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Obama's Tonight Show Gaffe, Day 2
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 21, 2009
Modified Mar 21, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 21, 2009
Modified Mar 21, 2009
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While Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver believes President Obama is apologetic about his unfortunate remarks comparing his poor bowling skills (he got a 129) to the Special Olympics, more voices are chiming in. Notably Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who has a son with Down syndrome and is a champion to special needs families, said she was "shocked", “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.” Long Island Special Olympian Daniel Fletcher, who has competed in basketball, golf, baseball, and equestrian events, tells Newsday that he'd happily challenge the President in bowling—Fletcher recently scored a 130.
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president obama
sarah palin
special olympics
tonight show
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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