Maybe this is why sitting presidents don't go on late night talk shows.

President Obama, joking with Jay Leno about his bowling scores:

THE PRESIDENT: "I bowled a 129." (Laughter and applause.) LENO: "No, that's very good. Yes. That's very good, Mr. President." THE PRESIDENT: "It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something." (Laughter.)

Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton, speaking to reporters on the flight back to DC:

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.

It's worth noting that Vice President Biden had just attended the Special Olympics in Idaho last month.

UPDATE: Having now viewed the segment on air, this seems a bit less controversial than we may have thought. Obama appears not to be likening his performance to one from the Special Olympics, but rather he's playing off of Leno's rather sarcastic, or perhaps overly cheery praise of the measly 129. He's even gesturing to Leno as he makes the comment.

Still, any joking reference to the Special Olympics is probably not PC for anyone, let alone the president of the United States. And the fact that the White House pre-emptively addressed the line confirms as much.