The mood was somber at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., as protestors gathered outside the Washington Hilton to protest the Israel-Hamas War. The event, usually known for allowing media and political figures to have fun and make jokes at each other’s expense, took on a more serious tone as the ongoing conflict was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Despite this, comedy was still a key part of the evening, with President Joe Biden taking jabs at former President Donald Trump before introducing host Colin Jost.
Jost’s comedic stylings included jokes that poked fun at various political figures and current events. He made a quip about the New York Times, referencing their famous game Wordle in a light-hearted manner. Another joke referenced Biden’s love for Amtrak, joking that he called cocaine “high-speed rail.” Jost also took a swipe at Republican Matt Gaetz, comparing the event to a “nerd prom” and stating that Gaetz was at a regular prom. These jokes garnered laughs from the audience, despite the serious nature of the protests outside and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Another joke touched on Trump’s recent legal troubles, with Jost humorously mentioning how Trump had been falling asleep in court while Biden was still awake. There was also a joke about abortion rights, highlighting the irony of an 80-year-old Catholic man trying to give them back after they were taken away by a New York playboy. The humor provided some levity to the evening, allowing attendees to momentarily forget about the tense atmosphere outside and enjoy the traditional comedy roasting that is expected at such events.
The star-studded event featured notable attendees such as Sophia Bush, Ashlyn Harris, Gayle King, Scarlett Johansson, Karine Jean-Pierre, and Maxwell Alejandro Frost. Despite the serious nature of the protests and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the evening was still a chance for political and media figures to come together, albeit in a more subdued atmosphere than usual. The jokes and light-hearted moments provided a brief respite from the heavier topics at hand, allowing the attendees to relax and enjoy the evening.
Overall, the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was a mix of serious topics and light-hearted humor. While the protests outside and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East cast a shadow over the evening, the comedic stylings of host Colin Jost and President Joe Biden helped to lighten the mood. The event served as a reminder of the importance of coming together in difficult times and finding moments of joy and laughter, even in the midst of serious and challenging circumstances.
