Two interesting statements from the first couple of California about President Obama's "Special Olympics" gaffe.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) was asked about it at the White House in the last hour, where he was meeting with the president, Gov. Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He cut Obama quite a bit of slack:

"I didn't see it, but I heard about it. ... I know where his heart is at. He loves Special Olympics. He would do everything he can to help special Olympics. And every one of us sometimes makes a mistake, when something comes out of your mouth, you say, 'Oops, I wish I wouldn't have said that.' I have many of those."

First lady Maria Shriver, whose mother, Eunice, founded games, was a bit more critical, even as she gave Obama the benefit of the doubt. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, here's Shriver's statement:

"While I am confident that President Obama never intended to offend anyone, the response that his comments have caused, coupled with the reaction of a primetime audience, demonstrate the need to continue to educate the non-disabled community on the issues that confront those with a developmental disability. My mother has dedicated her life to fighting stereotypes and ridicule for this community, and there is still much work to be done.

"The President's apology for his comments and his commitment to bringing the Special Olympics to the White House are important first steps in shedding light on this important issue. Often times we don't realize that when we laugh at comments like this it hurts millions of people throughout the world. People with special needs are great athletes and productive citizens, and I look forward to working with the President to knock down myths and stereotypes about this community.''

Robert Gibbs did offer a more contrite statement on Obama's comment, saying at today's press briefing:

"I know that the president believes that the Special Olympics are a triumph of the human spirit. And I think he understands that they deserve a lot better than the thoughtless joke that he made last night, and he apologizes for that."