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Why presidents should never do late-night TV

Obama’s comment on Leno has the White House in damage-control mode

An offhand remark made by Barack Obama on the “Tonight Show” last night has the White House press team in major damage-control mode. Host Jay Leno asked the President if the White House bowling alley had been “burned and closed down” after his gutter-ball embarrassments on the campaign trail last year,  “No, no. I have been practising. I bowled a 129,” he said to audience laughter, adding: “It’s like—- it was like Special Olympics, or something.” His spokesman Bill Burton quickly provided “clarification” to reporters flying on Air Force One after the taping. “The President made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics.”  Before the show aired, Obama called Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver to apologize and invite him and some Special Olympics competitors over to the White House for basketball or bowling. He’d better start practising.

Politico

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