Posted on 06/14/2006 5:06:12 PM PDT by catholicfreeper
NEW YORK At his press conference this morning, President Bush, who often makes inside jokes when familiar reporters pose questions, asked Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten, who was wearing sunglasses outside, “Are you going to ask that question with shades on?” Bush noted that there was "no sun" but added, “I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.”
Turns out Wallsten is legally blind and wears the sunglasses due to a rare genetic disorder called Stargardt’s Disease.
But Wallsten later told the ThinkProgress web site that Bush’s comments did not offend him at all. “I never advertise it to him. I’ve never told him,” he explained, according to the site
I once made a similar faux pas in the interest of humor.
I had a cousin who was as straight laced as they come. She started gaining weight, and I joked with her about when the baby was due. She insisted she wasn't pregnant.
She surprised us all when she gave birth.
I heard the remark...The Prez should not feel bad at all. He handled the reporters' questions with aplomb as usual.
He's the boss.
You know, he doesn't get enough credit for his wit. His wry humor is really great and someday he will have books full of his intentional witticisms.
LOL, I know I guess all of us have dad an similar awkward situation like that.
Nothing to feel bad about about.
In fact its a compliment to this reporter that Bush made this joke.
It shows that this reporter carries himself so-well despite his unfortunate handicap that it is impossible for people to know whether he is blind or not. I bet thats the way he likes it as he has no interest in advertising his blindness.
How is that an insult? What is there to apologize?
Ouch
Never again.
You know I bet Bush called him up to apologize. Why? because if it been you or me and this occured in like meeting we would do the same thing. Its the nice thing to. I am sure that Bush didn't mean to make fun of a unfortunate situation. I am sure when Bush called him the reporter said something like "hey Mr President Thats ok you wouldnt know" etc etc etc.
He doesn't get credit for anything (by the media).
The litle bit of balance on FOX (internet, few print sources) exposes their incompentency and their rigid left wing ideology.
I suppose congratulations are in order. :-)
Congratulations!
It was an innocent mistake. He ribs the reporters and they skewer him. It's a give and take, with him recieving the worst end of it at times IMO.
I'm sure he did feel bad afterwards. It's only natural to.
Sounds like the reporter was a stand up person in this instance.
D1
It must be a slow news day for the lame stream media.
I suppose but I think that would have looked weird having a reporter asking the President a question with his eyes closed.
Oh I agree. It just like watching a train wreak unfold though to watch it on TV when you know the background. Its so bad its funny. Then of course I feel bad for breaking a rib laughing about it when it see it.
I appolgize for responding with a response that sounded like I was correcting you. I was voicing an overall opinion unrelated to your comments. I agree with you.
My husband did that to an old friend from H.S. when he ran into her at the store. She wasn't pg. He came home and told me about it, so I informed him that unless you're SURE, you never, ever ask if someone is pg! Never.
I once ran into an old frien who I had not seen for awhile...she was wearing a jacket, opened...I congratulated her on being pregnant and asked when the baby was due.....she wasn't pregnant...just gotten a little fatter.....needless to say I was totally embarrassed...
Oh Know I dodnt take it that way
Oh HEre is the TRanscript
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Peter. Are you going to ask that question with shades on?
Q I can take them off.
THE PRESIDENT: I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.
Q All right, I’ll keep it, then.
THE PRESIDENT: For the viewers, there’s no sun. (Laughter.)
Q I guess it depends on your perspective. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Touche. (Laughter.)
Q Following up on the other Peter’s question about Karl Rove…
Video link
http://www.wonkette.com/politics/media/the-rose-garden-press-conference-video-180777.php
OH yeah, Yeah I mena its not a big issue I just think its so funny because its one those Ok God I have doen that moment
Unless you actually SEE the baby coming out, you should never ask that question-- but you know that now!
Here's a discussion of Stargardt's Disease. Apparently there is sensitivity to bright light, so filters may be recommended.
http://www.eyeassociates.com/images/understanding_stargardt.htm
So - is this guy blind or not!?
I think he legally blind and because of his disease prob cant see very well in certain outside situations
The idiot Kos Kids act like this is the most evil thing in the world. Too bad they didn't care when our last president was sexually harassing anything with ovaries.
LOL isnt that true. AHH, I remember the day when people just get a good laugh at these stories and move on. Now everything is some sort of crisis.
So - is this guy blind or not!?
Legally blind is not the same as totally blind. The definition of legally blind is:
1) Best correctable vision, with "standard" eyeglasses, is 20/200 or less; or
2) a field restriction of 15 degrees or less. (Some sites say "20 degrees or less.")
Congratulations!
I have 12 grand children and one great grand child. That's enough, thank you.
Here's my great grand son with his great grandma (Mrs. Graybeard) He was born in Arizona and I am trying to get his mother to teach him to say, "John McCain is a rino", but she won't do it:
I guess I am insensitive. I can't figure out why that little exchange would offend the guy in shades or anybody watching it.
What happened is nothing like what the press led me to believe had happened.
From the snippets of news programs I caught tonight, I thought Bush made a (mean?) joke about blind people.
Correction: I would have thought Bush made a (mean?) joke about blind people.
What a cutie pie.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.