President Biden wasted no time addressing key issues during his speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, including his age and former President Donald J. Trump’s hush-money trial in New York. He joked about the 2024 election, referring to himself as a grown man running against a 6-year-old and made an oblique reference to Stormy Daniels, who claims to have had a relationship with Trump. Despite his previous directive to his aides not to discuss Trump’s legal troubles, Biden has ramped up his attacks on the former president. The dinner provided a break from the usual interactions between journalists and officials for a night of glitz and gossip celebrating the free press.
During the dinner, protesters gathered outside the Washington Hilton to express outrage over Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed attendees chanting “Shame on you,” and others laid down in front of the venue. Inside, journalists wore pins reading “Free Evan” to bring attention to Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s detention in Russia. NBC News reporter Kelly O’Donnell highlighted the dangers journalists face, noting that about 100 journalists have been killed since October, with many of those deaths occurring in Gaza. The association aimed to raise awareness of the risks journalists face and honor those who have been captured or killed.
Colin Jost, co-anchor of “Weekend Update” on “Saturday Night Live,” was chosen to host the event and spent 23 minutes poking fun at the president in a relatively light-hearted manner. Jost’s speech was supportive of Biden, and he ended on a positive note, emphasizing Biden’s decency. Despite his lighthearted approach, Jost didn’t miss an opportunity to comment on Biden’s poll numbers, including a joke about losing Black support in solidarity with the president. The event brought together celebrities, politicians, and journalists to engage in conversation and share a meal as they discussed critical policy issues.
Guests at the dinner included celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and journalists like Lester Holt, as well as politicians such as Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor J.B. Pritzker. Hollywood was well-represented, with actors like Jon Hamm and Sean Penn in attendance. Senator John Fetterman wore a unique attire, donning a white, hooded sweatshirt featuring a bow-tie design. As attendees engaged in conversation and enjoyed their meals, Biden appeared emboldened as he continues to taunt his political opponent. He emphasized the importance of focusing on what is at stake in the upcoming election and warned about threats to democracy, a central message in his campaign.
In his speech, Biden continued to taunt Trump, drawing attention to their age difference and highlighting Trump’s lack of endorsement from former Vice President Mike Pence. Biden’s recent attacks on Trump have contrasted sharply with his approach earlier in his presidency, reflecting his increasing aggressiveness towards his opponent. He made jokes about Trump’s embarrassing speech at Gettysburg and emphasized the importance of the upcoming election. As Biden aims to rally support for his candidacy, he focuses on the high stakes involved and the need for voters to consider the consequences of their choice. The dinner provided a platform for Biden to engage with journalists and politicians, further showcasing his determination to campaign vigorously in the lead-up to the election.
