Special Olympics: top bowler challenges Obama

A bit of a response to President Obama's "mis-speak" during his appearance on Leno.

Special Olympics offers to send bowler to White House

COREY WILLIAMS
Associated Press
March 20, 2009 at 1:36 PM EDT

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Special Olympics Michigan president said Friday she'd welcome the opportunity to send the nonprofit's top bowler to the White House.

U.S. President Barack Obama made an offhand remark on The Tonight Show Thursday comparing his bowling to “the Special Olympics or something.” He quickly apologized and told the Special Olympics chairman he wants to have some Special Olympic athletes visit the White House to bowl or play basketball.

Kolan McConiughey, who is cognitively impaired, has bowled five perfect games since 2005, said Special Olympics Michigan President Lois Arnold.

“It would be an honour for him to bowl with the president of the United States,” Ms. Arnold said.

Mr. McConiughey said Friday it's been that long since he last bowled a low score like Mr. Obama's 129, and challenged the president to a bowling match.

“He bowled a 129. I bowl a 300. I could beat that score easily,” Mr. McConiughey said in the Colonial Lanes bowling alley in Ann Arbor.

article at the Globe and Mail

Comments

[jordanq]

Nice post. Did you see the video about the guy who scored a perfect 300 in bowling during the special Olympics. It really shows Obama did stereotype the organization.
http://tinyurl.com/ccz6nj

[jordan]

He has hurt many families in America. He needs to say he is sorry in the public, not to an organization.

In addition, someone who claims to have experienced prejudice and stereotypes throughout life, and has written about them in great detail, should be more sensitive and refined from life's lessons.

Furthermore, Obama claimed he was going to have the world think 'highly' of America again. Will this joke help?

For someone who spoke of equality as a creed. Does this joke match that philosophy?

For someone that said he would stand for all people. Does this stand up for those that participate in the Special Olympics?

The fact is Obama claimed a higher standard. To much is given, much is required.

Obama has just showed us that 'yes we can' destroy what a campaign stands for with a single joke.

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. Watch: http://tinyurl.com/ccz6nj

[joseph]

I think one of the most telling aspects of this story has been the general response from the disability community. As the story above shows, I think there has been a show of grace on the part of the folks involved with the Special Olympics. They have taken the high road. Thanks for the video link, jordan.

On the other hand, it shows a very subtle but present attitude, and I trust Mr Obama will learn how to speak more positively of minorities in the future.

[Kate]

It was a stupid thing to say, granted. How many of us have said, almost said, or thought something similar? He apologized. Shouldn't that be enough?

[joseph]

Kate - I think an apology is great start. Now for someone who is a public figure, it should be followed up by something positive. Personally, I think he should take up the bowling challenge. That would be win-win. As is often the case, we tend to make jokes at the expense of those with whom we have little or no personal investment or relationship. Perhaps if Mr Obama makes a personal connection, it might prevent him from making a similar slip of the tongue in the future.

[Malcolm+]

I agree that an apology isn't enough, and I agree that something like accepting the bowling challenge is a win - win.

That said, the very concept of an POTUS who can acknowledge a mistake - something glaringly missing in the last several - can only be seen as a good thing.