An Update on President Bush’s Screw-Up

Earlier today, we broke the story of how President Bush poked fun at reporter Peter Wallsten for wearing sunglasses while asking a question. Wallsten, it turns out, is legally blind.

The crew over at Think Progress has followed up on our scoop; check out their work here. They interviewed Wallsten, obtained the transcript of the exchange, and grabbed a video clip of it, too.

We also reprint the transcript here, after the jump.

Our recollection of the exchange wasn’t exact, but it was close enough. Here’s the relevant portion of the transcript:

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Peter. Are you going to ask that question with shades on?

Q I can take them off.

THE PRESIDENT: I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.

Q All right, I’ll keep it, then.

THE PRESIDENT: For the viewers, there’s no sun. (Laughter.)

Q I guess it depends on your perspective. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Touche. (Laughter.)

Q Following up on the other Peter’s question about Karl Rove…

President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [Think Progress]

Update: Here is a video clip of the exchange.

Earlier: President Bush’s “Oh, Shit” Moment of the Day
Presidents Get Jet Lag Too

READ MORE: Media, White House, george w. bush, oh fuck, peter wallsten, presidential press conference, press conferences, screw-ups, think progress, top