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Obama Apologizes for Calling His Bad Bowling 'Like the Special Olympics'
ABC News ^ | 3/20/9 | JAKE TAPPER and HUMA KHAN

Posted on 03/20/2009 7:55:49 AM PDT by bimboeruption

His controversial joke hadn't even aired yet when President Obama got on the phone from Air Force One Thursday night to apologize for comparing his notoriously bad bowling skills to the Special Olympics.

"He expressed his disappointment and he apologized, I think in a way that was very moving," Tim Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics board, told "Good Morning America" today.

"He expressed that he did not intend to humiliate this population, certainly didn't want to embarrass or give anybody any more reason for pain or just suffering I would say," said Shriver, who received the call from Obama as the president was flying back to Washington.

"He was very sincere, expressed an interest and an openness in being more engaged in the movement and said he was a fan of the movement and I think importantly he said he was ready to have some of our athletes over to the White House to bowl or play basketball or help him improve his score."

It began with the president joking about how bad a bowler he is.

Toward the end of his approximately 40-minute taping on the "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," Obama talked about how he'd gotten better at bowling and had been practicing in the White House bowling alley.

"I bowled a 129," he told Leno.

"That's very good, Mr. President," Leno said sarcastically.

But then came the foot-in-mouth moment: "It's like the Special Olympics or something," the president said.

Shriver told "GMA" that these moments can worsen the stereotypes of people with special needs.

"I think it's important to see that words hurt, and words do matter and these words can in some way be seen as humiliating or [a] put-down to people with special needs...

(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: apology; bho2009; bho44; bowling; democrats; leno; obama; specialolympics
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"He expressed his disappointment and he apologized, I think in a way that was very moving," Tim Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics board, told "Good Morning America" today."

Barry apologized in a way that was very moving? Give me a break.

We got a glimpse of how he REALLY thinks because Mr. Teleprompter wasn't there to tell him what to say.

1 posted on 03/20/2009 7:55:49 AM PDT by bimboeruption
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To: bimboeruption

What BHO said regarding the Special Olympics is minor compared to the other stuff he is doing


2 posted on 03/20/2009 7:56:49 AM PDT by lakertaker (Libertarian Party since 1998)
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To: bimboeruption
...he can't even live up to their integrity
3 posted on 03/20/2009 7:56:50 AM PDT by Doogle (USAF.68-73..8th TFW Ubon Thailand..never store a threat you should have eliminated))
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To: bimboeruption

His apology will be heard in all 57 states.


4 posted on 03/20/2009 7:56:51 AM PDT by Slapshot68
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To: bimboeruption

Yes, but has Dan Quayle apologized for his MUCH more egregious “potatoe” spelling error?

Worst political gaffe in the history of the solar system.

Gosh and golly, maybe even the history of the universe....


5 posted on 03/20/2009 7:59:08 AM PDT by EyeGuy
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To: bimboeruption

He is still nothing more than a punk-wanna-be...


6 posted on 03/20/2009 8:00:07 AM PDT by devane617 (Republicans first strategy should be taking over the MSM. Without it we are doomed.)
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To: Slapshot68

What matters is, he’s sorry. Now move along - nothing more to see. I’m sure if Rush Limbaugh had made a crack like that and apologized, the media would just shrug it off.


7 posted on 03/20/2009 8:01:13 AM PDT by JaguarXKE
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To: lakertaker
What BHO said regarding the Special Olympics is minor compared to the other stuff he is doing

I agree but it gives us a glimpse of how he feels about those who are "inferior" to him.

8 posted on 03/20/2009 8:01:32 AM PDT by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: bimboeruption

His whole presentcy is a “Special Olympic”.


9 posted on 03/20/2009 8:02:09 AM PDT by JEC ((Pray for ALL our troops))
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To: bimboeruption

again, the media is treating this guy with kid gloves bending over to soften the blow. Had Bush or any republican said this, they’d be having a field day. Just goes to show you why Obama needs prepared teleprompted text in front of him. The man is a simpleton.


10 posted on 03/20/2009 8:03:09 AM PDT by MAD-AS-HELL (Hope and Change. Rhetoric embraced by the Insane - Obama, The Chump in Charge)
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To: bimboeruption

Two words: NO CLASS


11 posted on 03/20/2009 8:04:01 AM PDT by fredhead (Liberals think globally, reason rectally, act idiotically.)
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To: bimboeruption

I think in a way that was very moving,” Tim Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics board said,.....

Did you have tingly feeling running up your leg, Tim?


12 posted on 03/20/2009 8:04:03 AM PDT by AngelesCrestHighway
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To: bimboeruption

It’s not a “joke” if nobody is laughing.


13 posted on 03/20/2009 8:04:45 AM PDT by FlingWingFlyer (Just being a "U.S. citizen" does not make one an American.)
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To: bimboeruption

As red-blooded American guy, I commiserate with the Kenyan guy. He should just say, “don’t worry about it, you wouldn’t understand—it’s a guy thing.”


14 posted on 03/20/2009 8:05:04 AM PDT by randog (Tap into America!)
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To: JaguarXKE
Is he sorry that he hurt and degraded many people, or is he sorry that he got caught saying it.

“Words, just words!!!” They mean nothing, just like his word “Sorry”

Quoting: “I’m sure if Rush Limbaugh had made a crack like that and apologized, the media would just shrug it off.”

I think you forgot the [Sarc] tag

15 posted on 03/20/2009 8:06:19 AM PDT by BornToBeAmerican (Freedom is not free)
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To: bimboeruption

Just heard on Laura Ingraham that he’s factually wrong about Special Olympics bowlers as well. She listed off some of the players averaging 150 and one of the SO team members actually bowled 3 perfect games! So BO is worse than a special olympics bowler. Maybe next time he can say, “I’m worse than a quadriplegic”. “Even Bob Dole could bowl better” (I’m sure that would get a laugh from the spiral eyed, kool-aid drinking idiots that adore BO)


16 posted on 03/20/2009 8:06:35 AM PDT by albie
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To: bimboeruption
Mr Obama... Ur this special..


17 posted on 03/20/2009 8:06:44 AM PDT by mylife ( The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
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To: bimboeruption

“Barry apologized in a way that was very moving? Give me a break.”

Honestly, he could strangle someone and the Dems would call it “moving”.


18 posted on 03/20/2009 8:07:11 AM PDT by Melinda
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To: bimboeruption

Oh
Boy,
Another
Misstep for
America


19 posted on 03/20/2009 8:07:41 AM PDT by bigbob
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To: MAD-AS-HELL
The man is a simpleton.

Could Barry's mental capacity been diminished by his old friend, Mr. Weed?


20 posted on 03/20/2009 8:08:50 AM PDT by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: bimboeruption

Barack Obama hates handicapped people.


21 posted on 03/20/2009 8:08:57 AM PDT by Hacklehead (Liberalism is the art of taking what works, breaking it, and then blaming conservatives.)
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To: lakertaker
It is a fact of life, and a fact of politics, that we must find a simple, easy to understand point, easy to repeat and to publicize -— if we ever hope to change perceptions.

The “House Bank” was not that “important” in financial terms, but it ABSOLUTELY pointed out that our Congress, at that time, thought itself above the law.

This is a “teachable moment” or an opportunity for us to show the public who this guy really is.

22 posted on 03/20/2009 8:09:36 AM PDT by Kansas58
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To: bimboeruption

He apologized. Issue over. Of course, if this was a Republican, an apology would be no where near enough. The MSM would have to delve into his past and interview everyone he has ever known to find out why he is such a bigot.


23 posted on 03/20/2009 8:10:15 AM PDT by crymeariver (Good news...in a way)
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To: bimboeruption

I hadn’t even heard of this until now. I suppose the unbiased media is out there doing there job......

Oh, wait....


24 posted on 03/20/2009 8:12:33 AM PDT by CSM (Smokers, the most patriotic of Americans!)
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To: JaguarXKE

What about poor o’l Don Imus and his nappy head remarks? He apologized but still got canned. Obama can say anything and all he has to do is apologize and everything is better again. Doesn’t the left see their obvious double standards?


25 posted on 03/20/2009 8:13:00 AM PDT by crymeariver (Good news...in a way)
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To: bimboeruption

Narcissistic DSM IV Criteria

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)

(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love

(3) believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)

(4) requires excessive admiration

(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations

(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends

(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others

(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her

(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes


26 posted on 03/20/2009 8:13:27 AM PDT by Kansas58
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To: bimboeruption
Timothy Shriver was born to Sargent Shriver, a former United States Ambassador to France and the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate in 1972, and Eunice Mary Kennedy, the founder of the Special Olympics movement in 1968.
27 posted on 03/20/2009 8:13:35 AM PDT by Canedawg (Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.)
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To: bimboeruption

Did Obama apologize for acting like a pre-adolescent in front of millions?

(No insult to pre-adolescents intended.)


28 posted on 03/20/2009 8:13:45 AM PDT by syriacus (Obama's economy has a Leftward twist and is heading to the gutter, like his bowling ball.)
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To: bimboeruption

The Dark Leprechaun Strikes Again!


29 posted on 03/20/2009 8:14:07 AM PDT by mdk1960
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To: bimboeruption

His appology was very moving? What is this dance these people are doing? Had a Republican been so very crass we’d hear no end of it till he apologized dozens of times. I was listening to the report on the radio and they even clipped the part about the Special Olympics in half and didn’t make any issue of it. What in the hell is going on? I really hate the press, it was bad enough during the election campaign but they are a bunch of incestuous little worms that deserve nothing better than to be squashed for their disgraceful protection of their political allies.


30 posted on 03/20/2009 8:14:12 AM PDT by Maelstorm ("No bill of attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.")
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To: Hacklehead
Barack Obama hates handicapped people.

I think Barry scorns ANYONE he perceives as less significant than himself, and holds them in contempt.


31 posted on 03/20/2009 8:17:35 AM PDT by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: MAD-AS-HELL
again, the media is treating this guy with kid gloves bending over to soften the blow. Had Bush or any republican said this, they’d be having a field day. Just goes to show you why Obama needs prepared teleprompted text in front of him. The man is a simpleton.

Spot on, not one account of it mentioned in CNBC's take click here

32 posted on 03/20/2009 8:20:18 AM PDT by meandog (The only "Bush" sounding surname worth a damn belongs to NASCAR's Kurt&Kyle Busch--not GEORGE!)
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To: Melinda
To hell with the apology. Trent Lott tried the apology gig, didn't work! The dims kept on his azz until he had to step down.

Same for 0! The only thing that can make this right is for the clown to step down.

Hey, I think I got something here. WTF, works for Jesse...

What's said can't be unsaid. The clown must step down.

What'aya think?

33 posted on 03/20/2009 8:20:36 AM PDT by skimbell
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To: Kansas58
Narcissistic DSM IV Criteria

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)

(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love

(3) believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)

(4) requires excessive admiration

(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations

(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends

(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others

(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her

(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Your post sez it all.

He's in love with himself.


34 posted on 03/20/2009 8:25:02 AM PDT by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: bimboeruption
Photobucket
35 posted on 03/20/2009 8:25:06 AM PDT by TomGuy
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To: bimboeruption

What a crock of Horse hockey. I’m disgusted at the perpetual display of political correctness that has led to this victimhood mentality. I HOPE this ‘apology’ FAILS!


36 posted on 03/20/2009 8:25:13 AM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life)
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To: bimboeruption

where o where did you find that picture?


37 posted on 03/20/2009 8:25:33 AM PDT by MAD-AS-HELL (Hope and Change. Rhetoric embraced by the Insane - Obama, The Chump in Charge)
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To: bimboeruption
He expressed his disappointment and he apologized...

WTH was he expressing DISAPPOINTMENT for? Barry O'Bambi expressed disappointment that Barry O'Bambi said something incredibly stupid on (taped) national freaking television?

This is just the same as Barry thanking himself for the invitation to come to the White House and Party for St. Paddy's day. Obama is truly a stupid, narcissitic, clueless piece of excrement.

38 posted on 03/20/2009 8:25:48 AM PDT by MortMan (Power without responsibility-the prerogative of the harlot throughout the ages. - Rudyard Kipling)
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To: bimboeruption

What happened TOTUS? Did the training wheels fall off of your tricycle again?


39 posted on 03/20/2009 8:26:07 AM PDT by Arrowhead1952 (It took almost 250 years to make the USA great and 30 days for BO to tear it down.)
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To: MAD-AS-HELL
where o where did you find that picture?

If you mean the one where he's smoking dope...I stole it from Drudge.

40 posted on 03/20/2009 8:27:39 AM PDT by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: bimboeruption

“He expressed that he did not intend to humiliate this population, certainly didn’t want to embarrass or give anybody any more reason for pain or just suffering I would say,” said Shriver, who received the call from Obama as the president was flying back to Washington.”

Thats very moving Timmy. I laughed. I cried.


41 posted on 03/20/2009 8:30:28 AM PDT by Augustinian monk (Only the Holy Spirit can fix stupid.)
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To: crymeariver
Doesn’t the left see their obvious double standards?

This entire incident will be treated like this:


42 posted on 03/20/2009 8:35:13 AM PDT by Arrowhead1952 (It took almost 250 years to make the USA great and 30 days for BO to tear it down.)
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To: Maelstorm

NPR radio news this morning: mentioned Leno and the new White House dog, no mention of the Special Olympics.

ABC radio news this morning: mentioned Leno and the Special Olympics, and not favorably to Obama at all (no “his apology was moving” either).

It’s a start. I’m amazed it was even on ABC “top of the hour” radio news.


43 posted on 03/20/2009 8:37:38 AM PDT by olivia3boys
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To: TomGuy
We could always depend on Kerry and his "lovely" wife for a laugh.


44 posted on 03/20/2009 8:37:38 AM PDT by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: bimboeruption

Ovortion O has now clue about handicapped chilren.


45 posted on 03/20/2009 8:39:34 AM PDT by Salvation ( †With God all things are possible.†)
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To: bimboeruption

Barry moving? The only “moving” that comes to mind when I think of Zero is a bowel movement.


46 posted on 03/20/2009 8:40:29 AM PDT by Merlinator (January 20. 2009, A National Day of Mourning)
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To: bimboeruption

I guarandamntee you this isn’t the first time TOTUS has used the Special Olympics put down.
It just rolled off his tongue and the minute he said it-he didn’t catch himself and apologize.
He must have previously gotten guffaws from his toads because he laughed as he said it.
One can only imagine what other insults he frequently uses -white people, Republicans, the military,
Christians and Jews are probably the butt of his hilarity.
I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before those will also roll off his tongue
when he gives his teleprompter a smoke break.


47 posted on 03/20/2009 8:42:36 AM PDT by Wild Irish Rogue
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To: AngelesCrestHighway

I called Special Olympics to express my disgust at how he demeaned them and their Olympians. They said he apologised for the remark. I said even if they forgave and excused him I never would.


48 posted on 03/20/2009 8:46:37 AM PDT by Merlinator (January 20. 2009, A National Day of Mourning)
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To: olivia3boys
subtle mention of the special olympics comment way down in the NPR article: Obama Tells Leno He Was Stunned By AIG Bonuses
49 posted on 03/20/2009 8:47:01 AM PDT by stainlessbanner
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To: bimboeruption

Didn’t Obama spend the day with the huband of Shriver’s “something”?...father, brother, something.


50 posted on 03/20/2009 8:47:14 AM PDT by lonestar (Obama has turned a crisis into a catastrophe.)
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