President Obama Does ‘The Tonight Show’
President Barack Obama made his first visit to late night TV since becoming our nation’s 44th Commander in Chief by appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night. In a mostly spirited and jovial appearance, President Obama talked about the impending arrival of the First Dog to the White House, he touched upon the current economic troubles that our country is dealing with and, IMHO, made a pretty insensitive remark at the expense of the mentally disabled in order to crack a joke about his bowling game. Here are a couple photos from his appearance on The Tonight Show last night and some deets about his interview with Jay Leno:
President Obama mixed jokes with serious discussion Thursday during an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” While presidential candidates have used comedy shows for campaigning as far back as Richard Nixon’s performance on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” in 1968, Obama became the first sitting president to appear before a late-night talk show studio audience. Obama complimented guitarist Kevin Eubanks on his suit, and he cracked jokes about the Secret Service and “American Idol” host Simon Cowell. Obama also remarked on his poor bowling skills, which were evident during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania. He told Leno that he bowled 129 in the White House bowling alley and said his bowling skills are “like Special Olympics or something.” Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton said the president’s remarks were not meant to poke fun of the Special Olympics. “The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics,” Burton said. “He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world.” Obama later moved on to topical discussions of the economic crisis and the AIG bonus scandal. “The problem with AIG was that it owed so much and was tangled up with so many banks and institutions that if you had allowed it to just liquidate, to go into bankruptcy, it could have brought the whole financial system down. So it was the right thing to do to intervene in AIG,” Obama said. Obama said earlier this week that he’ll “take responsibility” for AIG executives receiving those controversial bonuses — roughly $165 million — while the company took $173 billion in government bailouts. Congress is looking for ways to recoup all or some of that money. “The larger problem is we’ve got to get back to an attitude where people know enough is enough, and people have a sense of responsibility and they understand that their actions are going to have an impact on everybody,” he said. “If we can get back to those values that built America, then I think we’re going to be OK.” Obama also said he was confident in his embattled Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. “I think Geithner is doing an outstanding job. I think that we have a big mess on our hands,” he said. “It’s not going to be solved immediately, but it is going to get solved.” Obama taped the show Thursday afternoon during a two-day swing through the Los Angeles area for town hall meetings focusing on the economy. Obama also discussed the “life in the bubble,” musing over how Secret Service agents would not let him walk 750 yards from Air Force One to the Costa Mesa fairgrounds, where some of the day’s activities were to take place. Obama said flying in Air Force One is “pretty cool,” especially because “they give you the jacket with the [presidential] seal on it,” he said. The only time Leno appeared to stop Obama in his tracks was when he asked the president whether he thought people intentionally lose basketball games when they play with him. “I don’t see why they would throw the game, except for all those Secret Service guys with guns around,” he said. There’s some political risk for Obama, according to Washington Post media columnist Howard Kurtz, who also hosts CNN’s “Reliable Sources.” “He has to be very careful about his tone, because if he yuks it up too much and seems to be having too good a time, it will be quite a contrast there with the pain the people are feeling with the crumbling economy,” Kurtz said.
While I love me some Barack, I was not at all pleased with his Special Olympics “joke”. I absolutely understand that he meant no harm by making the crack but it really goes to show that our culture is so ingrained with the notion that the mentally disabled are easy fodder for humor. Nothing irks me more than the misuse of the word “retarded” as an insult or as a dig toward someone else. Again, I’m sure that 99% of the people who freely use that word “jokingly” don’t mean to offend others but, invariably, they do. In his official apology, I wish the President would’ve said more than just that he respects the Special Olympics. It would’ve been much better, in my opinion, if he had apologized for making the joke at the expense of the mentally disabled and urged others to consider what they are really saying when they do the same. Ack, I don’t mean to get all soap boxy but this sort of “humor” really pisses me off.
Moving on, I thought the whole appearance (absent the insensitive joke) was pretty great tho. Leno didn’t offer any tough questions and it was a general lovefest. President Obama is great on camera and his personality really shows thru in interviews like this. Even with the gaffe (or maybe because of it), he shows just how much of a pretty regular guy he really is. In case you missed it, you can read the full transcript of President Obama‘s appearance HERE or watch the full video interview after the jump …
Overall, great appearance … what did YOU think?
[Source, Source]
Tags: 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno', Barack Obama
March 20th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I think that people are putting a lot of pressure on him.
I hate that everyone is under a spotlight.
A joke always gets thrown out of proportion..yes insensitive..but I don’t think it was meant to be in that context.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:31 am
you shouldnt be calling people, mentally disabled, this also offend a lot of people. instead it should be person first then the adjective. ie people who has a mental disability, not disabled people and a person with a hearing impairment not the hearing impaired. This shows that they are equal to everyone else with an exception of having a mental disability. If you say it the other way it implies that they are disabled and thats the only characteristic that discribes who they are as a person. just thought you should know
March 20th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Omg Trent what got stuck up your ass? Yes, people need to think and respect others, but if you cant say anything meant as a joke then whats happened to the world? People need to open their eyes and dont be so pathetic. What the world needs is for people to be a bit more selfironic, and dont put so much seriousnes into little things..
March 20th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Hmm….I think that everyone is overreacting in this situation. Yes he made a remark about the special olympics, but it was just a joke. No matter what you say, someone is going to be offended. That is a fact, that is truth. You can’t please everyone, and everyone is going to offend and be offended. I’m sure it’s not the first time that a group of people have been the butt of a joke on the Tonight Show, and I’m sure it wont be the last. If you don’t like the joke, don’t watch the show, simple as that.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Sounds like something Bush would have said. Personally, I think Barack is full of it! With that said, I think people need to calm down and not attack every harmless thing someone says.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:35 am
The President did call make an apologetic phone call before the show aired. That was the word from my local radio news report today.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I think people will just pick up on anything to put any kind of hate on obama or in anyway to be “politically” correct. Everything is so picked apart. He didn’t say oh i’m retarded when it comes to bowling. That would be pretty aweful. I think what he was saying is that he wouldn’t be in the running in a kingpin kind of bowling, but with people that are more on his playing field and the special olympics happens to fall into that category. He’s not an awesome bowler. He’s on paar with special olympics. Get over yourselves.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Kim, that’s how I took it. :)
March 20th, 2009 at 9:41 am
It was insensitive. I’m betting some of you yelling calm down, it’s a joke, went all apesh*t over Miley Cyrus and the slant eyes photo.
He’s the president of the most powerful nation in THE WORLD. Maybe he should act like it and quit trying to be a celebrity. Now there’s an idea.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:41 am
have people forgotten he’s the PRESIDENT of the US?? Shouldn’t he be trying to invoke that change he mentioned and not out like a celebrity making insults on late night tv??
March 20th, 2009 at 9:44 am
@Sarah- Exactly! What the hell was he doing on the Tonight Show?!?!? I think it just diminished the office of the presidency a bit…
March 20th, 2009 at 9:47 am
@ Kim, that’s how I took it too!! He was lighthearted and defended himself in such a way saying that 129 counts as a good score at the Special Olympics. But I can see how other people can get offended.. but the offense everyone is taking seems taken out of context.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I agree with Dustin and Sarah…People need to stop treating him like a celebrity and more like the President!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:58 am
I think people looking too into things just to criticize.
@MLD, I think I was one of the few on here that defended Miley. I think you have a point about people who are offending Obama but got their panties in a bunch when it was Miley.
Anywho, I think you can’t please everyone. I loved this appearance.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Sarah – you raise a really good point. I’ve heard one political consultant say the appearance was like the new version of the Fireside Chat, and was in-line with technology. I’m on the fence with whether or not I think it was approrpriate, but I def don’t view it as the fireside chat of 2009…and well Obama made a good move by calling the President of the Special Olympics after the taping (but before it aired) I think it showed good initiative on trying to make an apology, but I think Trent raises a good point that it could have gone further. Also: If President Bush had made this remark, I feel there would be much more public outcry. Just saying….
March 20th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I can understand how the comment, offhand, unintentional or not, would offend people. However, I don’t think there’s a one of us here who has never let our mouth get ahead of our brain. Let’s not forget that the president is still human and therefore is going to occasionally slip up.
Should he have made that comment? No. But I give him a lot of credit for being proactive and personally calling the Special Olympics chairman before the segment even aired to apologize. He took responsibility for his actions. As long as he thinks a little more carefully about his choice of words before he speaks off the cuff, I say lesson learned.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:05 am
First: the President contacted the E.D. of the Special Olympics and apologized immediatley after the taping of the show before it even aired.
secondly: (in response and agreement to Sam) its called the People First Movement . When we speak about people with disabilities the politcally correct (and this has been around for over 20 years – started by people with developmental disabilities) way is to always put the person before the disability or situation. ie instead of saying homeless person, person who is homeless.
And please Obama has shown over and over again what a class act he is. Let the President be a human being. He is not omnipotent, he is human. I have spent the last 20 years providing care to people with disabilites and with people who have HIV. I was not offended by this as he apologized immdiatly, which speaks volumes to his personal intregrity.
It would be so amazing if people would stop looking for stupid stuff to be indignant about. If you want to freak out do it over something meaningful and worth while and put some real energy into it like the environment, assist people with disabilites, or people who are homeless…. you all get the idea
:-)
March 20th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Hey Trent, Obama did call and apologize to Tim Shriver (Chairman of Special Olympics Board) before the show aired. So at least he did realize that his comment was insensitive!
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7129997&page=1
March 20th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I think he was making the joke at his own expense, and looked a bit uneasy with Jay telling so many jokes he was trying to find a common ground with him.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:10 am
i dont see the big deal…
sure he was on the show talking about the economy and all that but who cares about that.,. he mentioned the special olympics!!
…please.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:12 am
That ‘joke’ got blown out of proportion. People say things off the cuff, without thinking sometimes and President Obama did the right thing by realizing the error of his statement and apologizing. If anyone wants to continue to make a big stink about it, hereafter then they are hypocrites. We have all said something or thought something that is negative in regards to other groups of people. While it isn’t right, it’s still very much a part of and ingrained in our society. What we need to do, as President Obama did is realize, apologize,(I didn’t mean to rhyme :)) and try to change.
That being said, my problem is how much of a-and I hate to say it-mediawhore he seems to be. Yesterday I saw him on ESPN picking teams for March Madness and all I could think about was the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe. That’s all.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:15 am
After watching the clip, I think he regretted making the joke instantly…he’s a human being. If that’s his biggest mistake, I’ll take it!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:15 am
@christina- Yeah! What she said!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:16 am
The tonight show appearance is totally inline with today’s technology and the current state of the country. How do you reach the people that don’t read papers or listen to the news every day?
I am surprised that such a remark has illicited the response it has. He was making fun of himself not the special olympics. Let’s not forget too, he was describing his bowling… and he may feel that he has some kind of mental/physical handicap when it comes to that particular ability. He is otherwise athletic.
Too much over too little… no soapbox required here.
And to relate this to Miley? Puhleeze. He was being descriptve to himself and used a poor choice of words, she was physically mocking for her friends to laugh at.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I just have to wonder….how would people have reacted if President Bush had made this same remark?
March 20th, 2009 at 10:19 am
@Dustin – “I think it just diminished the office of the presidency a bit…”
That’s how I felt every time Bush said “nucular”.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:21 am
As a Special Olympics coach and a sibling of someone with Down Syndrome, I was not at all offended by President Obama’s comment. No, he probably shouldn’t have said it, because there will be people who blow the situation out of proportion, but its really not that big of a deal. Sometimes you just say things without thinking about them first, but growing up in a family and surrounded by athletes in Special Olympics, you have to learn to laugh about it, or you will just go crazy. I think everyone just needs to calm down about it, he was making a joke, maybe an insensitive one to those who seem to be so offended by it, but still a joke. I think if my Family and I can look past it, you all can too.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
It seems you have to be politically correct nowadays (Miley and the chinese poses and now this) otherwise Trent will attempt to be a saint and tear you a new one through his blog. But I’m glad most people here didn’t take Obama’s attempt at a joke personally. It was never meant to be a huge thing.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:25 am
@Adrienne
The problem is not people’s oversensitivity.
Everything you say is not going to be offensive to someone out there unless you make a habit of saying racist, ignorant, stupid things-jokingly or not.
While I wish he hadn’t said it, at least he apologized. That should really be the end of it.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:25 am
When I heard the “Special Olympics” remark, I thought it was in reference to the stereotype (I do not know if it’s remotely realistic, but ) that the attitude people take at the Special Olympics is in the vein of “everyone’s a winner!”, like, telling people they did a great job even if they came in last (or whatever). So the exchange was Jay saying something along the lines of, “That’s a great score, Mr. President,” followed by President Obama laughing and responding, “It’s like Special Olympics or something.”
I very much did not think he was commenting on his bowling skills so much as he was commenting on Jay’s remark. And while that still might be of poor taste, it’s hardly as offensive.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:26 am
CB- LOL!!!!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:30 am
As someone who works in mental health and with mentally and physically disabled people, I agree with you, Trent, that his remark about the Special Olympics was indeed tasteless and rude. Even thought it was meant with no harm, It is no joking matter when a person with a disability enters my office so scorned by the world that they have zero self-worth, much less self-esteem, that they don’t even want to get out of bed in the morning, and they take pain/coping medications that wrecks their bodies so bad that if their disease does not kill them, the meds eventually will. For those who think Trent or anyone else who commented is going overboard with their dissatisfaction for Obama’s remark, you try living day by day, year after year where you are constantly stared at and looked down upon every time you leave your house, or sometimes in your own house and no matter what you do or where you go and no matter how hard you try the world is constantly trying to push you back. I would take a day at the Special Olympics over a day w/ Obama anytime. Never will you find a bigger group of people full of hope and integrity and courage and honor. I encourage people to volunteer for the Special Olympics or at your local community service board. It will change your life!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:30 am
@Irma
Miley’s case had to do with racism against people of Asian descent, not political correctness. It’s not that what she and her friends did was not politically correct it was that what they did was considered racist, childish, and offensive to millions of people. But lets please not get into that again. Fortunately for us, she is not the President of the United States.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:31 am
@Irma — exactly how did I “tear a new one” in regard to President Obama?
March 20th, 2009 at 10:32 am
@LM — I know I would’ve reacted the same.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:33 am
@mr. gyllenhaal, bush would have definitely said something like that and been pleased that he made such a funny. pot…the kettle is calling!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:36 am
to err is HUMAN!!!!!
that’s all i am going to say.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:37 am
The President should be held to a higher level of responsibility than the rest of us. This remark, while I’m sure he did not mean any harm by it, does not set a good example, and is not funny either.
It’s part of his job to be scrutinized, and if he can’t make it through one off-the-cuff media session without making a slip-up, maybe he needs to rethink his TV appearances. I do not think Trent is overreacting at all.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:41 am
oh JFC the world is way to pc.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:43 am
If Bush would have said it many of you would be making a much bigger deal out of it. I agree that he did not mean any harm by it but it still does not make it right. How sad it is that people see nothing wrong with making a statement like that.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:47 am
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
i’m really effing annoyed, chill out
March 20th, 2009 at 10:49 am
interesting to see so many people defending the president. as a huge public persona and president of the US, he should really choose his words more carefully. i guess when he doesn’t have a teleprompter, he isn’t all that great with words. people would have been ALL over bush had he said that
March 20th, 2009 at 10:49 am
everyone makes mistakes, he is the president yes but come on now he’s still human. How many things have you said since this morning that you wish you hadn’t.
I highly doubt that anyone wakes up thinking “I’m going to insult disabled people today, because it’s hurtful”
hmm perhaps it would be the same for obese people, different nationalities…skin colour etc…
my point being we all make comments we shouldn’t “let he who has not sinned cast the first stone”
:)
March 20th, 2009 at 10:52 am
I think this is just one of those slip ups. Was it the right thing to say? No. But the truth is when a lot of us were growing up, you didn’t even think of saying “that’s retarded” or something like that. And at least when I was a kid, I never associated it with an actual person with a mental handicap. People used to say “that’s gay” a lot too. And I am in NO way saying these are romotely okay things to say, but when someone slips up and accidently says it I think we should give them a break. Esp when they immediately turn around and appologize.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:55 am
“If he had apologized for making the joke at the expense of the mentally disabled and urged others to consider what they are really saying when they do the same. What others are really saying?” Its not what others are really saying it’s who places it out of context. The guy became president and he presents himself as a regular guy. He’s doing a job that takes up….. well his life now with respect to his wife and daughters. And when he comments on his bowling ability instead of just saying this is what I’m capable of and I hope I can improve it’s turned into an insult. Leno started by saying: Oh that’s swell Mr. president and then making a goofy face. You want to start blaming people for things like this. Start with Leno for being the first one to turn it into something it wasn’t, a joke. Obama said it just to say it. Then again what would the world be without those of us who hear someone make fun of something that someone else said.and then blame the person who originally said it. I’m not saying get over it to anyone but if you’re going to play a blame game over something this simple the least you can do is pay attention to detail. Leno took it and turned it into a laugh so blame him for the “insensitve joke”. The guy is the first black president of the United States I’m sure he’s on a mission to purposely ridicule those of us that are different. If you’re going to get the ball rolling at least get it rolling on the right track.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:05 am
@jey-jay
apparently his job that should take up most of his time, does not. if he did, would he be appearing on leno and espn? i wouldn’t think so
March 20th, 2009 at 11:12 am
this blog is getting way harder and harder to read each time i visit this site. it’s such a turn off to come to PITNB and always always have the judgmental opinion of you commenting on someone ELSE’S reports of a story.
you’re making a living via making fun of celebrities – something you don’t even do anymore because you’re too busy being invited to all the parties and careful you’re not stepping on anyone’s toes.
when this site first started, it was funny because you commented on their clothes, movies, music etc and now you’ve turned into someone who thinks their opinion when it comes to actions of anything and everything celebrity is actually relevant to the outside world.
for someone who is now involved in the entertainment industry, you should know how “reports” “sources” “context” “quotes” are so volatile when it comes to celebrities and NOTHING is ever as it seems.
i should hardly think that with your own personal life, you NEVER get in a situation you regret, say something that came out wrong or realize a mistake after something happens.
would that make you human?
who comments on your life and every action you make?
who makes judgment on you?
RELAX. does EVERYTHING someone famous does that offends you deserve a rant on how you think this was wrong, that was wrong, the public deserves an apology …etc? it’s because of sites like this and people like us who read them that create this need for a PR department in every industry available.
“over reaction”
March 20th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I think the whole point of him appearing on The Tonight Show was to be in touch with the people and not be a celebrity though he kinda is because, well, he is. As for his remarks, it was out of line but at least he quickly rectified it by calling Tim Shriver. He has to know that as President he is held to a higher standard and must set it higher than the one before him, which shouldn’t be too hard to do but still.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I think you should update it with the ABC report on how he called the chairman of the Special Olympics. If he hadn’t done that than I think even I would’ve been a bit dismayed he would make such a joke on air. There are just certain things you don’t say or joke about when you are in such a public form of media.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:25 am
@em Harsh – but a point there re: “over reaction” – I like hearing Trent’s opinions… that’s kind of the whole slant of having a blog. It’s his take on life. And I’m the voyeur who laughs aloud or shakes my head when I don’t agree.
But there is a certain “seriousness” given to the whole thing…
and a self-fulfilling prophecy that you begin to direct the news that you report… commentary very quickly can become judgement.
But enough — sun’s shining. It’s Friday people!
Everyone be shiny, happy people and I for one think that if a person who lives with it as Starr does, and is not offended. I certainly don’t think anyone else should be.
And Yes, I would feel the same way of Bush said it…
March 20th, 2009 at 11:31 am
From what I heard it was more of a statement of explanation on the use of the word, not an apology.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:55 am
oh what a celebrity…glad to know at least that’s working out for him
March 20th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Trent, STOP IT!! you devoted 3 paragraphs to the Presidents “special olymipic” comment.. you could BARELY even hear what he said over Leno talking and the crowd laughing.. and he apoligized before the episode aired! How about devoting 3 paragraphs to AIG and the bonuses they paid their executives.. I’m usually with you.. but you jumped the shark with this one.. Way to dramatic.. you were really reaching. President Obama was personable, informative, and presidential.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Thanks for what you said about his Special Olympics comment. It was upsetting to me when I heard him say it. The people who compete in the Special Olympics are brave and strong; they are doing their best with what they have. They face isolation and ridicule so frequently. To have their abilities and efforts made fun of by the President is painful. I used to work with people with disabilities, so this issue hits home for me. However, they were all much stronger people than I, so I’m sure they’ll put this in the same box they put all the other humiliating comments they have heard in their lives. (And I shared your disappointment in the “apology” to the program, rather than to the people.)
March 20th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
@Trent- Oh My! Didnt you cause quite the firestorm! lol!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hi Trent,
Could not agree more with this: In his official apology, I wish the President would’ve said more than just that he respects the Special Olympics. It would’ve been much better, in my opinion, if he had apologized for making the joke at the expense of the mentally disabled and urged others to consider what they are really saying when they do the same.
Well put!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
My 4 year old son has Down syndrome. He’s handsome and funny and brings more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined. Whether you defend it or not, Obama’s comment is what it is–insensitive to people like me who look forward to the day when their children are able to participate in something as amazing as the Special Olympics. I’m saddened to hear it as the punchline of any joke.
My guess is that your words, Trent, were convicting to people who use “retarded” as an everyday negative adjective. Thank you for saying something that needs to be said more often, as is obvious by the controversy you stirred up among your readers.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
You know, people are going to make jokes whether we like it or not… it just depends on how people interpenetrate them themselves. I agree that it can be offensive but he was in the moment, ya know? I doubt he meant it because it was just something to say. We all put our foot in our mouths here and there. I think the bigger question is: why was he even on the show in the first place?
March 20th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Agree with Sam.
Go Prez.
at least we have a president that can TAKE a joke and not BE a joke.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I don’t think it is wrong for the President to do a late night talk show. There are a million clips of the press dogging his decision to do the show seen here:http://www.newsy.com/ He was in LA to do Townhall meetings anyway it makes sense that he would talk to the press in the area. He still talked about policy issues like the economy and AIG while on the show it wasn’t all laughs I don’t see what is so fundamentally different about the Tonight show that makes it beneath the Presidency. The joke was distasteful but he apologized. It is almost a positive thing, the joke, and apology because it got everyone talking about the issue and the program. Maybe others will think twice about saying such things now that the President of the United States has publicly recognized his mistake and apologized.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Shouldn’t the president be doing things like, I don’t know, running the country rather than trying to make history and be the first sitting president to do the tonight show???
Considering the problems that his bailout has created with an additional 2.3T deficit and the AIG bonus thing, you would think he would be worried about more than just being popular still.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
i dont watch leno, cuz im fast asleep by that time. but i did hear about the “special olympics” remark this morning on the internet. all i have to say is i completely agree with you trent, it was insensitive and rude. beside, obama wouldnt even make it in the special olympics, this morning i read about a gentlemen in the special olyimpics that had bowled a 300 3 times. so obama beat that!
March 20th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I used to love coming to this blog… and sadly reading replies like this one have really turned me off. I think as someone in media it’s fine that things are addressed, but pushing something that (Lets be honest) isn’t really that serious, and making it serious… is just drama.
So he can’t bowl? He tried to make a joke out of it, and it being his first live interview he was nervous and screwed up. Big. Freakin. Deal. Does it change my life? No. Do I think less of him for it? No. So damn… give the guy a break :(
March 20th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
@Queenelizabeth — I’m actually really surprised by all of the outrage at my comments. How, exactly, is what I said “making a big deal” out of anything? If YOU had a family member or friend who has a mental disability you’d prolly grow tired of how easy it is for people to make jokes at their expense.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
@christine
I’m sorry christine. I was under the idea that we elected Mr. Obama to be president and not a machine. I’m sure that everywhere on the face of the earth we can walk the streets at any time of the day or night and see that people are at their job 24hrs a day 7 days a week. None of us ever need a single day off to just sit back and catch our breath the way the president did last night. And if you want to get even more technical about it he was doing his job on Leno because he’s reaching a vast audience that may not be as well informed as you are about the matter at hand. Just yesterday I had colleague ask me who Bernia Madoff was. She thought he was an actor. If you think a person any person much less the president doesn’t deserve a single night to do things differently which in this case was bringing the economy issue to the public than I can safely assume that not only are you reading this from your computer at work but that you will still be sitting there come 6 o clock and the weekend. Peese
March 20th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I agree with Trent people should watch what they say because many do get offended and today even more easily than anytime in the past when it comes to someone making what he or she says as comic. But understand this:
IF YOU TUNE IN TO WATCH JAY LENO SO YOU CAN SIT THERE AND THINK TO YOURSELF WOW THIS IS VERY POLITICALLY ACCURATE AND TRUE YOU REALLY NEED TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE CHANNEL AND KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED WITH THE WEATHER. How many people go to a comedy show expecting it to be clean unless its otherwise advertised on a website of the back of a ticket. Mind me while I turn on sesame street I’m waiting to hear Elmo speak about the Spitzer scandal and what exactly constitutes as a prostitute in todays world. Get Real!
March 20th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
STILL BETTER THAN THE LAST 8 YRS.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
omg so he made a joke. People are just OBSESSED with critiquing EVERYTHING. he’s human.
March 20th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I think to redeem himself Obama should invite Kolan McConiughey to the White House for a match, which he would inevitably lose!
March 20th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Trent, I want to echo exactly what Anne said. Humor is a very broad thing and people need to stop taking everything so damn seriously. It is a proven fact that athletes in Special Olympics do not obtain the same scores as regular athletes do. So if Obama wants to say his Bowling score is not perfect, why on earth should it be off-limits to compare his score in that way? It’s completely valid in my opinion. It’s not at all like he stated “ZOMG I BOWL LIKE A RETARRRRDD!”. Some perspective is in order here.
# Anne Says:
March 20th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Omg Trent what got stuck up your ass? Yes, people need to think and respect others, but if you cant say anything meant as a joke then whats happened to the world? People need to open their eyes and dont be so pathetic. What the world needs is for people to be a bit more selfironic, and dont put so much seriousnes into little things..
March 20th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
i’d like to state my support for trent. i’m not involved with special olympics, but i know people who are, and from what i can tell, special olympics is an important event for a group of people who are often made to feel bad about themselves. i think obama did screw up on this one, but i’m glad he stepped back and apologized.
March 20th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I think what you said what spot on Trent. And thank you for saying it.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I think it was a honest mistake on the presidents part, and I don’t believe he thinks ill of the mentally handicap. I think we as a society need to be more sensitive towards these type of topics, but to be honest with you, Im just so sick of the media blowing one small thing out of portion. As soon as I heard about this I did an internal sigh because I knew the Republicans were going to have a field day, and Barack would have his character assassinated because of his slip of the tongue. Does this make him a horrible person? I really don’t think so. Should he change his way of thinking. Yes, and would say the same thing if that loser George Bush said it. My best friends daughter is mentally handicap, and believe me, shes hardly offended because Barack made a joke about the Special Olympics. She has bigger fish to fry. Lets move on.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
An insensitive bad joke it was. I accept the president’s aplogy and am sure we will see something positive come from the administration about people with disabilities. At least he didn’t cut or is rejecting money for special education like the governor from Alaska. Also I appreciate a president who doesn’t live in a bubble and finds new ways to communicate with Americans.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I just watched the Interview…I think Barack was fantastic, he was so human and real in the interview…cracking jokes just like anyone else. I didn’t take offense to his comment, and I have family members with disabilities…He definitely could have said something ignorant, but he didn’t. At least, unlike others, he did not say “retarded.”
March 20th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Trent, I just have to say thank you. As a conservative republican who reads your site regularly, I am glad to see the even-handedness of your statement regarding obama’s insensitive comment. You never accept stupid comments or actions like that from anyone, whether it be Mel Gibson, Miley Cyrus, Obama, or any other public figure, even Republicans. I don’t care what party or race or sex, if you make a stupid offensive comment, you need to appropriately make amends. Just my opinion…
March 20th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Well, call me different but I laughed. I hate how PC our country has become. We can’t say ANYTHING or do ANYTHING without some group being offended.
I don’t get offended by jokes that degrade women, I find them just as funny as anyone else.
Should he have said it on national tv? nope, definitely not, but it’s nothing to freak out over. Human error, and a funny one at that. At least he has a sense of humor, and can form full sentences unlike GWB
March 20th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Oh, and my best friend’s brother is severely autistic and partially mentally retarded, and I still make the ‘tard jokes- just not around here. Common courtesy.
Like I said, it’s one thing to make the joke to his friends without cameras, he made a mistake saying it on TV- just shows he’s human.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
@christine: What do you think most of the people in this nation watch more, Leno and ESPN or CSPAN? It’s nice that he’s being visible to the people of this country that lazily choose ignorance.
The ‘outrage’ over his comment is pathetic. THIS is what people have issues with these days!?! Clearly, these people don’t know what’s actually happening in the world today.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
During the campaign for the White House in 2008, the media criticized Palin for being ‘common,’ and ‘not presidential.’ However, compare Sarah Palins attitude in this video created three weeks ago for the Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho.
You decide the more ‘presidential’ among them.
http://tinyurl.com/ccz6nj
March 20th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
you can be easily offended and have your panties in a wad your whole life and it won’t change people or make a difference…WHO EFFING CARES?
March 20th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
awww give barack a break. it’s enough that he has to take up the pressure of shoring up the troubled economy, now he has to watch every single thing he says? even in his apology?
i’d say i agree with you, trent, when you say that it’s gaffes like this that make him seem more like a regular guy.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
self-righteousness is a beautiful thing.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
@Trent:
That’s one of the many reason I love ya and your site!!
March 21st, 2009 at 3:50 am
i think the joke is made of a big deal than it really is. ppl shld just lighten up a lil bit
March 21st, 2009 at 7:23 am
at least he didnt pretend to be politically correct.
March 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I don’t know, I think he realized that he fucked up and apologized right away, and the Special Olympics accepted his apology… so it’s all good in my book. We have a president who’s smart, passionate, and concerned about the little people… so one or two dumb things out of his mouth won’t break my heart.
March 21st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Remeber Don Imus’ Comment?
Obama said: “He fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two young daughters are having to deal with today in America. The notions that as young African-American women — who I hope will be athletes — that that somehow makes them less beautiful or less important. It was a degrading comment. It’s one that I’m not interested in supporting.”
Therefore, laughter and the lack of reaction from Obama’s remarks suggest Americans have a set a rules for race, class and gender: If you touch them you will pay.
And another set of rules for individuals that have a mental or physical disability: If you touch them, it’s ok if you apologize. Oh, and by the way, it’s okay to laugh at the jokes that come at the expense of the latter.
It is just cruel.
http://tinyurl.com/cgpymq
March 21st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
omigosshh I don’t think I would have even given the comment a second glance if it wasn’t for all the hoopla that has been created by it. sooooo glad I don’t live amongst all this..!
March 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
http://www.r-word.org
March 22nd, 2009 at 7:22 pm
you need to stop expecting everybody to be so god damn politically correct
i get that hes the pres and he should have worded his phrase better but its not just this post
you need to stop expecting the whole world to act like robots
March 22nd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
i’m glad that this whole thing has given way to this discussion. it seems like the subject of people with (all kinds of) disabilities goes generally unacknowledged.
listen, it’s true that the president is human and makes slips just like the rest of us. he apologized for it, and that’s great. but the issue for me is isn’t really whether or not obama is still a pretty great guy (i think he is), it’s about acknowledging the power of language.
lately people have been really questioning the use of the word “gay” as an insult. i know tons of people who would never use the word in that context, yet constanty use the word “retarded” without questioning it. i know it’s cool to be ironic and everything, but to me the word is just as hateful and hurtful as any other slur, regardless of context. the general difference, i think, is that most people know people who are gay, but not who have disabilities. but just because people aren’t in the room, or you think they’re not coherent enough to defend themselves, doesn’t make your language any less derogatory.
i know that everyone loves to slam political correctness (which is really just a plea for sensitivity) and become overly precious about their “right” to tell a joke, but i just wish people would realize how much offhand jokes and comments actually impact our culture, and whether they mean to or not, imply that certain people are “normal” and others are not.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:03 am
I’m sorry, but as the PRESIDENT he needs to be a lot more aware of what he is saying. I cannot believe that he would make such an insensitive joke. Additionally, it would be nice if he himself had stepped up to admit his error and APOLOGIZE instead of channeling a half-assed explanation through an intermediary. That’s just ridiculous.
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
So strange, I thought you would be more supported then critisized for your comments Trent! I guess I was under the impression that the youth of our generation were getting smarter and better educated, after what I see here as comments on your blog, I am not as hopeful.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
It’s amazing how Miley Cyrus was crucified for her slant eyes picture on this website, but Obama get’s a simple little paragraph and the following: “Moving on, I thought the whole appearance (absent the insensitive joke) was pretty great tho.”
Yeah, really awesome.
March 24th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I also did NOT appreciate his joke. not one bit. I agree with everything you said about it, trent :)