President Obama rolled an ugly gutter ball during his Tonight Show appearance. ABC’s Jake Tapper explains:

The first appearance by a sitting president on “The Tonight Show” may well end up being the last.

President Obama, in his taping with Jay Leno Thursday afternoon, attempted to yuk it up with the funnyman, and ended up insulting the disabled.

Towards the end of his approximately 40-minute appearance, the president talked about how he’s gotten better at bowling and has been practicing in the White House bowling alley.

He bowled a 129, the president said.

“That’s very good, Mr. President,” Leno said sarcastically.

It’s “like the Special Olympics or something,” the president said.

When asked about the remark, the White House said the president did not intend to offend.

“The president made an off-hand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics,” White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton said. “He thinks the Special Olympics is a wonderful program that gives an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the world.”

Ordinarily Obama might look to Vice President Biden to say something even more ridiculous or offensive to take attention away from this blunder. But it turns out Biden is already on record about the Special Olympics, in a good way.

In February, Biden attended the Winter Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho. He announced the appointment of a new Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. And he said:

Look, this is a movement. What started off as an avenue and an outlet and a recognition for athletes has turned into a worldwide movement. This is about to change the attitude, change the attitude of governments, change the attitude of individuals.

Looks like they know the first individual to target.

UPDATE: The president’s apology and Special Olympics’ response here via AP. (It includes a nice little “Cheer up, fella!” concluding paragraph.)