Palin rips Obama for Special Olympics joke
posted at 4:31 pm on March 20, 2009 by Allahpundit
Commenters in the previous thread assure me that they’re not outraged at Obama’s joke, they’re merely outraged at the double standard conservatives are held to when they say something impolitic. Let’s see how many stick to that position in this one. A thousand comments or bust, baby!
“I was shocked to learn of the comment made by President Obama about Special Olympics,” Governor Palin said. “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.”
Exit question: Any wild guesses as to how the media will report this tonight? Here’s a hint from yesterday’s ADN: “The biggest single chunk of money that Palin is turning down is about $170 million for education, including money that would go for programs to help economically disadvantaged and special needs students.”
Update: Maria Shriver chips in too:
In a statement this morning, Shriver said, “While I am confident that President Obama never intended to offend anyone, the response that his comments have caused, coupled with the reaction of a primetime audience, demonstrate the need to continue to educate the non-disabled community on the issues that confront those with a developmental disability.”
“Often times we don’t realize that when we laugh at comments like this it hurts millions of people throughout the world,” added Shriver.
Blowback
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Let me help the post count:
How do special needs people fit into intelligent design versus evolution?
Discuss.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 5:08 PM
With her flip comment about Obama could have credit for building the Alaskan pipeline, for refusing about 30% of the stimulus package and now with this personal criticism of Obama, Sarah has just thrown the gauntlet down; war has been declared. It will not end until Sarah Palin tells the world she is not running for POTUS in 2012 (as AP predicted in another thread), Sarah does not gain the GOP nomination, or one of them prevails on election day in 2012.
technopeasant on March 20, 2009 at 5:09 PM
heh.
HornetSting on March 20, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Obama gets his kicks out of insulting people and being condescending. It’s one way he builds himself up. From another thread:
I’ll add:
Insult McCain – (finger)
Condescend to Reporter – (sweetie)
INC on March 20, 2009 at 5:09 PM
I’ve done some thinking. As I said once before, I don’t mind pointing out the double standard, but what is annoying is this moral outrage; that the sensibilities of some have been so offended, and that if it were a conservative to say that, they would not show the same moral outrage. It would be more of an “Okay, he shouldn’t have said it, but let’s move on.” Either you are morally outraged no matter who says it, or you aren’t. I’m sure some are being genuine in their anger, but knowing how people act when it comes to politics, I’m sure most aren’t.
The double standard anger is totally understandable. The moral outrage is okay if you are equal in your anger; something I feel most would aren’t. But then again, like “TheBigOldDog” says, I’m just a child with no experience, right? 8)
I wouldn’t wish that hellish existence on a person, even if I didn’t like him.
blatantblue on March 20, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Probably about like you did — with a get-out-of-jail-free card for obama and contempt for any Alaska governor who might be legitimately offended.
Ronnie on March 20, 2009 at 5:10 PM
My position is still – his comment wasn’t a big deal – but I enjoy seeing him crucified for it because that is what happens when Conservatives make a crack like this.
So I’m glad to see Palin putting the nails in his wrist on this one. (Christ-like metaphor pun intended).
HondaV65 on March 20, 2009 at 5:10 PM
DeMint maybe, but Cantor? The guy voted for the AIG Tax for god’s sake, practically been a lapdog for Obama lately.
The only nationally known elected Republican who’ve had the guts to take on Obama full-force has been Sarah Palin.
Norwegian on March 20, 2009 at 5:10 PM
blatantblue on March 20, 2009 at 5:10 PM
I think Jeff would say you still don’t get his point. Which, given how long you’ve been stalking him is kinda funny in a sad way.
But as to the linkage … I thought you’d be ok with Japan. You like anime right?
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 20, 2009 at 5:10 PM
When I saw the Palin video, all I could think of was the UFC announcer’s voice… “and heeeeere we GO!’
Kid from Brooklyn on March 20, 2009 at 5:11 PM
“This was a degrading remark about our world’s most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world.”
It should be “below his paygrade” to say that stuff, but he’s suffering from inflated ego disease with a serious state of delusions of grandeur.
the_nile on March 20, 2009 at 5:11 PM
The plain truth is, even if what Obama said isn’t considered offensive, he exposes that without the teleprompter his stupidity comes spilling out. I’d say that the TotUS keeps Obama in check, but that would be viewed as racist.
Geministorm on March 20, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Let me help too…
Answer: Compassion is no accident.
Limerick on March 20, 2009 at 5:11 PM
FYI – Below is a list of reasons why Obama is not eligible to hold the office of POTUS:
(1) The U.S. President is required by the U.S. Constitution to be a “Natural Born Citizen”, meaning born in this country to parents that are both US citizens. The State of HI, statute 338, allows foreign born children of Hawaiian residents to get an Hawaiian “Certification of Live Birth” and is not a “birth certificate.” Mr. Obama has never presented any corroborating evidence that he was actually born in HI. His paternal grandmother in Kenya and the Ambassador of Kenya made statements that he was born in Kenya, a British Colony at that time. Mr. Obama, Sr was a British subject, and never a US citizen. Thus, Mr. Obama is not qualified to be the POTUS.
(2) The image Mr. Obama has posted on the Internet is not a valid birth certificate, but a limited value document, called a Short Version Certification of Live Birth. The Certification of Live Birth does not name a hospital, a doctor, or have any signatures or a seal of the Hawaiian Health Department on the front of the document. This document is usually given to parties that don’t have a proper hospital birth certificate and it is given based on a statement of one relative only. Even the State of HI doesn’t give full credit to these documents.
(3) The State of HI has sealed his actual birth certificate and only stated that there is a document on file. In spite of numerous demands, the Hawaiian Office of Vital Statistics refused to provide information as to whether it is a certificate for a foreign born child of a resident, is a proper hospital birth certificate, or a short version COLB of limited value.
(4) Even if Mr. Obama had any US citizenship status until age 5, he lost it when he immigrated to Indonesia and acquired Indonesian citizenship. Indonesia doesn’t allow dual citizenship and Mr. Obama reaffirmed his Indonesian citizenship; therefore, relinquishing any US citizenship when he traveled using an Indonesian passport as an adult.
(5) Mr. Obama has had sealed all of his vital records and has spent over $800,000 on an army of attorneys to keep his records sealed. Mr. Obama’s attorneys have harassed and intimidated all attorneys challenging Obama’s eligibility.
(6) In spite of Obama’s arrogant claims that all cases were debunked, not one single case was heard on the merits. The courts have stated that such nonsense as “ordinary citizens have no standing to challenge” or “Obama was fully vetted by the internet, twitter, facebook,” etc.
Since no one bothered to ask to see a document – we all had to produce to get our DL – Obama was elected without proving to one single person in this country his Constitutional eligibility status.
bmac727 on March 20, 2009 at 5:11 PM
You go Sarah!
txstar on March 20, 2009 at 5:11 PM
We just aren’t mature enough to see the Wisdom that The One and TOTUS will share with us in eternity. Stop questioning and just start absorbing.
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
AP,
Must you always be an self congratulatory a**hole? That shtick is getting old and tiresome.
Gothguy on March 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
LLLLLLLLLLLET’S GET READY TO RUMMMMMBLE!!!!!!!!!
Mr_Magoo on March 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Oh Baby Jesus, Allah stick with the program. Palin is not your enemy right now, Obama’s crazy spending programs are.
Mr. Joe on March 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
You are right.
INC on March 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
And how could we forget:
Insult Sarah Palin – Lipstick on a pig remark.
carbon_footprint on March 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
@Blatantblue:
Understood. I’m just not a nice person.
Sakaki on March 20, 2009 at 5:13 PM
My tin foil hat keeps getting holes in it!
INC on March 20, 2009 at 5:13 PM
The scary part is, this embarrassment has children. What are they learning from their idiot father?
Make fun of those that are different from you, except:
If they had an abortion, are gay and want to get married, or don’t work and want to live off the government…..
HornetSting on March 20, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Maybe, but that wouldn’t automatically make Debbie Schlussel right.
ddrintn on March 20, 2009 at 5:14 PM
You’re right. Axelrod must be working overtime in damage control.
INC on March 20, 2009 at 5:14 PM
I got tired of it a long time ago.
meltenn on March 20, 2009 at 5:14 PM
You’d think that, wouldn’t you?
Kent18 on March 20, 2009 at 5:14 PM
I would rather not know.
upinak on March 20, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Someone should Rush the super-duper strong tin-foil to INC… He/She’s beginning to question.
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:15 PM
And the worst of it? Bozo the VP is going to have to wear a shirt that says, “I’M WITH STUPID”
Oh, the horror, the horror!
Mr_Magoo on March 20, 2009 at 5:15 PM
I must admit I’ve said to myself:
“Man I hope that f*cking prick (who is driving like a drunken maniac) hits a tree and is a quad.”
Then I took it back, cause I really didn’t mean it. I can only imagine what sort of anguish it can produce. I worked at a physical therapy place and omg, what people had to deal with. Totally changed my ways of wishing things on people.
When it comes up in convo with my girlfriend, shes explained to me that a lot of studies have shown that Quads have similar depression/happiness rates, and that most adapt rather well. I don’t doubt the validity of those studies..
but still. sheesh. i wouldn’t wish that upon anyone. I’d rather die!
blatantblue on March 20, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Allah is entertaining and sometimes informative. He chooses to go for the TMZ type threads.
Ed is informative and sometimes entertaining. He chooses to go for the original journalism that gets broadcast to 20 million listeners on Rush’s show.
carbon_footprint on March 20, 2009 at 5:16 PM
And kick the poor kids out of your school because Dems don’t like school vouchers…
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:16 PM
the outrage over impolitic speech from people relishing their chance to say ‘retard’.
barkolounger on March 20, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Please forgive me for this.
Although I believe the Special olympics bowler will probably kick obama’s ass, The real deal is this…
OBAMA’S ENTIRE PRESIDENCY IS LIKE THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS,WITHOUT THE SPECIAL PEOPLE.
His administration is totally stuck on stupid,from Geithner to Biden and now this moron who wants to investigate Joe Arpaio for upholding the law.
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on March 20, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Curiously, after someone called out Allah as Proud Rino, PR mysteriously and suddenly disappeared.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM
….cleaning under the rock again……
HornetSting on March 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Hmmm
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM
They teach us to appreciate the gifts of life, unconditional love and generosity of spirit.
Our freedom is precious, as well. How lucky Palin is that she has a son serving his country, a special needs baby and parents who are retired teachers.
Wow. No comment.
Rhetorical question, I’m guessing.
I really wish you’d drop the pretense you’re any kind of Republican. Based on your words, especially the argument for eugenics, it looks like you’re a liar.
chunderroad on March 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM
I am LOVIN’ it! The fact that Sarah commented on this latest gaffe by Obama and blasted him for it ensures that the media cannot bury this story as early as it would like to.
I actually volunteered to escort Special Olympians from one event to the other during a Special Olympics competition. Until one actually sees the joy in their faces as they cross a finish line, one cannot possibly understand just how much this organization means to those who participate in the games.
Yeah, Obama, what a “man of the people” you are, huh! You really “care for those less fortunate,” don’t you? NOT!!! You are an arrogant, pompous ASS. Small wonder you want to prevent Americans from donating to charities of their choice. You obviously don’t know what charity means.
OneVision on March 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Interesting: A single thread with Palin generates more comments in 30 minutes than multiple Sanford thread over a 3 month period.
Norwegian on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Maybe Proud Rino = Kathleen Parker?
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
All barko and no biteo?
carbon_footprint on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
The 1000 faces of Allah.
upinak on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Its funny, Obama agrees with Palin that Obama is an ass.
Checkmate
Amadeus on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I’ll defer to right4life on this one
DarkCurrent on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Good for the Gov. She has shown that she is not afraid to thown a punch as well as take one.
Lou Budvis on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I buy the Reynolds Non-Stick foil. That must be the problem. The hats just won’t stay on!
INC on March 20, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Curiously, after someone called out Allah as Proud Rino, PR mysteriously and suddenly disappeared.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM
And I was “proud” to do it.
Mr_Magoo on March 20, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Hi, Allah: You say that commenters are not outraged over the comment.
I am going to be an exception to the rule.
Here is an email I sent Barack Obama this morning. I did clean up one word for Hot Air, which is a classier place than the White House:
_________
Maybe I was not clear. Let me be more clear: If somebody said to me what Barack Obama said on television last night, I would knock every g*dd@mn tooth down his throat.
Yes, even the molars way in the back.
Are we clear?
_________
RJGatorEsq. on March 20, 2009 at 5:19 PM
I also wondered where Doctor Jekyll goes when the monster appears in the lab.
chunderroad on March 20, 2009 at 5:19 PM
*ugh* You don’t recycle 1000x like the Obamas?
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:19 PM
I’d bet a weeks pay that Sarah could kick the crap outta Barry…
RalphyBoy on March 20, 2009 at 5:20 PM
+100
carbon_footprint on March 20, 2009 at 5:20 PM
the outrage over impolitic speech from people relishing their chance to say ‘retard’.
barkolounger on March 20, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Ok then, I’ll substitute “barkolounger” for retard in future posts; now everyone will know what I mean when I say, “Hey barkolounger, your comments are seriously barkoloungered.”
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Your spin attempt fails. There’s not much outrage here. Just continued amusement at the incompetence of the “oh so articulate” Teleprompter Jesus.
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 20, 2009 at 5:20 PM
What’s your personal email address Snarkyinvader, We’ll just send them to you.
portlandon on March 20, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Got your back!
Kent18 on March 20, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Apparently, if he’s decided to “stick to that position,” Allah thinks the Special Olympics bowler is just upset about the double standard.
Ronnie on March 20, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Sniffing glue may lead to slight barkolounging.
carbon_footprint on March 20, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Thank you. Thank you very much. You have taken my anger and sent it to Obama through that letter. Mr. Nice Guy is about to reappear.
Sakaki on March 20, 2009 at 5:21 PM
It’s Whack-a-Mole in the political world.
Barry popped his head out of the tele-hole and Palin whacked it.
I’d say she deserves a few turns at the whacker. Wouldn’t you, Allah?
MaxMBJ on March 20, 2009 at 5:22 PM
I may not be as enlightened as you, but these are two remarkably moronic statements. You’re a commenter who’s no longer worth my time.
BuckeyeSam on March 20, 2009 at 5:22 PM
maybe they can beat Allah at bowling.
upinak on March 20, 2009 at 5:22 PM
+100000000000000000000000
joey24007 on March 20, 2009 at 5:22 PM
RJGatorEsq. on March 20, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Good for you. I work at a company that hires special needs people for basic maintenance tasks. I used to think that the company was doing it just to save money (cause I was stupid and uninformed). Having watched everyone engage these people in a sincere and friendly way, I have changed my stupid-a$$ opinion.
Mr_Magoo on March 20, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Yes, even the molars way in the back.
Are we clear?
RJGatorEsq. on March 20, 2009 at 5:19 PM
You wouldn’t reach down his throat and pull all those teeth back up just to sock them back down a second time?
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 5:23 PM
There is a difference between me not being outraged by what Obama said (I voted for tone deaf) and Palin being shocked by what Obama said, because she has a special needs kid and will be working with the special needs community. Palin has skin in the game, or so the expression goes.
Also, Palin’s response was a rebuke and much less robust than the disappointment expressed by Maria Shriver. And again, Palin has skin in the game.
The media will cover as a declaration of war, instead of a rebuke handed out by a mother of a special needs child. Which is a shame because there is a difference.
myrenovations on March 20, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Stirring the pot?
upinak on March 20, 2009 at 5:23 PM
That. Was. Beautiful. *sniffle*
Laura in Maryland on March 20, 2009 at 5:23 PM
There’s the off-chance, Proud RINO got banned…
Just saying.
Mr_Magoo on March 20, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Really unbelievable. Next thing you know someone will think up an event for that group of people and have the nerve to call it SPECIAL.
KittyLowrey on March 20, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Where are the trolls that for months have accused Sarah Palin of being ‘damaged goods’ or ‘wounded beyond repair’?
Probably being brought up to speed by Axelrod what the new Palin narrative will be.
technopeasant on March 20, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Feel free. snarkvader@gmail.com
SnarkVader on March 20, 2009 at 5:24 PM
You mean reach on up???
Laura in Maryland on March 20, 2009 at 5:25 PM
The racists will continue to be convinced that blacks do not have what it takes to lead this country. Of course this is absurd! He is simply a run of the mill psychologically damaged liberal shit bag and gives decent Americans a bad name all over the world.
csdeven on March 20, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Palin has moral authoritah!
It’s the double-standard from the political-left that bugs me the most. I still <3 Palin, though.
eforhan on March 20, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Then who will getalife hang with?
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Remember the outrage when McCain said “That one”? Yeah. I enjoyed the Libs heads explode, yet they cover Obahmbo’s utter stupidity.
portlandon on March 20, 2009 at 5:25 PM
People in my age demographic call each other retards every day.
I think teh outrage is manufactured, and age limited.
strangelet on March 20, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Stirring the pot?
upinak on March 20, 2009 at 5:23 PM
No, just remembering the military days when flying teeth and tomato noses were normal Saturday night entertainment.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Allah usually announces bans.
MadisonConservative on March 20, 2009 at 5:26 PM
I’m not one of those commenters.
Look, if friends or people on a blog make a joke about the Special Olympics, I’m not gonna get offended. Whatever. I know what their intentions are.
(Personally, I never make jokes like that, but that’s probably because growing up I knew a number of mentally handicapped folks. It grates on me to hear “retard” used as an insult.)
But yes, the President should be held to a higher standard. I’d be bothered if Bush had said it, too. (Of course, he never would.) Disbelieve me if you want, but I’m bothered for real, and not just because of the double standard (which is also annoying).
sandberg on March 20, 2009 at 5:26 PM
The Wall
SnarkVader
Poptech
portlandon on March 20, 2009 at 5:26 PM
I’m waiting…
Mr_Magoo on March 20, 2009 at 5:27 PM
I didn’t comment on the other thread but I was outraged when I heard he said it and I am outraged at the double standard. It was not merely “impolitic”, it was callous and thoughtless and, most of all, unpresidential.
KittyLowrey on March 20, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Depends. What size gibbet are we talking…?
Kent18 on March 20, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Governor Palin takes her role as advocate for special needs kids and their families incredibly seriously. I’m glad she put out this press release.
manajordan on March 20, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Kalapana and ProudRino
Speaking as the resident Asperger’s Syndrome Babe(cue moral authority)
who the HADES are you to snark at the “precious and unique” comment.
I’m not precious-b**** on wheels is more like it-I’m not unintelligent.
I certainly am not weak.
I volunteered at Special Olympics years ago.
The Special Olympians were unique.
Aspergians like myself are unique.
Your comments are mearly run of the mill.
annoyinglittletwerp on March 20, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Proud Rino on March 20, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Dude – Your sick.
nolapol on March 20, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Do you think Richard Lynn would agree that Obama’s bowling skills are about that of a “special” person? Lynn is your hero, right?
Upstater85 on March 20, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Partly, it’s more like the outrage over impolitic speech by people who’ve been the targets of outrage over “impolitic” speech.
ddrintn on March 20, 2009 at 5:29 PM
BHO is an arrogant punk. He was the mouthy kid that always returned home from school with his lip fattened and his nose bloodied, whose mother would say “What did you say this time, dear?”
He’s the leader of the Democrat party, which would naturally make him Hatemonger-in-Chief.
It was the lib’s, with that whole “miserable failure” bit towards W. Maybe it’s time to return the favor.
av8tr on March 20, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Don’t hold your breath. Allah thinks your outrage is fake.
Ronnie on March 20, 2009 at 5:30 PM
People in my age demographic call each other retards every day.
I think teh outrage is manufactured, and age limited.
strangelet on March 20, 2009 at 5:26 PM
If you’re younger, people in your age demographic do and say many stupid things, as did pretty much every generation before you.
As for manufactured outrage, if for example you were to apply for a job at my shop and I said, “Sorry little boy, I don’t hire teenagers”, would you be miffed?
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Mr_Magoo:
I’m more likely to get banned than Proud Rino.
Sakaki on March 20, 2009 at 5:31 PM
You’re gay for talking like that.
exception on March 20, 2009 at 5:32 PM
And yet people in any age bracket have learned that using the n-word, ethnic slurs, and other degrading language isn’t appropriate. Is that outrage manufactured?
Laura in Maryland on March 20, 2009 at 5:32 PM
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