It seems that there are many people who don't know how to offer a clear-cut apology. Barack Obama makes a remark that is insulting to disabled athletes, and this is what is said from the White House to try to undo the gaffe:
"The President made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics," Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton told journalists traveling with the president. "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 better, obviously, if the president didn't intend the disparagement than if he did. But his remark was disparaging whatever he intended and that is why the apology is necessary. So it should be that he regrets what he said and apologizes for it, without more ado. That makes it clear the White House understands there was an insult in the remark, irrespective of the president's state of mind in uttering it.