Obama called Special Olympics before Leno aired

[medeak]

ABC EXCLUSIVE: Obama called Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver from Air Force One before the Leno show hit the air and apologized.
Shriver on "Good Morning America": "He was very sincere, expressed an openness and an interest in being more engaging in the movement and said he was a fan of the movement. And I think importantly said he was ready to have some of our athletes over the White House to bowl or play basketball or help him improve his score."
MORE: "It's important to see that words hurt and that words to matter. And these words that are in some respects - can be seen as humiliating or a put-down to people with special needs, do cause pain."

edited for link:
http://www.politico.com/politico44/

[DrDan]

1. he is to be commended for doing that . . . . but

we on DU (myself included) would have been ALL OVER junior for those words.

and rightfully so.

[Cha]

76. So? Apples and

Oranges.

[BrklynLiberal]

82. I must agree. prez shit-for-brains would have been speaking out of cruelty,

condescension and superciliousness. None of those apply here. In fact, from my viewing of the event it appeared to be more of a reaction to Leno's sympathetic support of President Obama's bowling. It seemed to me that it was a reaction to supporting someone who is not very good at something, but deserves credit for trying.

[AZ Criminal JD]

95. Double standards alway rule in politics.

If my guy makes a mistake it is because he was trying too hard or something. If the other guy makes a mistake it is because he is the son of the devil. How childish.

[rhett o rick]

80. I hope you can realize the difference. Obama made a mistake and appologized. It didn't come from

meanness. bush has no sympathy or empathy for anyone not in the ruling class.

[CreekDog]

83. and we were all over Obama for them too

and had GW Bush apologized in this manner I think we would have let up on him as well.

[DrDan]

91. junior was averse to apologies - he could not admit he ever did anything wrong

he does not believe he does anything wrong.

That came out in the first few days of his administration. He preached personal responsibility during his first presidential campaign. His first opportunity to live up to that, however, resulted in a blame-Clinton response. He never left that charted course.

Obama's apology was appropriate. I am glad he did so. He will gain in respect for it.

Just unfortunate that he made the comment.

[CreekDog]

92. of course it's unfortunate, but it also keeps Obama down to earth

you'll notice he makes these small mistakes of wording.

i think he is genuinely humbled when he does so. when he is humbled, he is open to examine all his decisions for blind spots and mistakes.

this ability to be self critical and to make adjustments quickly is something that is serving us well.

if there is a silver lining, then this is it.
(oh and that he tends to make small rather than large mistakes)

[DrDan]

93. so far . . . let's just hope no large mistakes on large issues

[ZombieHorde]

99. Hard to tell since GWB has never apologized. We would all shit if he did. nt

[Javaman]

90. ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3792301&mesg_id=3792540

[mod mom]

2. Everyone makes mistakes. The true test is whether you learn from the mistake.

[Apollo11]

8. In this case - Obama is also trying to make up for his mistake.

Obama knows that his on-air slip-up could be interpreted as endorsing or encouraging discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.

I am pleased if Obama has decided to do something positive that will outweigh any damage that may have been done by his unfortunate choice of metaphor.

Probably he should also offer a public apology, and take back his remark.

[DrDan]

10. I agree with that - he needs to address this in public

He was trying to be funny - and it was NOT funny. It was a thoughtless, cruel comment.

[mod mom]

49. Obama apologizes. Link:

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/03/obama_apologizes_for_special_olympics_gaffe.php

He's again done the right thing.

[quiller4]

102. He already did

actually, I didn't find it cruel, thoughtless is debatable but our special Olympics competitor found it funny and wanted to issue a bowling challenge.

[liberalmuse]

3. Good for him!

And the Special Olympics just got a ton of publicity. Today is payday. I believe I will make a donation in President Obama's name. That being said, I hope President Obama doesn't start measuring every single thing that comes out of his mouth because of the shit storm this caused. I like that he's open and honest in his statements and I'd prefer it to stay that way, even if it means he will have to call someone and apologize now and then.

[Cha]

77. Totally sweet way

to look at this..thank you, liberalmuse:)

[bluestateguy]

4. This guy really knows how to cut his losses

Much like the wisecrack about Nancy Reagan and seances last fall: he called her right away, before a media storm could gather. The matter never turned into a feeding frenzy.

[tekisui]

5. Time to move on....

[Apollo11]

9. Says who?

Obama should make a public apology as soon as possible.

I predict he will do it today (Friday).

[tekisui]

26. Yeah, because this is that important.

This is stupid. It's over. Time to feign outrage over something else.:eyes:

[TahitiNut]

64. Well, it really *IS* important ...

... since there's so little else to substantively attack him for. This ranks right up there with bare arms. The Poutrage Brigade is primed and ready for his "Lewinsky Moment" and this is the best practice they can get. A totally trivial gaffe that is NOT (even arguably) symptomatic of any deep-seated disregard for the special needs kids whatsoever.

[tekisui]

68. Exactly.

If this is the worst of our President, I am very happy.

They got nothing on him. Absolutely nothing.

[Drunken Irishman]

29. He should totally go on all TVs like Clinton circa 1998.

Maybe have Michelle hold his hand and he can scream, "I HAVE SINNNNNNED!"

Give me a fucking break.

:eyes:

[jbnow]

60. But he can't have all the religious leaders Clinton did for breakfast

at the white house afterward the mea culpa...
Imagine the outrage if Obama invited Rev Wright like Clinton did.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I liked what Bill Press said on his show this morning

Some freeper called in and said this was the most offensive act by a US president in history. Bill said the most offensive thing a president ever did was when Bush invaded Iraq 6 years ago yesterday.

[medeak]

7. good grief

the list would be so long on most offensive act wouldn't it?

[bmbmd]

11. Needs a thread of its own.

The most offensive thing ever said by a sitting US president? I vote for

"Now watch this drive".

[medeak]

13. LOL!

forgot...thanks for the memory

[Connie_Corleone]

15. "Nope. No weapons over here." Remember that "joke"?

Talk about offensive.

[windbreeze]

73. For some unknown reason..."MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" gets my vote...n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. That gets my vote too

[madaboutharry]

19. I remember that.

Bush said that after reporters asked him about a sucide bomber having just blown up a large number of people in Israel. It was just bizarre.

[treestar]

57. Being reminded of *s WMD jokes, saying 2001 was a great year

saying he was the Decider, and Bring it on, and Mission Accomplished - that freeper is more offensive than 10000 President Obamas could ever be in a lifetime.

[pnorman]

85. Does anyone have that video clip of Dumbya?

It was one he himself presented at a press club function. He was joking over being unable to find those durned Weapons of Mass Destruction. He was in his office and down on his knees searching for them.

pnorman

[NatBurner]

88. some of it is here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH02pp3sM3I

[pnorman]

97. Thanks! That was just the version I was looking for!

n/t

pnorman

[gauguin57]

62. I love Bill Press!

GWB did so many offensive things, I lost count midway through his presidency.

[fugop]

12. This does not compute...

I don't understand. A president who apologizes? Who admits mistakes and reaches out to make amends? I'm still not used to this. But I sure do like it.

[Drunken Irishman]

14. That's a real shame.

He had no reason to call them and apologize. He shouldn't apologize to anyone and I think it's ridiculous anyone would expect him to, especially now that it just bolsters the opinion he was wrong.

This was something Obama should have just let go, because it made the people attacking him petty and saying he was sorry will only make this story continue.

Jesus Christ, I think this country is content only when it's complaining.

Americans, get over yourself and lighten up a bit. Yeesh.

I'm embarrassed right now that Obama would even think he'd need to apologize for that remark.

:eyes:

[Apollo11]

17. This is an example of what I call "honeymoon mode"

Are some folks saying that our President is infallible?

In this case - at least you admit to being drunk ... ;)

[Drunken Irishman]

20. No, I'm saying his remark wasn't offensive at all.

And anyone the least bit offended should be slapped to death for being a total tool.

I'm tired of people needing an apology after every little remark. It's what pisses me off the most about America. You can't say anything without apologizing a bit for it because we get our panties in a bunch over the stupidest shit.

Not only was his comment nothing, apologizing for it makes it seem like he was wrong in the first place for the joke and I don't think he was. It was funny and it isn't like he put down the Special Olympics or those who work with them. But now that he's admitted guilt and that'll be just as big of story. Obama sorry for offensive joke.

Well it wasn't offensive, but they'll sure make it appear offensive.

[ErinBerin84]

22. I actually did think the remark was insensitive and offensive

and he was right to have apologized, but I call bullshit on the thinking that people who just weren't offended by THIS particular thing are in "honeymoon mode". I've seen people here disagree with me that the remark deserved an apology, but who I've seen criticize Obama and his administration for other things.

[Drunken Irishman]

23. Well then I feel sorry for you.

If you thought that was insensitive and offensive, I don't know how you're even making it through the days, because I've been more offended by a wet toilet seat in the morning than from what Obama said last night.

[ErinBerin84]

27. let me put it this way

I think it was insensitive, but he's apologized. I am actually more offended by a thread in the other forum comparing the dumb joke to people using the N word. And I do think it's stupid that people are just using this as an excuse to say "Oh, people apologize for Obama for EVERYTHING!" I thought it was insensitive, but at the same time, I understand the people who weren't particularly offended. This is a message board, we should be allowed to have different opinions.

[Drunken Irishman]

31. I just think it's sad that now this will be the story to come out of this.

And people here on DU are happily obliging in making this a far bigger issue than it should be.

I understand we haven't been in power for eight years, but are we seriously this hell-bent on failure? It sure seems like it.

[firedupdem]

18. I agree with you 100%. I watched it and there is nothing to apologize

for. He didn't say anything that warrants an apology. Those pretending to be outraged are looking for something to be outraged about. He needs to just keep it moving.

[DrDan]

21. yes - he should apologize for this one

noremally I would agree with you that we demand these apologies for ridiculously trivial comments.

This, on the other hand, was insensitive and just not thought out.

He is better than that - and needs to show it.

nip it. nit it in the bud.

[Drunken Irishman]

24. Na.

It was a funny joke that wasn't insensitive in the least.

And if people are offended or find it insensitive, well they need to get out more.

[DrDan]

34. it was a joke at the expense of those with disabilities

that may be clever and humorous where you come from.

I find it insensitive.

[Drunken Irishman]

36. No it really wasn't.

But whatever, your being offended offends me, so there.

We're even.

[DrDan]

45. of course it was - you would have been upset had bush uttered those words

you are quick to forgive and move on since it came from our party.

[Drunken Irishman]

50. Don't tell me I would have been upset.

I'm not the type to get my panties in a bunch over innocent remarks.

I find it pretty laughable people are actually offended by this remark. What dull lives some of you must lead.

Oh and I don't forgive Obama because I don't think he should be forgiven because he didn't do anything wrong.

[DrDan]

58. in your eyes perhaps - do not tell others whether or not to find the comment

insensitive.

and I am confident if those were bush's words, we would be reading post after post about it's insensitivity. I have no doubt you would have weighed in with a "get over it - it is completely innocent - get a life". (ha)

[Drunken Irishman]

81. Well that's good. Maybe Obama should apologize whenever someone in the world is offended.

Then that's all he would be doing, because I guarantee you someone will find offense with something he said.

Dog owners for his dogging (pun intended) on a type of dog.

Women for calling them girls at the rally in California yesterday.

People who lost loved ones to suicide bombers with his suicide bomber analogy regarding AIG.

It goes on and on and on.

[Kajsa]

103. So, it's your way or the highway?

You didn't find it offensive so anyone who possibly did
is just looking for something to piss and moan about, eh?

No- I don't think so.

You aren't anyone else, so you can't speak for them.

And you certainly can't speak for those with disabilities.

[Hippo_Tron]

70. Maybe Obama genuinely felt his remark was a tad insensitive...

And wanted to make it right. Is there a problem with that?

[loyalsister]

72. I qualify to compete

I am not thrilled. It deserves an aolopgy from a president who has steadfastly claimed that he wanted to be held accountable. Does that apply only to certain voters?

[BobRossi]

25. Spin spin spin

A fucking gyroscope would blush.

[tekisui]

28. Spin?

No spin, if anything it is dealing with what people are trying to make a PR problem. This is the least of his or our worries.

[Cha]

79. What the fuck are you

talking about?

[Beacool]

30. Yeah, whatever.................

Why was he on Jay Leno's show in the first place?

:eyes:

[medeak]

32. he has to go on Leno

to ejucate the morons re finance mess. Find it wonderful we have a professor prez.

[Drunken Irishman]

33. Can he please just resign and end it now?

The guy obviously isn't fit to lead.

[Connie_Corleone]

35. Did you even watch it? Most of the time he was discussing the economy.

That was the primary reason.

[Drunken Irishman]

37. Not anymore. DU is going out of its way to make this the lasting issue.

We're good at turning stupid issues into full blown scandals.

[NYC Liberal]

40. DU seems worse with Dems in charge than with Republicans in power

The hand-wringing, the constant moaning and "woe are we" threads are really tiring.

DU needs an "hide thread" function that lets you automatically hide threads based on keywords (buzzwords).

[Beacool]

41. But why go on an entertainment show?

:eyes:

[tekisui]

42. Welcome to the 21st Century.

I bet more Americans heard him last night, and felt reassured, than any have from a press conference.

[Beacool]

52. I agree with that.

Americans are some of the least cultured people and goodness knows that most don't exert their brain too much lest they actually learn something. So, I guess a sitting president has to go explain his economic plan on an entertainment show.

:(

[Cal Carpenter]

56. How do you get through doorways with that

inflated head of yours?


:eyes:

[Beacool]

59. Travel and live abroad.

Then come and tell me that as a nation we are not some of the least cultured people out there.

;)

[Cal Carpenter]

67. I've done both

I see your head is continuing to swell. I'm just gonna get outta the way in case it explodes.

[Beacool]

69. Then do that!!!

:shrug:

[ErinBerin84]

46. because it's a medium that is meant to reach a certain audience

Just like his town halls and the upcoming prime time press conference he is going to do. I think he might do 60 minutes as well. Why do you think politicians go on the tonight show during campaign season? Hillary Clinton did that too. Remember "I was busy dodging sniper fire?" It was a risky choice because he ended up making a stupid joke, but he did have some serious discussion as well that was worth seeing. Why do you think he shouldn't have gone?

[Beacool]

53. Campaigns are one thing, governing is another.

:shrug:

[ErinBerin84]

61. whatever.

Somehow, I think that you would disagree if it was Hillary. Maybe I would agree with you if the tonight show was the ONLY show Obama was doing these couple of weeks, but he plans more serious shows as well.

[Beacool]

63. I love Hillary to pieces,

but if she pulled the same shit that these hypocrites are pulling now, then I would be angry with her too.

:(

[ErinBerin84]

66. Well, that's a separate issue.

I think Obama/treasury fucked up, but I do think outrage over him going on an entertainment show, since he did have some serious discussion and it wasn't all jokes- and since he is going on more serious mediums where he definitely will and should be grilled further- is fucking stupid and just an excuse for some people to go off on him for unrelated reasons.

[Hippo_Tron]

71. Because Americans watch the Tonight Show

I know it's kind of a departure from our previous President who never ever did interviews except the occasional one with Sean Hannity or some similar ass kisser, but that's not Obama's style.

Obama needs to get his message out there and the Tonight Show is a great, albeit unconventional, forum to do that. You make it seem as though he was going on the Tonight Show to have a good time. I don't think that's the case at all. If he wanted to have a good time he would've stayed home and hung out with Michelle and the girls.

[stillcool]

98. What do you think cable news is?

[AllentownJake]

39. Because he's the President

Don't worry I'm sure the Sec. of State will be on sometime soon.

[Beacool]

43. You for got to add, because he can..........

I didn't want Hillary to leave the senate, but after seeing what a hypocritical bunch of jerks that most of them are regardless of party, I'm glad that she's above the fray. Extra ditto for the House.

:shrug:

[AllentownJake]

48. Yes the US congress is absolutely awful

and both sides do horrible things there...our side just does them a little bit less than the GOP does.

[Beacool]

55. I'm disgusted with one and all.

These pigs eat at the corporate trough when they want to court us to get elected. But, now we are all soulless fiends who suck the life out of innocent babies.

Fuck them all!!!!

Dodd, Obama, et al. are so outraged? Well, then return all the money that these corporations and their employees have donated to their campaigns. Ditto for the rest of the politicians.

Bunch of hypocrites........

:mad:

[LanternWaste]

65. Probably to reach a wider audience...

"Why was he on Jay Leno's show in the first place?"

Probably to reach a wider audience than he does with just the prime time addresses.

Seems to me that a president who attempts a wider and a farther reach to the American people by use of new technologies and new formats is acting in a manner which better serves us.

I'm sure there are many people who feel that a President should adhere only to a traditional list of media formats, ignoring audiences for the sake of a perceived decorum, however I think communicating a most relevant and critical message to us is somewhat more important than maintaining the delicate sensibilities of the more traditional and stodgy media mavens.

Anyways... that's why I think he was on the show.

[liberal N proud]

38. How long can the media keep the outrage on this going?

[fugop]

44. Are they really trying?

I flipped around some sites this morning and it doesn't seem to be that big anywhere ... except here, of course! Either way, I see it as yet another thing that underscores how dopey and hyperfocused the media is. Much like the other things they obsessed over during the primaries and elections (Lipstick on a pig, anyone? Yea, it really hurt Obama to have the press keep telling us how that was going to knock him down.).

I actually think it's possible that people really are sick of the media obsessing over every little statement, especially poorly worded ones. It's the whole boy-who-cried-wolf syndrome. The media has down this so much now that people just tune them out ... except for the ones who are looking for something to beat Obama up. It's interesting to watch. I think this may be another example of that. Even if the media does climb all over him for this, I think people will shrug, say, "Whatever, we've got bigger problems" and move on.

That being said, I'm glad he didn't hide from it. It demonstrates again his confidence, to me. And I'm glad he's got the Tuesday night address/press conference/whatever it is coming as well.

[liberal N proud]

47. ABC was really playing it up early this morning

Local ABC affiliate was propagating it as well.

It is one of MSNMBC.com's to storties: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29784865/

[fugop]

51. Hmmm

Well, here's hoping it backfires on the media again. It really just feels like they're beating up on President Obama because they're happy he finally said something they can call a gaffe. I still think most people out there, as with some of the primary and GE "gaffes," have figured out there's more important crap going on and this is nothing in the big picture. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[Drunken Irishman]

54. It's a bigger issue on DU than it is in real life.

Every issue is bigger on DU than it is in real life. Which just shows you how out of touch DU is with the real folk.

[Life Long Dem]

74. It seemed a bit rehearsed on Leno, if you ask me.

Another 3 pointer for the President.

[Life Long Dem]

75. Sort of throws a whole new twist into it. Aye?

I can hear the heads spinning now. Did he setup the handicapped? blah blah blah...

[ChuckTodd]

78. Obama should bowl against the Special Olympics champ

take his whoopin like a man and it'll be good PR. I think the guy is from Michigan, so he should go to Michigan and invite some more special olympians.

[backscatter712]

84. Good for him. Time to move on.

Obama made a stupid, and rightly apologized. Speaking as a person with a minor disability and has friends with disabilities, I accept his apology. This isn't Bush we're dealing with. Bush says such things out of cruelty and malice. Obama does not. In fact when I went to a couple of his campaign events, his had his staffers and volunteers go out of their way to help the disabled.

Really, the only people who still want to bitch about this are the faux poutraged "Democrats" who'll take any excuse to make Obama look bad.

Move on.

[Kajsa]

104. Thank you!

btw, my son who has disabilities agrees with you.

Pres. Obama apologized, apology accepted-

Move on.

:)

[Name removed]

86. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

89. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Onlooker]

87. Obama tries so hard to be a decent human being

He deserves a world of credit for that. I liked the relatively ordinary gift he got Gordon Brown, I like that Michelle brought Laura Bush a present, I like that the Obama's would have preferred a shelter dog, I like that Obama likes to have a burger and fries, and I like that he's willing to be a real person rather than a plastic president. But, the risk of being real is that real people occasionally say stupid things. As long as Obama continues to handle himself honestly and sincerely, I think the American people will forgive his occasional fopah.

[DevonRex]

94. +1. Great post. nt

[Danchi]

96. Obama Apology

This whole scenario could be flipped you know. Why does everyone assume that because an individual participates in the Special Olympics, they are not a phenomenal athlete? Aren't you the ones pre-judging? You assume a joke was being made at the expense of special people. Some of those folks are fantastic athletes. Maybe you should be the ones apologizing.

I agree with Drunken Irishman. An apology wasn't necessary. It was a joke. The people of this country have politically corrected themselves into humorless humanoids. So many people go through the motions of living and being alive but that "silly" button has been removed. He was not making a joke at anyone's expense except his own. He was specifically talking about his skills and much was said about his bowling skills during the campaign when he was filmed bowling badly. How many folks here jumped to his defense when the MSM dissed his lack of skills. I remember that one well because it was played over and over again on TV. I throughly enjoyed every minute of the show and really enjoyed Obama sense of humor which is what I need to hear and see from my President. If he can laugh with all that's on his plate, I can laugh with him. I sure he was told by someone on his staff who has appointed themselves the white house politically correctness police that he should call Special Olympics and apologize. He didn't insult the skills, of the participants of the Special Olympics, he didn't say it wasn't a worthy event, he didn't speak to their intelligence, or their physical appearance , No. He made fun of HIMSELF. The context I heard the joke is "I don't bowl as well as a participant of the Special Olympics". Now, unless everyone knows what the scores are of the participants of the Special Olympics, he could be paying them a compliment. The people of this country need to lighten up, laugh boisterously and loudly. Perspective

[ZombieHorde]

100. I like how Obama is handling this situation. nt

[Cha]

101. He apologized immediately

and he should be forgiven unless one has an agenda.