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March 20, 2009

Obama Apologizes for “Special Olympics” Gaffe
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President Obama continued his criticism of AIG Thursday on the second
day of his trip to California. Appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay
Leno, Obama said the AIG case exemplified Wall Street excess.

President Obama: “The immediate bonuses that went to AIG are a problem,
but the larger problem is we’ve got to get back to an attitude where
people know enough is enough and people have a sense of responsibility
and they understand that their actions are going to have an impact on
everybody. And if we can get back to those values that built America,
then I think we’re going to be OK.”

Obama’s appearance marked the first ever by a sitting US president on a
late-night talk show. He was later forced to backtrack after appearing
to make fun of the disabled in joking about his bowling abilities. After
Leno complimented him for a low bowling score, Obama said, “It’s like
the Special Olympics or something.” In a statement, the White House said
Obama didn’t “intend to disparage” the Special Olympics.



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