Obama's Special Olympics joke creates a stir around the nation

By Rob Hotakainen

McClatchy Newspapers

(MCT)

WASHINGTON _ It seemed like a harmless remark.

In an appearance Thursday night on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," President Barack Obama made a joke about his lackluster bowling skills by saying: "It was like Special Olympics or something."

But the comment caused an immediate stir in Washington and around the nation.

Appearing at the White House after meeting with Obama to discuss roads and bridges, California Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he knew Obama meant nothing by it.

"I know where his heart is at," said Schwarzenegger, who considers the Special Olympics his favorite charity, appearing at major competitions and raising money around the world. "He loves Special Olympics, and he will do everything he can to help Special Olympics. And every one of us sometimes makes a mistake. Something comes out of your mouth and you say, 'Oops, I wish I wouldn't have said that.' I've had many of those."

Earlier in the day, California first lady Maria Shriver _ whose mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics movement in 1968 _ said that while she was confident Obama didn't intend to offend anyone, the remark "demonstrates the need to continue to educate the non-disabled community on the issues that confront those with a developmental disability."

Alaska Republican Gov. Sarah Palin said she was "shocked to learn" about Obama's comment.

"This was a degrading remark about our world's most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world," said Palin, whose son, Trig, was born with Down syndrome last year. "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," said Palin, who appeared in a video promoting this year's winter Special Olympics games in Boise, Idaho. "I hope President Obama's comments do not reflect how he truly feels about the special needs community."

The White House sought to explain Obama's comment by calling it "an offhand remark."

"The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics," said White House spokesman Bill Burton. "He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."

Obama issued his apology to Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver, the brother of Maria Shriver. Timothy Shriver said Obama "was sincere and heartfelt" in his apology, but added, "Words hurt and words matter."

Shriver, noting that Special Olympics operates more than 30,000 events a year in more than 180 countries, said Obama's comments provided "a teachable moment for our country."

In a statement, Maria Shriver said her mother had dedicated her life "to fighting stereotypes and ridicule for this community, and there is still much work to be done."

"The president's apology for his comments and his commitment to bringing the Special Olympics to the White House are important first steps in shedding light on this important issue," she said. "Oftentimes we don't realize that when we laugh at comments like this it hurts millions of people throughout the world. People with special needs are great athletes and productive citizens, and I look forward to working with the president to knock down myths and stereotypes about this community."

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© 2009, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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