Bush makes stop in northern New York to pay tribute to autistic basketball

[PA Democrat]

manager

By JENNIFER LOVEN
Associated Press Writer

March 14, 2006, 11:34 AM EST
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- President Bush is the latest in a string of high-profile fans to call on Jason McElwain, the autistic basketball manager who drew national cheers by scoring 20 points in four minutes for his high school team.

On his way to Canandaigua, N.Y., Tuesday to speak at Medicare events, Bush stopped at an airport near here and greeted McElwain _ accompanied by his parents and coach _ and called him "a special person."

"Our country was captivated by an amazing story on the basketball court," the president told reporters gathered on the tarmac, his arm draped around the 17-year-old senior, with Air Force One, the presidential jet, in the background. "It's the story of a young man who found his touch on the basketball court, which in turn touched the hearts of citizens all around the country."

The president joked that if his aging body would let him return to the basketball court, he'd want a lesson from McElwain.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--bush-hoopshero0314mar14,0,3970279.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

[DainBramaged]

1. And Rochester was tied up for hours thanks to shithead

[Lerkfish]

2. an autistic child would make a better president.

I'm just sayin

[Sabriel]

21. Yep, yet ANOTHER person who'd be a more appropriate president n/t

[daleo]

3. That way he could get even more strange facial cuts and bruises

"The president joked that if his aging body would let him return to the basketball court..."

He could play some one on one with a pretzel.

[SomewhereOutThere424]

4. noooo

Just a bit closer and I could have driven to throw eggs at him. Ah well, so close.

[Javaman]

5. Reading your headline made me crack up...

I just had a thought of what moron* was doing...

moron*: so where is this amazing basketball???

SS agent: um sir it's a student...

moron*: What? the basketball is a student? Well I'll* be damned...

SS agent: no, it's a student who PLAYS basketball...

moron*: Plays basketball? (grabs a basketball)I'm* confused, where do you blow into the darn thing??

[Journeyman]

6. I hope this young man was pleased by a visit from the President. . .

His accomplishment was moving on so many levels amd impacted his life quite positively from everything I've read. I hope he found pleasure and pride in all the recognition he's received.

[PA Democrat]

8. I had mixed feelings on reading this story

As the mother of a teenage child with autism, I was overjoyed at this young man's success and the recognition he received. I admit that my dislike for Bush and his policies have left such a bad taste in my mouth, that I felt immediate anger about what does look like a photo op for Bush. I hope that Jason was thrilled by this opportunity because I would hate to think that he was being used for political gain.

Incidentally, if Bush's flying monkeys in the House had had their way, there is a good chance that Jason would never have had the opportunity to be the manager of the basketball team, let alone play in the last game. The House version of the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act contained a removal of the disciplinary protections for students who have behavioral problems which are the result of their disability.

[Journeyman]

9. I have no doubt the young man was (cynically) used for a photo-op . . .

I just hope he saw it as a positive in his life, as it should be -- the President of the United States took time to recognize this young man's accomplishment, and whatever the Pretzeldent's ulterior motive, the recognition was an expression of the collective national joy at this heartwarming event and I hope that's the way Jason sees and remembers it. It's the way I want it to express my belief -- I couldn't make it to Rochester, but I'm glad someone represented my interests in congratulating this young man on a job well done.

And for those who have to see hatred of George Bush in everything, they should take pleasure that George has finally found a calling commensurate with his abilities -- errand boy for the busy people in the nation.

[jayctravis]

22. I disliked that CNN spent too long a hold on this.

It was about Bush. If the kid had talked or been interviewed yeah, but they spent time letting Bush fumble through his routine. The dude NEVER comes out in public and talks for anywhere near that long for anything else.

I suppose this at least disallows the WH from claiming all they do is negative pieces on him.

[Drifter]

24. Indeed ...

what a great story.

Cheers
Drifter

[rustydog]

7. See America, He CARES, he REEEALLY CARES !

Oh my GAWD, George Bush is not evil! Look, he hugged that autistic kid who went on a scoring spree at a high school basketball game. George CARES! Geez, that should be good for 5 percentage points in the next Zogby poll!

Bush couldn't possibly be responsible for the killing of tens of thousands of innocent people of islamic faith...No one who cried after seeing the kid making 3-pointers all night could be an incompetent, self-serving uncaring spoiled rich...could he?

[SoCalDem]

10. Someone should ask him how much tribute he will pay to that kid

when his parents pass away and there's no one to care for him.. Perhaps there is a shopping cart set aside for him when he's a 50 yr old autistic MAN with no one to care for him... Surely he cannot be relying on any "entitlement funds" to support him..:puke:

[chelsea0011]

11. I have no knowledge of this young man's financial situation, but

Bush wants Medicade funding slashed. Many of these funds are used for challenged men, women, and children just like this young man. I hope this man felt good about meeting the President but when Bush said he wept when he saw the kid on TV, I almost puked. It's a bold-faced lie (no surprise here) and Bush doesn't give a crap about anyone.

[WinkyDink]

12. This got to me, I'll admit. Bush actually seemed human and real.

I hated him a bit less right then.

[Cha]

14. Sorry you got Sucked in to

bush's staged photo op.

[oasis]

18. Rove hustles the kid and family to the airport for 5 min. photo op.

:eyes: Rethugs are still going down in 2006.

[Texacrat]

15. Oh I always thought Bush was human

An idiot, but human.

I guess I don't make politics personal. I view this as a strength.

[Rebellious Republican]

13. Heartwarming autistic story + Presidents 36% rating = new low

Outrageous bastard, using this story for pure political gain. This is so obvious, George, whats the matter? Rove busy trying to save his own ass and keep from becoming Scooters bitch in prison to save yours. Gonna have to better than this, even the brain dead sheep are seeing through this.

[grasswire]

16. cheap opportunism

Did you notice Bush's dodge when a reporter asked him if he "saw" the TV story on McElwein or if someone showed it to him? He said "I can't remember. Probably someone showed it to me. That's what happens when you're the president."

Translation: someone brought the video to him as a reason for a cheap photo-op, using the remarkable young man for political posturing.

I was particularly ashamed when Bush deliberately used the word "special" to describe the youth. It's a label hated by handicapped young people.

[Algorem]

17. Bob Schieffer really media-whored it up tonight about it,he was all smiles

like it was soooo fucking great.If Bush was in the studio,Schieffer would've Jeffgannoned him right on the spot.

[adigal]

19. What is next?? Racquetball with a Marine who

lost limbs in Iraq?? Is there any level to which this president will not stoop.

I watched this on CNN, and I was truly disgusted that Bush is using this kid to try to show that he is, in fact, human.

[Massachusetts]

20. Jason McElwain

Great accomplishment by the kid, to bad its overshadowed by The Treasonous SOB looking for nothing more than a Photo Op.

Bushit Lied Many Have Died.

[spacelady]

23. This whole thing makes me want to cry because what if your kid

had made this sort of achievement and was so proud and the President of the United States (in name only) wanted to meet your child and your child was so proud, how could you not let the opportunity happen?

I Loathe Dubya, but it's my child's accomplishment.