UPDATE: President Obama Apologizes For 'Special Olympics' Joke

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UPDATE: President Obama has issued an apology for the joke he made last night referencing the Special Olympics, according to People.

Obama reportedly called Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics Committee, from Air Force One to apologize before the show even aired.

He expressed his disappointment and apologized," Shriver reported on ABC's Good Morning America this morning. "He was very sincere."

"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," a White House spokesperson said in a statement.

Shriver referred to the slip as a "teachable moment for our country."

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In an unprecedented move, President Barack Obama made a guest appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night on NBC.

Obama was in fine form, throwing one-liners out like an accomplished comedian and clearly giving the lantern-jawed Leno "the most exciting show of my life."

In an interesting observation, Obama showed off the fact that he's a man of the people by demonstrating that he watches American Idol just like the rest of us.

"I do think in Washington, it's a little bit like American Idol. But everybody is Simon Cowell," he joked about his time in the Oval Office so far, as reported by People.

Mr. President also confessed that he's a big fan of riding in Air Force One.

"I personally think it's pretty cool, because they give you the jacket with your name there," he said.

In his only misstep, Obama made what will surely be considered a controversial quip.

When he bragged that he had bowled a 129 in the White House bowling alley, Leno threw him a bone by assuring him that "no, that's very good."

The President smirked at Leno during the applause, and noted that "it's like Special Olympics or something" at the host's approval. Whoa!

Check out the video below.

Watch for a newsbreak near you featuring a Presidential apology to the Special Olympics in 3...2...1...

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