HEERE'S BARACK! - AT 7:39 A.M. ET:  Everyone now knows that the president appeared with Jay Leno last night, a move I thought was unwise.  The result, widely reported this morning, was a gaffe in which the president seemed to compare his bowling score to something that might be on the level of the Special Olympics, which is designed for young people with disabilities.  The White House quickly covered:

"The President made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."

COMMENT:  You lie down with talk-show hosts, you get up embarrassed.  As we said, the appearance was unwise.  Most Americans didn't see it.  They'll read only about the off-the-cuff remark.  Ronald Reagan came from show biz, but he wasn't show biz as president.  We hope this appearance isn't repeated.  You don't have to be hip to be president.  You have to be capable.

March 20, 2009