The Obama "Special Olympics" Joke

This is the bottom line on the "Special Olympics" crack the President made when he visited Leno: It was not smart, some people may have found it offensive, and it was not classy, to say the least.

But it is not the scandal that lots of folks in the media are making it out to be. Today I was talking about Obama's remarks with a father of a son who has Downs Syndrome. He said that the heat Obama is facing over this off-the-cuff remark is ridiculous. He said that it was the kind of wise crack that normal people in regular conversation would make. He said that if you want to criticize Obama's policies that is fine and that there is plenty to criticize, but to focus on this stupid joke made on Leno is just plain stupid. I have rarely defended Obama during his adminstration, but I agree with this father who has a Downs Syndrome son.

I will add, however, that if a Republican had decided to make the very same remark made by Obama on Leno it would be a whole different ball game. I bet he would not be able to get away with merely apologizing. I bet the criticism would reach a whole different level. I bet that a mere "I'm sorry" would not be enough.

Nonetheless, I judge Republicans and Democrats by the same standard, no matter who makes the stupid remark. Therefore, I think there are far more important things in Obama's agenda that conservatives should focus their criticism on.

If you believe that my take on Obama's remark is off the wall, or you know a parent of a special needs child that has a different take, feel free to leave a comment.
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