President Joe Biden will attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he will have the opportunity to poke fun at the media and his rival, former President Donald Trump. This tradition dates back to Calvin Coolidge, with presidents addressing the dinner at least once during their term. Biden has been utilizing his sense of humor in recent weeks, making jokes about Trump’s hair, stock prices, and new business ventures to deflate the attention and coverage Trump is receiving during his criminal trial.
Biden’s approval ratings have been declining, prompting questions about his mental acuity. To prepare for the dinner, Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-chair of Biden’s reelection campaign, led strategy sessions to refine the president’s comedy set. Top aides and speechwriters collaborated to curate material and assist Biden with his delivery and tone. The team reached a consensus on the material earlier than in prior years, ensuring a more cohesive and polished performance for Biden.
Biden is expected to target Trump in his speech, but the White House wanted to ensure that SNL’s Colin Jost also distributed his jokes across the political spectrum. The White House Correspondents’ Association intends for the evening’s entertainment to appeal to both parties and the national media. While Biden has increasingly incorporated humor into his remarks, his default style is not typically comedic. Writing a comedy speech is a collaborative effort, with jokes submitted from various members of Biden’s team.
In previous years, Biden has alternated between humor and seriousness during speeches. The delicate balance in this year’s dinner, amidst global crises and political turmoil, may present challenges. Past White House Correspondents’ Dinners have had significant political implications, with President Obama mocking Trump in 2011. This year’s event will be streamed live on CSPAN, with a special featuring Biden’s remarks and Jost’s performance airing on CNN.
Despite potential challenges, Biden appears to enjoy the event and spending time with reporters. The president’s mix of humor and seriousness in his speeches reflects his ability to engage different audiences and address a variety of topics. As he navigates the expectations and pressures of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Biden’s team works to ensure his speech strikes the right balance and resonates with the audience. The event provides a platform for Biden to showcase his comedic side while addressing important issues in a lighthearted manner.
