RobJohnson
03-20-2009, 12:35 PM
http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/Content/090316/News/Todays_News_Our_Take/1_mon/090316obama_tonightshow1.jpg
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2009 (AFP) – US President Barack Obama has apologized for the first gaffe of his presidency, after he joked about his bowling prowess comparing it to the Special Olympics for people with intellectual disabilities.
In his first appearance on a US late night talk show since his November election, Obama told Jay Leno he had been practicing at the White House bowling alley after he flopped at the sport during the presidential campaign last year.
"I bowled a 129," he said to laughter from the "Tonight Show" audience in Los Angeles.
"That's very good, Mr. President," Leno deadpanned.
It's "like the Special Olympics or something," the president replied.
Realizing the joke had fallen flat, the White House moved quickly to downplay it and Obama late Thursday telephoned Tim Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics, from Air Force One on the flight back to Washington.
More (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090320/en_afp/entertainmentuspoliticsobamaolympics_2009032016394 0)
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2009 (AFP) – US President Barack Obama has apologized for the first gaffe of his presidency, after he joked about his bowling prowess comparing it to the Special Olympics for people with intellectual disabilities.
In his first appearance on a US late night talk show since his November election, Obama told Jay Leno he had been practicing at the White House bowling alley after he flopped at the sport during the presidential campaign last year.
"I bowled a 129," he said to laughter from the "Tonight Show" audience in Los Angeles.
"That's very good, Mr. President," Leno deadpanned.
It's "like the Special Olympics or something," the president replied.
Realizing the joke had fallen flat, the White House moved quickly to downplay it and Obama late Thursday telephoned Tim Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics, from Air Force One on the flight back to Washington.
More (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090320/en_afp/entertainmentuspoliticsobamaolympics_2009032016394 0)