Barack Obama makes 'special Olympics' gaffe on Jay Leno's The Tonight Show

Barack Obama's appearance on Jay Leno's The Tonight Show produced a damaging gaffe after the president appeared to make a disparaging comment about the 'special Olympics'.

By Mark Coleman in Los Angeles
Last Updated: 9:18AM GMT 20 Mar 2009

Appearing on the late night talk show, the president compared his skills at bowling to those of a handicapped athlete.

Asked by Mr Leno, who hosts the show, if he had been practicing bowling in his Washington office, Mr Obama joked that his highest score was the extremely low total of 129.

“That’s very good, Mr President,” Mr Leno interjected in a sarcastic tone.

Mr Obama then countered that the score was “like the Special Olympics or something”.