out there. And to those who live with disabilities and want to be anal about things you may want to think abott the fact that yout attitudes make people feel uncomfortable about you not your disability although you love to blame that on thr world.

If it came out of his mouth and said it, he meant it !!!

The Special Olympics should run with this comment and set up a competition between President Obama and their best bowler. I bet the President would lose.

Evidently there are a lot of people out there that are Saints. To think, living full lives and never making a distasteful joke, or comment or not laughing at something inappropriate.

Look at yourselves before you judge. As for me, I wasn't offended. Hope you all don't think I'm a bad man now?

OBAMA SHOULD BE IN THE WHITE HOUSE WORKING ON THE ECONOMY! – What is that all about? You think that's all he should be doing? Should everyone with GM or AIG or Merrill Lynch or Chrysler or any other company failing be locked in their office fixing the problem? Give the man some credit. He's trying to show the Americans in Deep Panic mode to relax and have some fun. He's trying to show that he has 2 sides to him. Oh, and if you are at work playing on CNN, you may want to get back to work. I mean after all, we should all be trying to help improve the economy.

I find it interesting how this keeps getting "moderated out".....

" Lets get a transcript of every word you say, publish it, and see how you look "in the public eye."
"Hide behind the internet and make your snide remarks."
——————————————————————————————
You mean the way DNC operatives do? Or Moveon.org? Or Keith Olberman or anyone at any of the major print or television outlets?
anyone? anyone? …..

There aremany sports that make me feel like I'm in the Special Olympics. Give the President a break. People are really jealous of the Obama family shame on you. Why does there have to be insults through at the children and First Lady. Get a life.

"jack March 20th, 2009 10:06 am ET

fix the economy"

-------------------------------–

you mean the economy that your republicans broke?

OK Mike in VA, I have to admit, that one was funny...TOTUS...lol.

I was stunned to hear him flying around monuments in DC, bowling a 129, and then cracking jokes about the Special Olympics. Shouldn't he be helping America get out of the financial crisis as he put it on day 1. He is really immature and I'm tired of him speaking out of 2 sides of his mouth. Say what you mean, and do what you say! Washington and Adams are turning over in their graves. Help us all, dear GOD.

By the way my credit score is looking like a 129 Mr. President!

The special Olympics are a joke really, i feel bad for watching it, it seems more like entertainment than an authentic athletic competition. Like watching the fox shows when they have a bunch of midgets pulling an airplane

Get a life, people. So he mispoke, meaning that he was bad at bowling. The number of times that President Bush insulted us all, and Vice President Cheney stripped away essential Constitutional rights is a much more important topic. He realized at once that his comments could be misunderstood, apologized, and did the right thing...he didn't pretend it didn't happen, like outing a CIA agent or violating our rights to free speech.

You know, if everything you negative bloggers said was looked at under the same microscope as his comments, you'd be in jail for libel!

Not the change I was hoping for! So far he is a disappointment but of course he didn't have a lot of experience does he but didn't Hillary point this out early in last year's campaigh. hmmmm.

His choice of words ... unfortunate, inappropriate and glib.

QUESTION: Haven't each of us said something that was unfortunate, inappropriate and glib in an attempt to be funny?

President Obama did what each one of us should do when this type of thing happens ... acknowledge our mistake ... apologize ... make amends if its possible.

He's done this ... so we all need to move on.

I have 200% confidence in you Mr. President, but..

you shouldn't have said that. I think that you're getting way too relaxed in front of the camera and that can work against you.

You're a great president- keep doing a great job, keep working hard, and we look forward to your efforts in improving the economy.

Shows what happens when Obama Messiah does not have a teleprompter.

It's only the beginning, he will continue to put his foot in his mouth. He may have impressive degrees to hang on his wall, but he really is green when it comes to being president. Oh well, 4 years is not all that long!

Did CNN get their daily update notes from the White House? I couldn't imagine what your reporters would do otherwise. Perhaps report, as they did in the past when you were a news organisation worth something.

He was slamming Gov. Palin.

Call me old fashioned but I think it is beneath the office for a sitting President to show up on late night talk shows.

I LOVE how the White House went in damage control mode, telling us how the president REALLY feels about the Special Olympics. No matter if you are Democrat or Republican, what he said IS a big deal. Poking fun at himself for being a bad bowler, OK. Poking fun at the Special Olympics, not so much.

President Obama is an amazing person. He makes a mistake but unlike his predecessors who thought they owned the world and were above life, he tries to make mends with the parties affected. Now that's charisma and level headed leader – exactly what my our country needed.

Deep down he is more interesed in appearing on Leno and making jokes than what he said about the special olympics
He is becoming a celebrity and more interested in that celebrity status than being in chanrge of the country

Wow, people are so full of it ! The President can't even make fun of himself, without you people critisizing him! He apologized for the comment, leave it alone already !

It's actually a real funny joke about himself, Unless you are a republican then it becomes something else

Next up: GOPers calling for impeachment because he spilled milk at breakfast.

@ Kim, who quipped "playing around with the NCAA brackets when our country is in such turmoil is just too much"

Really? 10 minutes filling out an NCAA bracket while sitting on the camode? That's just totally irresponsible?

Oh come on people, it was funny. You can't expect someone to be politically correct all the time. It was the Tonight Show, not a policy speech.

When I was watching last night, I wondered why he said that. It was a very inappropriate off-the-collar remark.

Being the father of a disabled daughter and being very active in adaptive athletics, I see first hand how athletics are such a very important part of my daughters life and others that I work with.

What really bothers me even more is the hate and divisiveness that is spewed on these comment logs for almost any issue. We are at a crossroads here in the USA and it is vital for all of us to come together to help bring our country back to greatness.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the fact that we live free here in the greatest country in the world.

Peace

Sandy – what is so elitist about inviting athletes to the WH? Bush did the same thing! Was he also an elitist snob? The Olympic Swim Team went to the WH, did that make Bush an elitist snob? Find another reason to start the namecalling.

fix the economy

I can imagine the CNN newsroom after he made this remark. Everyone trying to figure out if they had to report on this or not, and if they did, how they could use it to make Obama look better. If this had been George W Bush, you guys would have already run him out of town. What a joke your station is.

If George Bush would have said this, liberals would have screamed bloody murder and called for his head. Obamas on the job training is wearing thin. His lies about AIG and now this is not the change we can believe in. Hypocrites!

I'm an idiot.

To all of you saying things along the lines of, "this is no big deal" haven't had to live with a disability all your life!! Most American's I've had to deal with honestly feel the disabled should be treated less than equal, and to have a President make a comment like this only proves that. If he were to make a comment like this about race, the reactions would be different. This is NO different than racism.

The bible says you can't hide what is in a man's heart. He just feels he is better than most people. I've always found it annoying how he raises his chin when he gives speeches and has him giving a downward gaze on his audience.

Obama desired and recieved the honor of becoming the President of the United States and weather good or bad that job comes with being held to a higher standard. We are a country of political correctness that has gotten out of control. But, if we are going to complain about what everyone- stars, public, prior polictical officials said then okay, Obama opened mouth inserted foot. He is human, but being that he is the Pres. he has to be in constant control of his tounge and be wise to the fact that everyone is watching each and every word and move, even though he is human just like you and me. But, as with each and every political figure he will get critisism.

From my opinion it was a dumb comment that he should have thought twice about. It's not worth getting you panties in a wad over, but as a tax payer and a voter I have a right to my opinion that he should have been more careful about what comes out of his mouth. President always tend to get themselves in touble with their tounge when they attempt to be funny or cute.

What is he doing taping the late show with Moon Face? How about getting to work on the economy? The more we see of him the more we are to love him? Sounds like a socialist strategy if you ask me!

Hey CNN,

Thanks for not posting my first comment. The gist was I hope Obama keeps on making these so-called "little gaffes." Had a prominent Republican said it they would've been Oberman's "worst person ever." But wait, it's BHO and we in the media can't make anything out of this. We'll just call it a gaffe. Yeah, that's the ticket. It's fun to watch POTUS chip away at his political capital and poll approval numbers, and in record time. Keep those late nite comedians in business BHO! There's Conan, Letterman, Chelsea H., oh, and try a few of the "real" news shows too...The Daily Show. Have at it.

I'm trying to imagine how CNN would have portrayed this if it had been George W. who made the gaffe. Hmm.... The headline might have been "Bush disparages special needs kids". The story would have started with highlighting the gaffe and negative reactions the entire world is having towards it. Maybe at the end of the article, we would have found out that there was an apology, probably made to seem very insincere. CNN has little journalistic integrity as far as I can see.

129? Better then my scores.

Hope he doesn't sneeze the wrong way. We might have to impeach him!

Making fun at the expense of the physically/mentally challenged population is lower than a racist comment. What was he thinking? Some may say that it is a figure of speech, but then again, for many people, so is the n word – what's the difference, I beg you to tell me. Prez should not be doing these shows, and get to business.

Get a life people! We all know he meant nothing derogatory toward people with special needs. This is a phrase all of us use and it's not meant to be distasteful. If this is all the news media has to report today then were all in trouble. I am so tired of turning on the TV and listening to these TV personalities (?) talk like they think they have a brain. There's too many really important things happening in this world and it's about time CNN, Fox, MSNBC and all the others report on them, not wast our time on these trivial things.

While I think this comment can be used as a teachable moment, I also understand that sometimes we all put our foots in our mouth. I believe that this is one of those instances.

With that being said, I thought the American Idol comment was funny. Unfortunately I am less concerned about being entertained and more concerned about the state of the economy.

This has nothing to do a teleprompter. Trust me everyone makes jokes like that and let he who is without sin cast the first stone. It's interesting that the "gaffe" is the only thing that people focus on, when he spoke about many substantive issues on the show last night. You people are ridiculous!!

If you want to impeach Obama after 2 months, because you really cannot stand him, then be honest and say so, but stop focusing on one or two little things that have little or no impact on the many issues that we face today.

The head of the Special Olympics is not even offended, and said that he recalled an interaction that Obama had with a child bowler in the Special Olympics who bowled better than Obama at the time. That's where that whole thing may have come from.

Whom do I contact if I'm having technical issues with the blogs?

No Big deal People, so many of you news commontarssss, and cable news reporters act like you went to school on the short Bus.
Grow up, and get a life we don't care about all the lip serve.
People approve of the way the New President is running things. This man get up each and every day and move right along with the job that we the people has hired him to do, and he is during a outstanding job.
You'll (the outdated Repubs will never learn that you can't use fear anymore on the american public against this very smart President).
Morning Joe looked like such a BIG FOOL this morning running out to the west coast -Calif. following the President to broadcast to find something to help bring this President down, give it a break Joe, and others Cable, and Whitehouse news reports get a real job, because your new cyle-o-pth reporting days are OVER, MOVE ON, as the President said. GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
We Love our NEW and Smart President, what a refreshing change is this country. sit back haters and watch a real man, and woman run this (White House) and country.

Mr. President please show the ofice a little more respect. There is a reason why no other sitting president ever did this! Lets fill the spots at the Fed

Remember how Bush couldn't get through a whole sentence without screwing up? Remember how many people he offended-on purpose-and NEVER apologized for it? Was CNN reporting that?? Obama-Great President. CNN-Media Warlord.

Why is that when a public figure makes a mistake and fails to admit it and apologize his/her detractors say that if only he/she had come right out and apologized right away there wouldn't have been a proble?
Well, folks, Mr. Obama did recognize and acknowledge his faux pas and apologized for it right away.
Get off his back and on to more important matters.

I think everyone knows that this statement coming from Obama did not intend to disparge anyone. By know all of us should know that he is not that type of a person. I think Obama should stay in the White house like all the other Presidence and don't mingle.
Cnn and all the other Newsmedia or putting him under a microscope. President Obama is the only President to let us into his life into the
Whitehouse with such openess. But I think he soon will have to change that. America is not ready for that, still too many who are just
waiting to hang him. He is working so hard trying to fix the Country at such a critical time and this is all the media can pick on.

Listen to all of you!

Must be nice living way up there. Snotty bastards.

The worst one can be is disappointed in the remark. Lets get a transcript of every word you say, publish it, and see how you look "in the public eye."

Hide behind the internet and make your snide remarks. The country should be proud.

As the brother of two disabled children – both Special Olympics athletes – I was offended by President Obama's remark. That said, I believe his apology was sincere. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone... move on.

Another horizontal issue.

Why does it have to be a "gaffe"? Everyone makes jokes about everything! The "Wussification" of America has gone too far! Lighten up folks. It was just a joke. Get over it!

I wonder how much it costs taxpayers for his "appearance" and for him to "get out of Washington" for a while....and while I think every person desreves a private life...the President should keep his to himself...playing around with the NCAA brackets when our country is in such turmoil is just too much...why not head out to the "tent communities" and explain it to them!

Yes, the comment was inappropriate, but I think the more important question is, what is this man doing on the Tonight Show anyway? Someone needs to remind him that our country is in a state of financial chaos at the moment, there are terrorists around the world that want to destroy our country, people are loosing jobs by the thousands every day, and yet he finds it appropriate to joke around with Jay Leno and fill out NCAA basketball brackets on ESPN? What a joke! Is this guy a celebrity or a leader? I think that question has already been answered.

Greta, those are valid critisims that you shoud share.
The emperor has no clothes!

When I post on any of the 360 blogs I don't see any of my messages. Can you help with this?

Oh, come on. Sure it was in poor taste, but it was funny.

So, I love Obama but that was a crappy thing to say.

I absolutely adore my President. Thank goodness he's human just like the rest of us.

I think is was actually talking about Congress!

There is no excuse for his remark. Pres. Obama should especially know that there is no place in this world for putting people down or making fun of anybody whether it be a race or a disability. He is an adult and he knew he was on national television. He should have been very aware of what words he used. And, if he or his staff knew he had made a "gaffe" before the show even aired, why didn't NBC take out that particular comment? I'll tell you why. Because they knew people would laugh at it and "that's what people want from that show – to laugh" even though it was at the expense of some very special people in this world. Special Olympics deserves more than just a glib apology from Pres. Obama's staff.

I actually laughed out loud when I read Obama's joke about Special Olympics. He was on Leno, of all places. I hope nobody is actually offended by this. Let's stay real, any of us could have made that joke if we thought of it.

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. His arrogance is telling with his comment about special olympics. He has no regard for the lowly in this world, but not surprising considering his stance on abortion and even the heinous crime of late term abortion.

I bet Obama hugged TOTUS (Teleprompter of the United States) when he got back to his hotel.

Hanging around with Biden too much?

Mike in Texas....Good call on the koolaid drinker. She showed up right after your comment.....

It was the dumb mistake, like all of us make sometimes. He rightfully apologized, and that should be the end of it. Of course, Obama haters will be all over it, which just shows how pathetic and trivial they are.

I can't believe he made that comment. By the Grace of God he doesn't have disability or his children. Does he realize that their are blind men and women out there who also bowl perfect or near perfect games.

I can just hear the Obama bashers now - IMPEACH HIM!

Come on people, there's far more important things going on than whether he misspoke (and it sounds like the Special Olympics are going to get some extra presidential attention WITHOUT HAVING TO ASK FOR IT, so it's all for the good. By this time in his presidency, Bush had made so many gaffes you could have filled a book. Obama is going to be president for the next 4 years, most likely 8 if the GOP continues its self-destruction. Deal.

I am begining to enjoy listening to the Republicons whining!

Pegasus, Nelson, and Brain...... this is not nit-picking.... in fact, i am very surprised CNN reported it at all. The point that most posters here are trying to make.... if a Republican had ever even come close to saying such a thing, the demands for their immediate execution would come flying from the left. Your comments reflect the double-standard of the left.

Can everyone now admit Obama is no more competent or any better able to communicate than say.....hmm...George Bush? Wow America, do we know how to pick a president or what? NOT. Obama talks out of both sides of his big mouth on every "policy" he has stated – one week it is one thing, the next week his "policy" changes to be the exact opposite of what he said the week before. Yep, yep, incompetence and underhanded – now that we know he was responsible for the AIG bonuses being paid out. God bless America....we are going to need it.

Oh my god! Our president is human! What a revelation...

At least Obama's gaffes haven't led to thousands of dead. "Mission Accomplished", anybody?

Not a good thing, poor taste and poor judgment. However, he isn't the first guy to trip on his words, so let's just chill. Most of us have made comments that we wouldn't want judged by the entire world, and this is no different.

Although it's in poor taste.....it's a well known 'figure of speech'.....of course there was no mean spirited targeting of this highly respected organization! I didn't even notice he made that comment as I watched the show.

Oh, heavens, people, lighten up. He was making disparaging remark about his own bowling skills, not about the Special Olympics. In fact, if you asked the guy, he would probably admit that a Special Olympics bowler could whup him in the bowling alley.

Oh brother...... on my hand the far-right-folks complain when we on the Left, defend the president. And on the other hand the far-right are SO deeply sensitive that they take offense over every little thing. This is incredibly hypocritical!

Everyone and anyone can make a mistake, none of us are perfect. Or shall we start listing all that gaffes from the Bush years???

GOP "CRITICISMS OF THE WEEK CLUB." The books sell at $1, so please order your rushed copy today!

1. OBAMA is too informal in the WH by not wearing a Jacket in the Oval Office.
2. Obama has tax cheats in his administration
3. Obama is spending money to redistribute wealth -AKA Socialism
4. Obama wants to punish high achievers
5. Obama wants to triple the deficit
7. Obama caused the recession
8. Obama caused the outrageous bonuses on Wall Street
9. Obama is making us less safe from terrorists
10. Obama is not doing enough
11. Obama is doing too little
12. Obama is on the campaign trail again
13. Obama is focusing on Basketball and not on the economy
14. Obama is going on comedy show and not doing his job
15. Obama makes a "gaffe" on Leno, and LETS HOPE THAT IT'S THE ONLY THING THE MEDIA FOCUSES ON TODAY.
16. We have no Ideas, no Solutions, and we can only engage in petty criticisms of the new popular president

I was suprosed to even see CNN report this. Yesterday the fact that he 'poked fun' that his bowling like the Special Olympics shows the kind of person he is. There is a reason why no president had been on a show like that. You cant be the leader of the free world and make crack pot jokes on TV. I know he meant it as a joke but come one, this country has more pressing things to worry about than going on the Tonight Show. Doesn't he have Veterens benefits to take away? This guy is proving he is/was not qualified for the job but the American people will always view him differently. Why aren't people talking about he has already spent more than Bush in his terms. $1.2 Trillion already and he wants to do more? Are you kidding. Our open era of transperancy and recovery.org does not even know where the money is going. With all these problems, does anyone really think the government should run our helthcare system?

when Obama shows you who he really is; his supporters say it's time to move on? Hysterical.

Give me the average score of a Special Olympics bowler and I'll tell you whether you should be offended or not. Otherwise, shut up about a big nothing.

that was really great to say mr obama! your such a leader!

Hey, I'm crippled and I didn't take offense. The President must be allowed to joke and if some are offended, then get over it, there was no offense intended!!!

Well, good on the WH for being on top of it, but I personally don't see it as a big deal. I gave a little chortle (whether or not that means I'm going to hell, well, that would mean a belief in it, anyway, right?), especially since I've seen our President bowling.

… he's pretty awful.

But a 129 is better than most scores I've ever had, so good on him for getting into the double digits!

Well, we've seen/heard much worse from the leader of the Republican party

Great journalism, focusing on a nanosecond gaffe and bowling scores.

You guys are pathetic.

Gaffe? This guy is such a novice and has a very difficult time talking without a script. He is a very good speaker, but not when he is 'on-his-feet'.
An appology is not enough – he should donate his entire salary to the Special Olympics! Oh, but he wouldn't do that, because only 28% would be deductible under his new budget...

Oh please CNN, this is a story? We're all well aware that the President was mocking himself and has nothing but respect for the disabled. CNN, it's been painfully obvious you're now a news magazine like Fox.

More proof that this guy doesn't want to be a leader. He wants to be a rock star.

I think it is obvious he did not mean it in a bad way, he was being self depcricating. Since he is the president, he is bound to offend someone. Its unfortunate, because we all do the same.. but want to hold others to a higher standard than we hold ourselves.

What an awful comment to make about the Special Olympics.

His true colors. I love how he's now inviting the athletes to come to the WH. He truly is an elitist snob.

Probably the last we'll hear about this. But if our last president had said this, not only would the comments here be unimaginably vicious, but it would still be in the news in May.

People get real. We need to calm down. You all make a big deal over his comments but Bush actions almost destroyed America. Give me a break. There are more important issues than that of his comments. The man do not walk on water and he has never profess that he does. People who want to see him fail, is hammering his ever word and move, let the man breath, give him space. Also to add, what the men of this country really need to do solve our problems, ASK A WOMAN.

This man is a worse speaker than Bush when he doesn't have his teleprompter. Can you imagine the hate speach about Bush from the media and the libs if he has said this.......But it is the libs we are talking about so let the koolaid drinkers start defending their savior in ....3....2....1...

The President tries too hard to be "hip" sometimes at the expense of his dignity our ours.

This is what I consider a pursuit of perfection. Everyone makes mistakes but just the fact that he realized that he made an offhand remark and follow that up with personally calling the chairman of the Special Olympic to apologize is a sign of the President in pursuit of perfection. I really admire that.

We still love you Barack;)
This just shows that yuo are normal, like everyone else who cracks jokes from time to time. Anyone who says they don't are hypocrites.

We still ove you Barack;)
This just shows that yuo are normal, like everyone else who cracks jokes from time to time. Anyone who says they don't are hypocrites.

This is how he thinks? I'm beginning to understand why he uses a teleprompter. He's going to be our new Gerald Ford–only Ford's gaffes were at least amusing and lacked malice.

Where was his communicator? We know he can't speak correctly without it. Just goes to show all of those haters on President Bush turnabout is fair play. Now I for one realize their job was and is extremely tough. Both President Bush and President Obama need our understanding and respect. Not this petty bickering over who we all think is right and wrong. We all make mistakes. Also stop blaming someone else for your lifes struggles. Pick up your pieces of your life, figure out a plan for yourself and along the way if you can smile and lend a hand that would be great. If we would all do this and stop whining oh he has that she has that I don't. Well maybe you were not meant to have it. I know myself I would l love to have a nicer house more money a better vacation etc. But I know where I have been, what I have done to get here and what I have to do to maintain the lifestyle I can afford. Also, I can look people in the eye and say I made it on my own and raised a beautiful daughter but not always on my own. Someone who was kind enough offered help not in the form of money or things but through a willing to be there as a person and friend. America, please this is the greatest country on earth. Stop being so angry. Look at one another and see most people are not out to get you. They are just like you wanting a better life and are trying to figure out how to get it. I have served my country in the Armed Forces and truly cherish that eight years of my life. It was a great experience.

Obomber must have been speaking without his teleprompter. Goodness, isn't there such a thing as a wrist teleprompter someone can fit that person with?

It was unintentional. We all make mistakes, and the good thing is to admit them, sincerely apologize, and undo damage. Move on.

Boy oh Boy Give the President a break. TICK .TICK. TICK. The world didn't stop. get off the President tip.

He will now be known as "The Special Olympics" President.

It fits in many, many ways!

What a Joke!

We need a LEADER to get us out of this economic mess, not a complete Dunce!

Does Barack Obama want to be President of the United States or a celebrity? He should have made that decision before he ran for the office.

By the way, how much is it costing taxpayers for him to jet set off to events like this when everybody should be watching very closely to how they are spending our money in these finically difficult times.

He can talk the talk when it comes to chastising businesses on how they spend their bailout money (aka taxpayer money) but he doesn't walk the walk himself when it comes to Frivolously spending our money on totally unnecessary expenses like this nonsense.

President Obama's remark was totally distastful. It was worse than someone using the "n" word.

As a parent of a child with special needs, I am very disappointed in President Obama's comment. As a society, we need to appreciate that people have differing abilities and we shouldn't disparage one group to entertain another. It's too bad that people, including the president, feel they can make people laugh with these kinds of jokes. My child may never bowl a perfect game, but he probably has just as much fun and puts in at least as much effort as those who do.

Typical of an unexperienced politicain to make such a dumb mistake. I am sure we see the liberal media cover it up. Of course if anyone else would have made this comment it would be law suits all over! Maybe another trillion will fix this?!?!

I can never understand why people have to make a big deal out of nothing. I'm sure President Obama meant no harm to the "Special Olympics" by his statement. He was, in essence, stating that he was so bad at bowling that he felt he could be put into their program. Why are people and the media constantly looking for and scrutinizing every move and action by this president? I wonder why is this when it has never been done with any other president before him. So many are looking for and hoping that President Obama fail. Well, keep looking and hoping because he will not fail. And how many of us have made similar comments, jokingly, with friends and family about something funny stemming from our actions? So stop trying to nitpick every tick and tack comment from President Obama.

No matter how you interpret that comment, it does represent his underlying feelings about Special Olympics and their participants.

Honestly, this is the type of stuff you might expect from kids in high school; NOT from the "leader of the free world.

Totally inappropriate!

And this is our President! I definitly take offense to this remark! We are in big trouble!

I'm not sure what I find more distasteful... that the President made that kind of joke or flailing PR damage control afterwards? Hmmm....

I'm sure it was unintended thoughtless comment; however, if a Republican had said the same thing, they (the media) would be calling for an immediate resignation. Besides, the Special Olympics athletes would whip him bad, so it was a factual error as well.

We overly sensitive Americans would allow ourselves to be overrun by a hostile, oppressive government before we would allow someone to get away with an accidental insult.

This story is bigger than Obama promising Iran a new beginning? When liberals finally get their way, and the U.S. becomes communist or Muslim or anything anti-Christian, there will be no special olympics to joke about.

Anybody who has never made a statement they later regretted – please step forward. Lord knows, I've made careless joking statements and afterwards realized that didn't sound too good. You apologize and move on.

I'm just glad he had the forethought to apologize before the show aired.

It's something we have all said, but I am sorry our president would say this on national television. I am disappointed in his lack of sensitivity, but he apologized . . . now we move on . . . again.

Boy I'm sure glad we have a president that can speak and commands respect and not like those "other presidents"

Note to Barry: Keep the teleprompter. On second thought that might not be a good idea, if you would have had one you might have tried to tell Jay's jokes

Meh...much ado about nothing...if anything is like watching the Special Olympics at this point, it's observing the GOP's behavior.

I am a strong supporter of the President. I donated to his primary and presidential campaigns. The gaffe on the Special Olympics is no big deal, but it shows the man needs to take a break. To appear in the Leno show so early in his presidency is overreach.

for a guy who is so careful when he is speaking...and so thoughtful in how he chooses his words, this is pretty crazy...

im a big obama fan, but surprised he went anywhere near that territory...thank god this is covered on friday so the weekend can bury it...guess that's why he went on thursday night...

The man can NOT speak without his teleprompter. He is not quite the intellginista that he and his minions believe him to be! However, I don't see this so much as a dig at Special Olympics as it is a dig on himself. I just think he could have used a different term or something. Why is the POTUS on a talk show anyway? That just doesn't look right. Diversion maybe? After all, his Congress is in a web of deceit right now that makes my former employer, Enron, look almost like child's play....almost, not quite!

I may agree with him on this one, might be where he belongs and is the one thing he is qualified to do.

This illustrates the point that this country has very little respect for the mentally handicapped. The leader of the free world has just shown his lack of understanding and insight into the struggles of the mentally handicapped. It reinforces his lack of respect for human life. He disgusts me at every turn.

Is any of this a surprise? After all, this is a person who thinks Geithner is doing an "excellent job." Sigh, I guess this is what happens when Obama leaves his teleprompter on Air Force One.

Before this board gets littered with comments by "liberals" and "democrats" saying they "were not offended".... let me ask.....

What would have been said if Bush, McCain, Palin or ANY other Republican said this?

Any intelligent person realizees Obama was just making a joke (albeit totally tasteless at the expense of those less fortunate) but SERIOUSLY.... If Limbaugh said this how many bilboards would be put up? If Gingrich said it how many protest would there be?

The dulplicitousness when a Democrat makes these gaffes is a polar opposite to the blood boiling rage expressed when a conservative make the same mistake. The FAKE outrage is so transparent.

Someone tell me why? Why two sets of rules?

Oh, please!!! You guys love drama, don't you. How many times have you all said something that someone took it the wrong way but you didn't mean it that way? Lighten up and move on all you who love to throw stones.

Umm...it was funny and only the uber sensitive will find it insulting.

President Obama is an amazing person. He makes a mistake but unlike his predecessors who thought they owned the world and were above life, he tries to make mends with the parties affected. Now that's charisma and level headed leader – exactly what my our country needed.

I'm no Obama fan but this is not a big deal. But oh what a hey day libs would have if GW said it.

Could you imagine if President Bush had said this? The media would have made his comments an issue for weeks and weeks. Also, I bet the kids in the Special Olympics would bowl better than a 129.

Why can't he have some down time with all the works he's doing, It seems that if he sneeze it will be a problem to some, and I saw the show I never thought he was making fun of the Special Olympic, that is so not in his charater. Ease up people, my God.

Way to make fun of mentality challenged people Mr. President.

Here is an interesting question for all you dems out there. . . .If Bush made this comment, how would you be responding today? Let me answer that for you, YOU WOULD BE CRUCIFYING HIM. So, now (and no posts have even been posted yet, but that is how confident I am that people will be excusing this statement) why is it that this statement comng from Bush is the end of the world, but from Obama, no problem.? Look up the word hypocrite.

My family has been part of the Special Olympics for better then 25 yrs. It's founder, Eunice Kennedy Schriver has also been extremely active in its cause. His rhetoric fails him again. I was always taught that you should think before you speak.

If this comment was made by President Bush, it would be BREAKING NEWS on the webpage. The article would be ten paragraphs long and it would make him out to be the biggest @sshole since Hitler; but because cnn has a crush on Obama, this story gets a little blurb. I hope there is a firestorm of families who have children with special needs that give him so much trouble he'll think before he speaks next time. What a joke.

Once again the biased media brushes past this story, on some channels actually talking over him saying it to hide it! I mean what the hell happened to fair and balanced reporting! If a Republican said it , it would on all day played a thousand times!!! I'm neither Democrat or Republican becaus they are both useless, but the media is just sooo biased! It's just so blatant at this point that you can't believe a word on the news!!! this country is so done!

Well, good on the WH for being on top of it, but I personally don't see it as a big deal. I gave a little chortle (whether or not that means I'm going to hell, well, that would mean a belief in it, anyway, right?), especially since I've seen our President bowling.

... he's pretty awful.

But a 129 is better than most scores I've ever had, so good on him for getting into the double digits!

Let Bush make this comment and Cnn and MSNBC would be playing it all day long

What a bunch of hypocrites

I think the President is just trying to be a regular person. We all know what he meant by his Special Olympics comment we all use those phrases all the time. Should we all be more sensitive, Yes but can we please get off this stupid topic and understand that we are watching a great man try and fix a horrific situation that we the American people have sat back and let happen for a long time. Let us not forget that we elect people to office in this country and stock holders have a say in who sits on the board of companies. We have been asleep for too long. We trusted carpetbaggers with our retirement funds and never checked on them. We just expected to be taken care of. I guess now we know that even the supposed great leaders of our communities are bad people that don't really care about anything but their own pocketbooks. I am glad to see the people hitting the streets and posting their comments on websites like MoveOn.org. It is about time we woke up and started to realize that we have been raped by the banks and Wall St. executives and our elected officials. They have played with us like cats with a mouse before the kill. I feel that everywhere I turn someone is trying to steal my money. Just look at the fees that the banks charge us and tell me you are not one of the people robbed by these institutions. Why does it cost $3.00 to take money out of an ATM? Because they can. Bank of America is charging the people I work with $6.00 to cash their paychecks that are drawn on their bank. The only way around it is to open and account and have direct deposit. That is outrageous. It will never end if we don't put an end to it all and let them know we have had enough. Learn the ways that you can avoid being charged any fees by a bank and use them religiously. We all need to get a lot smarter about where are money is going that is if you have any left. God Bless Barack Obama and his cabinet. He can come bowling with me anytime. Eileen

Niiiiice. So a chimp cartoon upsets him, but he can poke fun at special needs kids? Impressive. Even better, he lets America know that he is practicing bowling skills when the economy is in the crapper. Where are you Michael Moore? No cameras in the alley?

Get a sense of humor, people!

He's just arrogant ............... He sure loves a camera, anywhere anytime.

White House damage control, I can't belive that "smooth" Obama made this comment! Seems his true feelings come through when in the comfort of a studio, in front of those lights. I really can't stand this guy.

Come on! We all know what the President meant. He was not making fun of people with special needs. He was referring to himself and how pathetic his bowling is. Please does this country not have enough to worry about. ENOUGH!

HAHAHAHA!! I think the remark is funny. Get over the PC crap already!

I'm not a fan of Obama at all, but he didn't mean any harm by this remark. Everyone lets things slip once in a while without thinking. If my fellow Republicans make an issue out of this, shame on them. You already know Rush will say something, so shame on him.

After all the "gaffes" by Bush, everyone was just immune to them.... so now Obama makes ONE gaffe and everyone just goes nuts...... the media is starting to get out of hand....

THIS IS NOT A GAFFE! Call it what it is...CRUEL! Now we see the real person that lives in Obama because the tongue always reveals the heart.

omg... give the man a break... he is a human being after all... it's much a do about nothing... ppl make such a big deal about petty little things – it's like going out of the way to find fault with him. Just let him do his job – he has a lot on his plate right now without having to worry about things like this....

testing?

A president who admits to his mistakes-now that's change!

Obama was just poking fun at himself as a bowler. Lighten up, America. It's refreshing to have a President that can speak in more than one syllable and that you can believe when he says something.

Give the guy a break. He meant no offense to anyone.

And where is the outrage? Can you imagine any other politician, particularly a conservative, making this statement and the press virtually ignoring it? Or calling it merely a "gaffe"? We are indeed a nation of cowards.

Just shows the media bias. If that were a comment from GW or someone other than a democrat it would be front page news. You would be attacking him for weeks. This will get swept under the rug because it is the mighty "O". Let's see if the other mighty "O" (Keith O – who? on MSNBC) has to say about it. I'm sure his apology has been enough.

Give the guy a break, please. I didn't vote for him because of certain policies, some of which he's acted on already, but he is our President, he's trying his hardest to turn this country around on the economy, cost and access to healthcare, and many other issues. Stop nitpicking!

Pleaseeeeee! Give me a break. The Special Olympics getting offended is a joke. Anyone who couldn't figure out what the President meant is an idiot. It's obvious he thinks his skills in bowling are handicaped. Do you get that Special Olympics!! Also, shame on you CNN for making it a story. You will do anything for a story.

Why don't you just call for his resignation? Or admit there is a reason the special olympics are called "special". Once again CNN and the Washington / media "bubble" ignore the real issues and focus on irrelevant trivia.

Wow- what a horrible thing to say. His real self comes out when there is no teleprompter.

Much ado about nothing...good grief...let the man be human!

Ok, so he said something he should not have said. He apologized and made amends. Move on.

How can CNN report this on the ticker as a "gaffe". Had this been Bush making this comment he would have been crucified by the liberal media. Just another example of the medias bias toward Do No Wrong Obama. The White House press release is also pathetic because there is no way to explain his words. Yes he "make fun of his own bowling" but he did so while comparing it to people with mental and physical disabilities. Therefore, the comparison equates to "if you are in the Special Olympics you are a bad bowler." I'd expect more from The President.

I can still remember during the 80's the first time I heard someone use the word retarded to describe someone that was not retarted but very ignorant acting. I thought how inappropriate! Now you hear it all the time. Its like a hush hush word making it into mainstream dialogue thereby disempowering its stigma

I's say "Special Olympics" is on it way. Personally never like the name myself. I always thought something more like Triumphant Olympics was more in order.

Wait for it....the politically crowd will dimiss this,
"Oh he was actually trying to praise the Special Olympics" I can't wait to see how the media handles this, if was Cheney or Bush the uproar would be insane.

Worst.

President.

EVER!!!!!

Ouch! That slip up is going to get a lot of mileage. He shouldn't have said it and deserves a slap on the wrist. However, I'm not going to villify him for it. His actions on behalf of the American people far outweigh that comment. The right is going to have a field day with this. I can see Palin in 2012 replaying that comment as she puts her downs syndrome son on display. They love that gutter politics.

Obama is such a big joke. Who really cares what score he bowls. Would he ever find himself saying that he bowled like black people. Of course not, but any other group is fair game. He should be telling him Democratic friends that if they want to go back to Congress in 2010, they had better get their sh– together and quit thinking they are fooling the American population.

Eh, dumb thing to say, but there didn't seem to be any malice behind it. It's no worse than the kind of insensitive remark all of us make just about every day... but, since he's the president, it's going to get scrutinized more, like the gaffes Bush made all the time. Everybody says something stupid once in a while, and I guess it was just Obama's turn. Hey, at least it should shut up all the right-wing conspiracy theorists who claim he's trying to be some kind of totalitarian dictator or something – if he was that, he'd have had the gaffe edited out before it made it to the air.

I'm sure the Republicans won't have much to say about this, anyway, considering the way they defended Rush Limbaugh when he mocked Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's.

He is a regular person!!!

So,

The comment was not a gaffe, nor was is derogatory, if we keep taking down good people for the remarks they make as a person you are never going to have any leaders that will step up to the plate to help lead this country.

Let the man be a regular guy for a change, that may help him help us since he is trying so hard.

This is like the "Las Vagas" comment, it would be good if reporting was interested in real news instead of hanging on every word this man says.

He is doing an excellent job!!! considering the criticism and microscopic rectal exam he is getting from everyone.

Insensitivity at it's best! Just another sign that the man we have in the White House is inexperienced.

This is not a "gaffe". This is an outright insult. If Bush had said this, people would have been asking for impeachment. But I'm sure this "rock-star" president will get off scott free for this reprehensible comment.

Disgraceful.

See what happens when the man is without his teleprompter!!!

See, even though I don't care for Obama, nobody can go around saying anything any more without having to apologize. He probably did not mean anything offensive about that remark. Just trying to be funny.

The interview with Leno was great! I encourage everyone to watch the entire interview. This was an unfortunate comment that he apologized for immediately, but it doesn't come close to Michael Steele's "one-armed midget" comment. Where was the "outrage" with that?

This President may be eloquent, but also may be the dumbest President we have ever had. This latest ranks right up their with Quayle's spelling of potato(e). Take away the teleprompter and he is as shallow as they come.

Stop with the nitpicking!
It was an excellent show and President Obama was awesome.
He can't even make a comical statement without you people jumping all over it.
I've had it with CNN and their nonsense. They're doing their best to discredit our president and I've had enough.

I have a problem with Obama's policies, but even I don't want to beat him up over this. It was a gaffe. People will say that GW Bush made gaffes like that all the time, but the truth is that he did not make gaffes that targetted a group of people like that.

Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. I don't think he holds any contempt for Special Olympics contestants.

WOW...that's sad...after all the PSAs on volunteering, its sad to hear
him make a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics...how about i make a joke at the expense of somebody...like clowns...what a big-eared-big mole clown

Too bad he couldn't bring his Teleprompter to the show. . .

I guess President needs a teleprompter for even a late night television appearance.

comments like that are to be expected from people with absolutely no character whatsoever, like Obama. Jay Leno is even worse. He shouldn't even be on television.

this was a very funny line...something i would say (as a JOKE!!). the last time i bowled i would have been beaten by him. but i'm sure the president will be crucified for being politicaly incorrect. get over it!!! he's allowed to be human.

What does no experience equal??? a trillion dollars in money out of nowhere. How can they justify the government borrowing a trillion from the government?!?!? I wish I could loan myself money. Obama get off Leno and get a clue!!!

God forbid a Republican say that; he'd be tarred, feathered and have people calling for his resignation for his mean-spirited and condescending remarks, but Obama says it and it's a gaffe. It’s nice to see that the hypocrisy of the left and the media truly knows no bounds.

He was making fun of himself. No big deal.

human just like everyone else.

i've said those exact words before.

anyone who complains on here should take a moment to remember if they ever used the word retarded, dumb etc to explain a situation.

The One is human !!

The point isn't that he offended the Special Olympics organization, its that likening his bowling skills to that of a Special Olympian disparages people with disabilities. In their haste to do damage control the WH press corp seems to have forgotten that the organization and the events it sponsors are about celebrating the triumphs of wonderful, joy giving, big hearted people who just happen to have a variety of disabilities.

Proud Leader of the Free World!?

Hard to beleive he could say something like that. I happen to like and support the President. I hope he offers his own apology, not just his spokesman apologizing for him. I wonder if the spokesman talked to him before he said, "the President thinks the Special Olympics are good." Was he reading cliff notes, has he talked to the President before about this subject. Anyway, a pretty big gaffe if you ask me.

American is loosing it's natural sense of humor and joy. Now every word you say is held against you even if you're trying to make a joke about yourself. I remember when America was a nice place to live.

Now it is so congested. You can't walk comfortably up and down store aisles. When driving the highways it seems as if you are on the Indianapolis Speedway. You don't know what your are eating. The food and other supplies have been reduced in size yet you pay the same price or a higher price for a lesser amount of the same products.

Once you could buy a half gallon of ice cream now it is 1 3/4th quarter for the same price more. This seems to be stealing to me.Once there were only a few companies doing it now just about all companies are doing that same thing. A roll of tissue paper is so small soon it will disappear. Some of the rolls of tissue the company should be ashame to have their name on the brand There ought to be a law against these practices. How can state and city govenments, banks, car companies, Wall Street and just about every company be loosing money when there product is higher.We are paying higher taxes and the prices of goods and services are to the roof. How can this be possible be? Where is the money???? I would like to know where is the money is hiding?

Don't let me for get all the newspapers in the Chicagoland area are getting to be the sizes of a magazine. but the price is getting higher. Pkease stop, stop , stop all of this madness.

Quite honestly, I thought the show was terrific. It was a wonderful opportunity for many Americans to see their leader as a regular guy with regular concerns who's going to get the job done. Bravo!

What a respit from that neo-gay Cantor, Brain-Dead Bush, and Pshychopath Cheeney!

Give the president a break.
Leave him to fix this mess created over the last eight years.
Every smart American knows he is a decent man and doesnt look down on any particular group of people.

Oops! His bad....

Unbelievable. And you acting like a president is like the special olympics too, in fact, I'd rather have someone from the special olympics running the country than you.

Let me guess Liberals, Obama is SO smart, that his comment can only be taken as a slip of the tongue and a mistake. But of course, if Bush were to have made a comment he would have been completely destroyed by all of you and the media as a MORON for using the same exact comment!!!

Bet he'll get off easy in the media for this.

A cheerleader was elected as the President, what should anyone expect. Glad he is making jokes about the special olympics and spending time on his ncaa tournament picks... what is next?

Come on. Give me a break. This kind of stuff gets blown way out of proportion. Every little comment someone makes offends someone else. GET OVER IT! Worry about stuff that matters. The liberals are ruining the world...

I can't believe that our president would say something like this. I campaigned for him, day in and day out, for weeks because I thought he was a new kind of politician. Someone who wouldn't stoop to poking fun at our differently abled brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, friends and lovers. I stayed up late to watch the president appear on Leno, and I haven't been able to stop crying since. I just feel betrayed.

I have something for invention convention now!!! A pocket teleprompter, so they can feed every word to the talking head!!

I wasn't very impressed with the president's Jay Leno show. He had the nerve to make a wisecrack about his bowling saying it was more like SPECIAL OLYMPICS. I hope none of my son's friends understood that their president was making fun of their Special Olympic games. Everyone connected with Special Olympics deserves an appology from the president. My son has participated in Special Olympics since he was 10 years old. He participates in roller skating...artistic skate and speed skating. He also participated in bowling. I am very offended by the president's remark.

There was a lot of complaining in conservative corners about the President going on Jay Leno, like the last eight years of Duyba did not degrade the Presidency in anyway, however, the President showed a great personnel side to me and I think he connected with the people that watched the show.

Talking about his family and experiences brought the humanity out of the man and painted a picture to me of a human being in the office and not a talking point.

Saying something positive about the president is not the best way to get posted at CNN, however.

Atta boy obama, stick your foot in your mouth just like biden. You make a good pair.

As an Obama supporter, I'm very disappointed. I understand he was trying to be self-effacing, but it shouldn't have come at the expense of someone else. At least he recognizes his error and because he's so popular people are willing to forgive him. But I am sure that if it was Bush who said this, there'd be much more outrage.

Give me a break. Look, I make no bones about the fact that I'm a conservative and not only do I dislike Obama but I despise his policies. But let me tell you this, as the father of a four year old autistic girl, his "joke" about the special olympics only proves to me what most of already know, that in private Barack Obama is a mean-spirited, elitist, pig of an excuse for a human being. Some time ago, Karl Rove of all people, said he had come to know Barack Obama and that although he was intelligent and well-spoken he was "the guy in the country club who stands with a mixed-drink in his hands and snickers at everyone else." Every time this guy speaks without an advisor, script, or teleprompter, he proves this point.

He would not have joked about this if it weren't in his thought process. That disabled or "retarded" children are "goofy" and "fun to laugh at". Using the logic I've been reading this morning, that he was "self-deprecating" and "just making fun of himself" by comparing his skills to disabled children, would it be alright for me to say I'm good at basketball "just like a bunch of black guys"?

Face it, for a certain segment of the population Barack Obama could come out and say "I hate rednecks, jews, and homos" and liberals would find a perfectly logical explanation for it.

Imagine if a Republican had made a joke about the Special Olympics? It would be first page news in every city. Democrats would be demanding an apology and a resignation. Hypocrites.

Goes to show the incredible arrogance of this administration. I am not surprised the media is glossing this over. Imagine if Bush said such a thing! They would be screaming for his head! Shame on Obama and shame on the media!

Barry each n everyday , you make George Bush look better n better.

The fact that this would just roll out of his mouth disappoints me. I have a special needs child. This is really shameful. I'm sure this will just disappear. Imagine if someone made fun of a ethnic specific sporting event. It would be a big deal. This double standard is really sad.

If President Bush had made such a remark, I shudder to think of the bashing he would have taken. But Obama need only apologize, and the fawning over him resumes . . . .

life is hard without a teleprompter

Funny stuff. Of course most guests on Jay Leno would say this and get a laugh and that'd be it, but since it's a politician, we'll have the small amount of maniacs going on a witch hunt instead of laughing about it, and then it'll die down and be forgotten and the maniacs will wait until a politician doesn't say "bless you" when someone sneezes to come out of the woodwork again.