As Richard mentioned in this morning’s Speed Read, President Obama was on Leno last night, and he unexpectedly made an off-handed quip about the Special Olympics. When discussing his bowling game with The Big Chinned One, the commander in chief commented on his low-ball score of 129, adding that “It was like Special Olympics or something.”
Even before he got back to Washington, while flying on Air Force One, Obama phoned up Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver and apologized for his comments. And Shriver seemed ready to accept the Prez’s apology:
“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.”
Well, one Special Olympics bowler glady accepts Obama’s challenge!
Kolan McConiughey, a mentally disabled 35-year-old from Michigan, is ready to teach the President a lesson or two. As he told the ASSOCIATED PRESS:
“He bowled a 129. I bowl a 300. I could beat that score easily.”
And it’s not just all talk from Kolan - he can back up his boasting. Since 2005, McConiughey has rolled five perfect games.
When he was in office, Richard Nixon had a bowling alley installed in the White House basement. Now Obama can invite McConiughey over to get some good use out of it - and score a great public relations move.
4:35 pm on March 20th, 2009
Now Obama can invite McConiughey over to get some good use out of it - and score a great public relations move.
And, get his ass kicked in the process. As he so richly deserves after making that careless remark.
But why stop there? Let's put the match on live global television. ESPN, the whole nine yards. It would be just like the title match in Kingpin, and Obama would be Munson. If only Chris Schenkel were still here to call the action.
7:20 pm on March 21st, 2009
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.Watch responses: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cgpymq">http://tinyurl.com/cgpymq</a>