Tonight on Jay Leno, Obama embarrassed himself again, making a lame joke about his painfully low bowling score of 129 in Pennsylvania last March, claiming his performance in that bowling alley was “like the Special Olympics“.
Har, har, har.
The thing most Americans don’t realize, that we in Chicago who have seen Obama up close and personal for years know very well, is that this whole business about him being a “great communicator” is all a lot of apocryphal hype. Obama is no such thing. He is clumsy and awkward when not in front of a teleprompter and, because he’s never felt like he fits in anywhere, he very often makes painfully bad jokes in attempts to fit in.
He’s Steve Urkel in the lunch room, trying to sit at the table with all the popular kids, so he tells gross jokes and demeans others so he’s not the focus of the joking. He hits others so he doesn’t get hit, and deflects the awkwardness he feels on others.
In Springfield, state senators had regular poker games, at which Obama was notorious for telling gross, excrutiatingly vulgar jokes, or railing against the termagant he married. The things he used to say about Michelle at those poker games, while largely accurate by all accounts, are things husbands don’t say in public about their wives — no matter how much they want to get in good with all the other guys sitting around the table. Men don’t even talk like that in a locker room, or sitting together along a latrine. But, there he was, Obama the state senator, reveling in the same sexism and misogyny his campaign would gleefully employ to great success throughout 2008.
So, making jokes about the mentally and physically disabled, like he did on Jay Leno, doesn’t surprise us about Obama. This is who he is.
The media claims he’s something else. His campaign convinced many of you he’s something else.
But, this is who he is.
We’ve known a lot of men like this, unfortunately. To compensate for their own smallness, in whatever way they feel awkward and Urkelesque, they mock those weaker than them. And those with special needs are always a favorite target of these bullies.
All we can say is, John McCain wouldn’t be making jokes about the Special Olympics right now.
Hillary Clinton wouldn’t be making jokes about the Special Olympics right now.
Sarah Palin wouldn’t be making jokes about the Special Olympics right now.
George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson, John Kennedy…Franklin Roosevelt…James K. Polk…Abraham Lincoln…Thomas Jefferson…George Washington never made jokes about the Special Olympics (or, before they existed, people with special needs in general).
Obama’s behavior on Jay Leno was, once again, very unpresidential.
One day, maybe the rest of the country will see him for who he truly is, and see him the way those of us in Chicago who’ve watched him for years know he truly is.
Steve Urkel with a teleprompter sums it up pretty well.
He is, and will always be, the guy on a bike, in a helmet, with his polo shirt tucked tightly into acid washed jeans, where each pump of the pedal reveals white socks in impossibly clean tennis shoes, the kind the kid picked last in gym class always wore.
And that kid, always picked on by others, became a man who picks on others whenever he needs to deflect attention from himself.
Hope!
Change!
Painful Predictability!
March 20, 2009 at 12:38 am
The guy cares ONLY for himself and James Brown. He could care less about the hard work, true dedication, and overwhelming courage that it takes for these remarkable human beings to be Special Olympians …
Special Olympians are just joke fodder for this POS narcissist …
EVERY SINGLE Special Olympian outclasses this “Harvard graduate” … EVERY ONE !
One day, this Jackhole 0bamessiah is going to get his comeuppance … one day …
March 20, 2009 at 12:39 am
And “Urkel” was a television character.
Not a REAL human being.
I’m so glad that we can come together on this.
Obama is a manufactured FAKE, and will destroy this country within two years.
I am sad. Truly sad that most folks are watching “Orange County Wives” and ignoring the fact that we are ALLLLLLL going down the tubes under this man.
But Chavez did the same to his country. And I’m guessing that posts like this would result in a death squad.
WAKE UP, America! FIGHT, you whining pussies!
March 20, 2009 at 12:41 am
Oh, and by the way, if posters here don’t know: My BROTHER is a special needs person, and I think he’s smarter than Obama!
What an arrogant PRICK.
March 20, 2009 at 8:36 am
Well that makes TWO brothers who are smarter than Obonehead!
March 20, 2009 at 12:42 am
I didn’t watch Leno, But this was in the comments at NQ
Folks – another Obama slip up re mentally/physically challenged folks:
IT. GOT. WORSE.
When they discussed the new presidential pooch, Jay asked what kind it was (paraphrasing from memory):
Leno: What, is it a Portuguese Waterhead?
OBAMA (smiling): No, it is NOT that! … It’s NOT a waterhead. I mean, that would be a scary dog. Stumbling around the house, bumping into things.
Urban Dictionary:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=water+head
1. Water Head 183 up, 33 down love ithate it
A person with mental health problems, ie downs syndrome, or retard for the lay person.
Hey why do all the water heads work at McDonalds; Someone stop this water head from humping my leg; that effing water head just pooped his pants
March 20, 2009 at 1:29 am
That is absolutely terrible. Never head that term used. I guess I’m part of the wrong demographic.
March 20, 2009 at 1:31 am
me either, but I’m just an old bitter clinger
March 20, 2009 at 9:09 am
See what happens when BO leaves the TOTUS behind?
He thinks he is so cool. What a horse’s arse.
March 20, 2009 at 1:36 am
Did you see the post earlier where someone (sorry forget who) gave a link to http://www.conservatives4palin.com/2009/03/obama-ditches-telepromter-inserts-foot.html
Check the video of Olbermann discussing this, Instead of flipping out or a special comment KO says “what do WE do…I mean what does HE do about it” (to fix it)
March 20, 2009 at 2:00 am
AT the link above there is the BEST Sarah video with Trig and Piper about how wonderful the Special Olympics is and how she is glad to know when Trig is older he can play sports and be on teams just like his brother and sisters.
Nope can’t imagine she is thrilled to hear Barky’s joke.
March 20, 2009 at 2:14 am
I guess I have to ask the Chicago people who have been watching Barry-the-episodic-horror-show for years now.
On top of being a narcissist, I get the vibe he’s extremely undisciplined and will hand off anything that doesn’t interest him at the moment – to be completed by someone else.
I’ve read the general info on him, but the references don’t really go into his personality. Instead they weigh heavily on his voting record and notable public incidents. (i.e. the removal of all his opponents during his first race)
For those of you who have watched him for years, am I right? Incredibly undisciplined?
March 20, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I don’t know if undisciplined is the right word. He’s like these guys you see on infomercials, they know absolutely nothing about what they are trying to sell except what is written for them in a script. If somebody is not telling him exactly what to say, then he’s lost, and whatever you do don’t ever ask him a question with any depth. Undisciplined, I woud describe him as a career frontman. At least that’s how I would describe him in mixed company.
March 20, 2009 at 2:57 am
Nice article, and you taught me a new word. Termagant I just had to look that up. I say it fits Michelle my belle quite well.
March 20, 2009 at 3:12 am
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt.” — The Special Olympics Oath
“Not everybody can play a sport like Michael Jordan or Mia Hamm. Some people just find it challenging to finish a game they’ve started. Other folks won’t rest until they’ve tasted victory– there are all types of people! The Special Olympics honor the athlete in everybody. People with disabilities face challenges that non-disabled people could never imagine. Take that into consideration when you think of disabled folks pushing themselves to the limit in their sport of choice. The Special Olympics games invite disabled people to partake in the camaraderie, competition and fun of sports. They are provided a chance for athletes to learn that there are no losers in this world. Here, people with disabilities demonstrate that they don’t let challenges keep them down!
Over 1 million athletes prepare for The Special Olympics every year with more than 140 thousand trained coaches. Everyone involved in these events are influenced by the determination and spirit of the athletes. The Special Olympics encourage fitness, motor skills, better self image, friendships and self-esteem in the participants.
Some athletes train all year long in their sport. Many participate in more than one sport. Some Special Olympians have gone on to break records in the non-disabled community. And their stories are incredible. Imagine having difficulty walking, but through grit and determination, winning medals in The Special Olympics. Moreover, imagine becoming the co-captain of your non-disabled track team and running in all-state competitions! Sound impossible? Well, you just never know until you try. And trying is what The Special Olympics are all about.”
Pushing one’s self to the limit… Obama could take a lesson.
March 20, 2009 at 9:17 am
What a beautiful motto!
We should flood the WH with emails and calls in defense of our “special” citizens.
Wait until the CBO releases the bad news today on the useless porkulus. Keep the pressure on him and let him know we have is number…..zero!
March 20, 2009 at 6:08 am
Never thought I’d see the day when the “president” of the United States would show less class and understanding than Johnny Jackass.
March 20, 2009 at 9:19 am
If this were GWB, who would never say anything so hateful,
he would have been crucified.
March 20, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I suppose I expect too much; but I never thought I’d see the day when a sitting president of the U.S. would be sitting on the Tonight Show playing around with Jay Leno.
March 20, 2009 at 6:48 am
What a revolting idiot we have in the White House. Can’t stand him..will never be able to tolerate him.
March 20, 2009 at 6:57 am
My Special Olympics son recently bowled 134 in the Special Olympics bowling tournament in Santa Fe. I’d say he kicked Obama’s ass.
March 20, 2009 at 7:06 am
I’d be willing to bet he loves this country more than Barky does, too.
March 20, 2009 at 9:06 am
My younger brother has autism and reguarly kicks my butt in bowling.
The pain of this is that he will see the president of the US making fun of people like him and it will hurt him.
I am not proud to be an American under the Obama administration. This man is so dispicable in so many ways.
March 20, 2009 at 2:33 pm
and it sure needs it….
March 20, 2009 at 7:09 am
Did anyone actually watch the Great One last night? I’m just wondering if NBC didn’t do damage control by editing out the comments. Also, I’d be curious to hear the audience’s reaction- if there was an audible shock, or if everyone just kept smiling and laughing, tipsy off the Kool-Aid.
I didn’t watch. Its too much for my gag reflexes.
March 20, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I saw the last bit of it. The part that included the “comedy” portion of his appearance.
To NBC’s credit, they didn’t edit it out.
But, that’s probably ONLY because Olbermann had already let the cat out of the bag and they couldn’t edit it without removing all doubt that they are in the bag.
The entire thing is shameful. The President of the United States doesn’t have any business showing up on some hack entertainment show in the first place.
Gravitas, my ass.
March 20, 2009 at 7:39 am
However, although it was probably not good strategery to go there with that remark, it will probably not have nuk-lee-err consequences…especially for appearing on Leno.
March 20, 2009 at 7:40 am
Whenever Bush would appear on TV (State of the Union, etc.), The Washington Post’s liberal, snarky TV critic Tom Shales would “review” the performance, which would of course be nothing more than yet another personal attack on Bush and his policies.
So far, not a word from the snotty Shales on The Barky Show last night. It was so late that you wouldn’t expect it to be in this morning’s hard copy, but late-breaking stuff is usually run on the WP website, and as of now (8:30 AM), nothing yet from Shales.
I’ll keep an eye on it through the day and if he does eventually publish something, I’ll post a link.
Meanwhile, Chicago radio personality Mancow is all over the Special Olympics comment. Can’t wait to see if Beck, Laura Ingraham, Rush, Tammy Bruce, Monica Crowley, Hannity, OhReally, etc. pick up on it.
Somehow I doubt this will rank Keith Overrated’s “Worst Person in the World” award, but I suspect that if Bush or Cheney or Sarah Palin had said it, it would have.
March 20, 2009 at 11:12 am
As of noon, still no review from Shales.
March 20, 2009 at 7:45 am
I didn’t realize that he had publicly said such a mean thing about Jessica Simpson cuz his mug wasn’t on the cover w/ his family.
March 20, 2009 at 8:34 am
I posted this in the wrong place, so forgive me for reposting it here, in the correct place. Next time, I’ll scroll down the home page first:
O/T, but related to Obagaffes: I don’t watch Leno, but I heard that last night our esteemed Bonehead made a crack about how his bowling is akin to Special Olympics.
Remember when Dick Morris (of whom I’m no fan) referred to himself as retarded on *The Factor*? John C. McGinley, the SCRUBS actor who has a son w/Down syndrome, issued a statement reproaching Morris. Well, I wrote to McGinley in care of the LA Down Syndrome Society, which he represents. I thanked him for speaking out but said I personally could forgive an honest slip like the one Morris made, but I couldn’t forgive the kinds of things that were done to Trig Palin.
I pointed out that a poster from DU had put up an ad on eBay, “selling” Trig and that Dem blogger Wonkette had said that Trig should’ve been aborted. I told him I wrote to both national DS associations, and only one of them wrote back, saying they’d “look into it.” Of course, they did not.
I asked McGinley why he didn’t speak out about THOSE depraved acts and was it okay with him if people on the far Left were the perpetrators but not okay when people on the far Right make, by contrast, innocent remarks. I called him on his hypocrisy, and I called out all those USELESS “advocacy” (my azz) societies for DSers.
Let’s see who speaks out against President Bonehead’s cruel, thoughtless remark today. Let’s see especially if any of the Kennedys speak out, since it was Eunice who founded Special Olympics.
Hypocrites, one and all!
March 20, 2009 at 9:19 am
I hope McGinley takes this opportunity to do the right thing. It will make him unpopular in Hollywood, but if McGinley truly believes what he says, he will make an effort to speak out this time as well.
March 20, 2009 at 9:53 am
So do I. When I wrote to McGinley in care of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (their correct name), I cc’d O’Reilly and Hannity and Greta.
Today, I unearthed that e-mail and resent it to Bill, Sean, and Greta with a note, telling them I’ll be waiting for McGinley, the Kennedys, and the various DS advocacy groups to speak out.
I think I’ll resend it to the DSALA, too.
We shall see if any of these “advocates” respond; I won’t be holding my breath.
March 20, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver (one of the infamous Kennedy clan) has already forgiven his master.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/20268.html
March 20, 2009 at 9:04 am
[...] WAY back, they regularly provide the most interesting details on what he is really like. They are dishing today as payback for Obama’s snotty remark on Leno comparing his bowling to Special Olympics. Go. [...]
March 20, 2009 at 9:28 am
Well said, Hillbuzz. You speak the truth about this mean man’s abusive behavior. Just my two cents from someone who knows how these two — MO and BO — are not what the media says they are. I hope for the day that they are revealed for who and what they truly are. That is the change I could believe in.
March 20, 2009 at 9:46 am
When the presidential candidates were thinned down to Hillary and Bobo for the Dems and McCain for the Repubs, I pictured each one being in the presence of a person with Down syndrome.
I already knew from personal experience that Hillary IS compassionate and loving toward them. I could see McCain maybe even getting weepy in the presence of one, but I felt deep in my heart that Barky would be uncomfortable, flustered, and embarrassed.
And so that barometer of decency goes.
March 20, 2009 at 11:10 am
Glenn Beck talked about it today. Tammy Bruce and Rush have just both opened their shows with the “Special Olymics” remark.
March 20, 2009 at 12:37 pm
FWIW — the man can’t ride a bike either. That stupid photo of him in his “impossibly clean” sneaks belies the fact that he rarely, if ever, rides a bike. Look at the position of his feet on the pedals… most people I know (novices & pros alike) use the balls of their feet — not the arches — for pedaling.
But I imagine this is how Urkel would ride his bike…
March 20, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I think I pedal with my arches and always have. Never thought about it. I guess I’ve been doing it wrong all these years. Oh well.
Amazing what you can learn at Hillbuzz.
March 20, 2009 at 12:47 pm
First time at this blog- thank you for the extremely well-written piece. Character reveals itself to those willing to observe.
I’m reminded of those two creepy, chilling times he was caught flipping intentional ‘birds’ with his finger, which nobody can think for a minute were accidents.
March 20, 2009 at 2:49 pm
There’s really no need for obama to apologize after all he was just saying what he believes. Now you can see why he takes his TelePrompTer with him everywhere he goes. Someone needs to tell him what he needs to say. And I thought Biden was the gaffer. Looks like we have two fools. If President Bush had said anything so incredibly offensive, democrat/liberals wouldn’t have been satisfied till he was drawn and quartered.
March 20, 2009 at 3:42 pm
The ‘Cuda has responded as I knew she would:
“I was shocked to learn of the comment made by President Obama about Special Olympics,” Governor Palin said. “This was a degrading remark about our world’s most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world.
“These athletes overcome more challenges, discrimination and adversity than most of us ever will. By the way, these athletes can outperform many of us and we should be proud of them. I hope President Obama’s comments do not reflect how he truly feels about the special needs community.”
Go get’em Sarah!
I. Love. This. Woman.
March 20, 2009 at 4:59 pm
If it weren’t’ for low class,
some people would have no class at all.
test test
March 20, 2009 at 7:58 pm
[...] No, Mr. President, it is most certainly not like the Special Olympics Tonight on Jay Leno, Obama embarrassed himself again, making a lame joke about his painfully low bowling score of [...] [...]
March 20, 2009 at 11:14 pm
He has hurt many families in America. He needs to say he is sorry in the public, not to some organization.
During the campaign for the White House in 2008, the media criticized Palin for being ‘common,’ ‘not-polished,’ ‘not-compassionate’ and ‘not presidential.’ However, compare Sarah Palins attitude in this video created three weeks ago for the Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho.
You decide the more ‘presidential’ among them:
http://tinyurl.com/ccz6nj
March 21, 2009 at 6:57 am
For someone who’s supposedly intelligent, he’s so stupid that he must not be able to sleep at night from the pain of being stupid.
March 21, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Congratulations for making the top five blog posts on Bowlergate.
A look at the Barack Obama Special Olympics “joke” on Jay Leno that only elitists can appreciate!
“Top 5 Bowlers Knocking Down Elitist Pinheads”
http://thescroogereport.blogspot.com/2009/03/top-5-bowlers-knocking-down-elitist.html
March 21, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I was actually reading in my local paper that someone in the special olympics got a 300 in bowling. A perfect score.
Obama should maybe watch them once in awhile. I do when they show it on my TV stations here. They play just as good as anyone else does.