Matt - just finished your book, and it's awesome, but I'm sure you hear that all the time. You're obviously smart, which is why it's a little disappointing to see you "miss" Fritz Holznagel's point regarding Obama's Special Olympics remark. Even more disappointing is your apparent misrepresentation of his website's verbatim transcript (assuming Fritz or someone else didn't alter the website since you checked it, which would be nakedly obvious and very stupid. I don't know Fritz from Adam, but judging by his spot-on analysis, I'm speculating he's not that stupid).
On the website, Fritz (or someone) makes the explicit point Obama said "this" is like the Special Olympics, not "it" or "it's". Perhaps you listened to the taping and disagree, but it would be disingenuous for you to write it down as "it" without making this distinction. At a minimum, IMHO, you should correct at least that. Either you disagree with Fritz's hearing, or you simply copied it wrong in the first place.
Although this is an important distinction, it still makes no sense that Obama would say EITHER phrase referring to the quality of his bowling. If you watch the video (have you?), it's clear that Jay was mugging, Obama was quite aware of it, and Obama's comment referred to Jay's over-the-top praise.
As background, Jay made a presumption that Obama was trying to dispel: he would tear down the bowling alley (generally considered a white man's sport) and put up a basketball court (generally considered a black man's sport). Obama was actually making the point that bowling was indeed a sport he played and respected (fully aware of the implications), and it would have been totally incongruous for him to make a joke about his "lame" ability. Let alone to let slip out a comparison to Special Olympic athletes. Yes, it could happen to anyone - even Obama - but not in that context. The apparent fact (listen closely) he said "this" - referring to the present circumstances - just confirms what already makes sense.
Even if you disagree, IMHO you should at least post a correction to "misquoting" the who2 website (unless you believe someone changed it after you first viewed it - in which case, you should so state). It would raise your already high journalistic integrity.
Seriously, Todd, this thing again? You would think it actually mattered to more than six people in the world. But OK...for the record, first, I took the official transcript from Jay's site, as noted. I have no idea where it came from originally. Second, I listened to the audio myself, and I think the official transcript is correct. Third, this may be hard for you to believe, but I really don't have time to sit around doctoring transcripts to change the use of words like "it" and "this" in order to disprove the allegations of bloggers. I kind of have a life. And finally, more to the point, I think this little controversy has probably long surpassed its relevance in the big scheme of things. I mean, even the special olympics has moved on. Jay Leno has a whole new show, for Christ's sake. As conspiracy theories go, the one about President Bush and the hump in his suit during the debate was far more interesting.
So my advice is that we agree to disagree and talk more about how much you liked my book, which is a topic that never gets old. Thanks.
on September 30, 2009
