Tag: White House Correspondents' Dinner

Colin Jost Kept Kamala Harris Laughing at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

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If there’s one thing we know about Vice President Kamala Harris is that she loves to laugh. So it’s tough to imagine a better night for the chuckling veep than the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where Colin Jost headlined with pretty tame jokes about Donald Trump’s trial, President Biden’s age, and his wife Scarlett Johansson. He kicked off his set by thanking the dais, including the Vice President and “Doug,” adding, “Doug, as you can tell from all the comments about my wife, I’m also used to being the Second Gentleman.” He circled back to the ScarJo elephant in the room at the end of his remarks, saying, “I want to thank my wife for agreeing to individually meet everybody in this room right after the ceremony. Don’t be shy, come right up. She hates privacy.”

When it came to politics, Jost narrowed in on the 2024 candidates’ advanced ages, joking, “I’m not saying both candidates are old, but you know Jimmy Carter is out there thinking, ‘I can maybe win this thing.’” He also joked that while it might not be a great time to be a print journalist, it’s a phenomenal time to be a courtroom sketch artist in light of Trump’s trial. “Every sketch of Trump looks like the Grinch had sex with the Lorax,” he said. Another target included Lara Trump, who was in attendance fresh off the release of her Tom Petty cover, about which Jost said, “Upon hearing it, Tom Petty died again.” He also joked that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would be our third Catholic president, before adding, “I’m kidding, like his vaccine card says, he doesn’t have a shot.” There were a few cutaways to the Vice President throughout the evening, doing what she does best, laughing up a storm.

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Tom Smyth

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April 27, 2024
Chants from protestors greet guests at White House correspondents’ dinner shadowed by war in Gaza

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An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it. In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump. With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event. “Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window. Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism. Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023. Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.” Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October. More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether. “The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment. According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants. “Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement. Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.” In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.”How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON —

An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it.

In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump.

With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event.

“Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.

Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.

Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.

Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window.

Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism.

Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.

Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”

Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.

The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023.

Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”

The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.”

Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October.

More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether.

“The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”

One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment.

According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants.

“Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement.

Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.

“How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”

Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

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April 27, 2024
Chants from protestors greet guests at White House correspondents’ dinner shadowed by war in Gaza

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An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it. In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump. With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event. “Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window. Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism. Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023. Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.” Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October. More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether. “The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment. According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants. “Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement. Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.” In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.”How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON —

An election-year roast of President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday butted up against growing public discord over the Israel-Hamas war, with protests outside the event condemning both Biden’s handling of the conflict and the Western news’ media coverage of it.

In previous years, Biden, like most of his predecessors, has used the glitzy annual White House Correspondents’ Association gala to needle media coverage of his administration and jab at political rivals, notably Republican rival Donald Trump.

With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year’s event.

“Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses who were holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.

Chants accused U.S. journalists of undercovering the war and misrepresenting it. “Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.

Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.

Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window.

Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s six-month-old military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism.

Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.

Biden’s speech before an expected crowd of nearly 3,000 people was being followed by entertainer Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live.”

Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, opened the event by reminding the audience of the important work that journalists do but noting that the dinner is happening at “a complex moment for our nation,” and in a decisive election year.

The night’s remarks also were expected to cast a spotlight on the many journalists detained and otherwise persecuted around the globe for doing their jobs, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March 2023.

Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, have instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”

The agency was working with Washington police to protect demonstrators’ right to assemble, Guglielmi said. However, “we will remain intolerant to any violent or destructive behavior.”

Protest organizers said they wanted to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October.

More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether.

“The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter states. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”

One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to request for comment.

According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants.

“Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price— their lives—to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement.

Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.

“How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”

Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Aamer Madhani and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.

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April 27, 2024
Joe Biden Stings Trump At White House Correspondents’ Dinner: “Donald Has Had A Few Tough Days Lately. You Might Call It Stormy Weather”

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Joe Biden got in a few zingers at his rival Donald Trump, but he devoted a large part of his remarks to the serious threat to democracy.

“Donald has had a few tough days lately. You might call it stormy weather,” Biden quipped, referencing Trump’s current hush money trial.

The president also riffed on reports that Trump dozed off during his trial, calling him “sleepy Don.”

“Trump’s speech was so embarrassing, the statue of Robert E. Lee surrendered again,” he said.

The president, though, devoted a large chunk to his speech to warning of the threat to the democracy and the press’s role in a free society.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher,” Biden said. “Every single one of us has a role to play, a serious role to play, in making sure democracy endures. American democracy,” Biden said. “…In an age of disinformation, credible information people can trust is more important than ever. That makes you, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart, that makes you more important than ever.”

More to come.

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Ted Johnson

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April 27, 2024
‘Vanderpump Rules’ Star Gets Compared To Tucker Carlson And We Can’t Stop Laughing

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Two of TV’s most reviled men got roasted during the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night.

Tucker Carlson earned an apt comparison to “Vanderpump Rules” lothario Tom Sandoval during host Roy Wood Jr.’s remarks at the annual event.

Wood poked at Carlson’s recent ouster from Fox News, saying, “The untouchable Tucker Carlson is out of a job, but to Tucker’s staff, I want you to know that I know what you’re feeling.”

“I work at ‘The Daily Show,’ so I too have been blindsided by the sudden departure of the host of a fake news program,” the comedian said of ex-“Daily Show” anchor Trevor Noah.

“Vanderpump Rules” star Tom Sandoval and Fox News alum Tucker Carlson were both the butt of the joke at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday.

Wood wasn’t cutting Carlson any slack. “Tucker got caught up. Got caught up like that dude from ‘Vanderpump Rules,’” he said.

Carlson’s crass texts about Fox colleagues reportedly clinched his exit from the network.

Sandoval’s now-notorious affair, known as “Scandoval” to reality devotees, came to light after his ex, Ariana Madix, discovered lurid texts with co-star Raquel Leviss.

Madix was all about the joke as she dropped her jaw and stifled a laugh while sitting besides Bravo doyenne Lisa Vanderpump and co-star Lala Kent.

Lala Kent (left), Lisa Vanderpump and Ariana Madix arrive for the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday.

STEFANI REYNOLDS via Getty Images

“I don’t know what ‘Vanderpump Rules’ is about,” Wood went on. “I just watched it a couple times, but my friends tell me it’s like ‘BMF’ for white people.”

Madix, Vanderpump and Kent attended the dinner on behalf of the Daily Mail.

Expressing her admiration for politics, Madix told the outlet, “My wonderful late grandmother was very active in local politics and I’ve always dreamed of visiting the White House, so this is an incredible honor.”

Watch Roy Wood Jr.’s full speech below. His “Vanderpump Rules” bit starts around 4:40.

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April 30, 2023
‘Twins’ Stars Arnold Schwarzenegger & Danny DeVito Reunite To Open White House Correspondents’ Dinner

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By Brent Furdyk.
Published: 17 mins ago

Moviedom’s unlikeliest siblings reunited for a special event on Saturday night.

“Twins” stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito appeared together in a special video filmed to open the 2023 edition of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Schwarzenegger opened the video, sitting in his office as he thanked journalists for the role they play in American democracy.

“Because our country would not be the shining beacon of freedom that welcomes people like me without the free press,” he declared.

READ MORE:
Danny DeVito Admits He Got Arnold Schwarzenegger Stoned On The Set Of ‘Twins’

“I wouldn’t be the Arnold that you know without the press — that’s a fact. Every reporter, every photographer, every editor who has brought me or my message to the people, has made my life possible and successful,” he continued.

“So even though you ask questions that annoy the hell out of me, I remind myself always that you’re actually doing the peoples’ work,” the former California governor added. “You’re the ally of the people, so never, ever stop shining a light on the truth and informing the public.”

At that point, the camera pulled back to reveal DeVito alongside Schwarzenegger in his office. Also present were Schwarzenegger’s famous pets, miniature pony Whiskey and donkey Lulu, while the theme song from “It’s Aways Sunny in Philadelphia” played in the background.

READ MORE:
Arnold Schwarzenegger Praises ‘Twins’ Co-Star Danny DeVito In Emotional Reddit Thread

“I’m very proud of all of you. And it’s not just me and it’s also Lulu and Whisky and my twin brother Danny DeVito, we’re all proud of you!” said Schwarzenegger, as DeVito fed crackers to the pets.

“I come over here and I’m going to get bit by a horse. That’s the finger, ouch!” DeVito complains.

Opening message from Arnold @Schwarzenegger, with @DannyDeVito appearance. #WHCD #nerdProm pic.twitter.com/9eJlkDKPQB

— CSPAN (@cspan) April 30, 2023

Reports of a sequel to the 1988 comedy have simmered for years; as recently as 2021, Deadline reported that a sequel — titled “Triplets” — was in the works, with Tracy Morgan cast as the third sibling after initial attempts to land Eddie Murphy fell through.

“I thought he would make a terrific triplet, and we rewrote the whole script for him,” “Twins” director Ivan Reitman told the outlet at the time. “Now, we’ll go out and try and put the money together and get it made.”

Sadly, Reitman — who had planned to direct the sequel — died in February 2022.

READ MORE:
‘Twins’ Sequel ‘Triplets’ Casts Tracy Morgan As Arnold Schwarzenegger & Danny DeVito’s Long-Lost Brother

“We had a little setback because the man that was [supposed] to direct it, who directed the first one, ‘Twins’, Ivan Reitman had passed away sadly to say,” Schwarzenegger said during a March 2022 appearance at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, indicating the status of “Triplets” was up in the air.

“And so, you know now that we just wait a little bit until this whole thing cools down and then we’re gonna readdress it. But that’s a project [supposed] to be filmed in October and so it could still be you know, but we just have to now look into a different director and just get into and to see if we are going to continue with this project.”

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Brent Furdyk

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April 30, 2023
Biden Torches Fox News, Tucker Carlson At White House Correspondents’ Dinner

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President Joe Biden didn’t hold back his swipes at Fox News and its recently-“finished” host Tucker Carlson during a White House Correspondents’ Association dinner speech on Saturday.

The president made several sharp quips into his remarks about a number of Republicans – including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) – as he also found time to take aim at Carlson just days after his surprise firing at the network.

“The truth is, we really have a record to be proud of: vaccinated the nation, transformed the economy, earned historic legislative victories and midterm results. But the job isn’t finished, I mean, it is finished for Tucker Carlson,” Biden said as the D.C. crowd gasped.

“What are you ooo’ing about like that. Like you think that’s not reasonable? Give me a break.”

Biden later roasted Fox News personalities and the network’s recent $787.5 million defamation lawsuit settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, a settlement that included a statement from Fox on its “commitment to the highest journalistic standards.”

“It’s great that cable news networks are here tonight, MSNBC owned by NBCUniversal, Fox News owned by Dominion Voting Systems,” he said.

“Last year, your favorite Fox News reporters were able to attend because they were fully vaccinated and boosted. This year, with that $787.5 million settlement, they’re here because they couldn’t say no to a free meal. And hell, I’d call Fox honest, fair and truthful. But then I could be sued for defamation.”

Biden: “It’s great the cable networks are here tonight … Fox News, owned by Dominion Voting Systems … I’d call Fox honest fair and truthful. But then I could be sued for defamation.” pic.twitter.com/N30dYdpMmI

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2023

The president, elsewhere in his remarks, claimed that it’s “simply not true” if someone thinks he doesn’t like Fox founder Rupert Murdoch before stacking himself up against the multi-billionaire.

“How could I dislike a guy who makes me look like Harry Styles? Call me old? I call it being seasoned. You say I’m ancient, I say I’m wise,” said Biden as he made a nod to concerns about his age.

The evening was headlined by “The Daily Show” correspondent Roy Wood Jr., who poked fun at politics in Washington and members of the media including Carlson.

You can watch more clips from Biden’s roast at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner below.

“Don Lemon would say that’s a man in his prime … if you find yourself disoriented or confused, either you’re drunk, or Marjorie Taylor Greene … the best way to make NPR go away is for Elon Musk to buy it!” — Biden is tearing it up pic.twitter.com/gXM3NwXoHh

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2023

Biden takes on NYT for obsession with his age, “And, look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue. It’s in everybody’s mind. And everyone — by everyone I mean “The New York Times,” headline Biden’s advanced age the big issue. Trump’s, however, is not.” #WHCD pic.twitter.com/OU2aHtza9J

— Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 30, 2023

“I have a lot of DeSantis jokes ready. But Mickey Mouse got there first… after his reelection, he was asked if he had a mandate. He said, hell no, I’m straight… y’all keep reporting that my approval rating is at 42%. McCarthy called me & asked, ‘what the hell is your secret?” pic.twitter.com/FgOTqDZ9x9

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2023

Biden: Look, y’all, keep reporting my approval rating is 42%, but I think you don’t know this. Kevin Mccarthy called me and asked me, Joe, what the hell is your secret. pic.twitter.com/YXe9JKV6a3

— Acyn (@Acyn) April 30, 2023

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April 29, 2023
Biden calls for release of wrongfully detained Americans abroad during White House Correspondents Dinner | CNN Politics

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CNN
—

President Joe Biden called for the release of detained journalists and citizens abroad at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday, before poking fun at everything from his age to Elon Musk.

“Let me start on a serious note,” Biden said, “members of our administration are here to send a message to the country and, quite frankly, to the world. The free press is a pillar, maybe the pillar of a free society, not the enemy.”

The audience at the Washington Hilton represented a “who’s who” of officials within the Biden administration, with some top White House officials seated at the dais. First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were all in attendance Saturday evening. The event also boasted a number of high-profile celebrity guests like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend.

Beyond one-liners, the president’s remarks were calibrated to his reelection campaign priorities and the topical issues he often discusses at the podium – such as the economy and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

But Biden took special care to address the issue of wrongfully detained Americans abroad.

Saturday’s dinner took place about a month after the arrest of American citizen Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent based in Moscow. The United States has designated him as wrongfully detained by Russia.

“Tonight, our message is this: Journalism is not a crime,” Biden said Saturday.

Earlier this week, the US issued new sanctions on groups in Russia and Iran accused of taking Americans hostage as the Biden administration works to prevent more captive-taking and potentially secure the release of citizens currently being detained.

This year’s dinner also comes amid a media industry reckoning. The state of the economy, fears of a recession and dried up investment capital have played a large part in what’s driven the dramatic industry changes over the last several months. But other struggles, like high-profile legal issues and ratings woes, have also been apparent.

Typically, presidential speechwriters work through remarks for a few weeks. Last year, at his first correspondents dinner since becoming president, Biden told his team he envisioned an address that went beyond just a series of one-liners, wisecracks and gags – a tactic he employed again Saturday night.

Still, the dinner gave Biden a rare chance to flex his comedic muscles in front of entertainers and members of the media, an opportunity he used to make jokes about his predecessor’s recent scandals.

Biden joked he was offered $10 to keep his speech under ten minutes. “That’s a switch, a president being offered hush money,” he quipped in reference to Trump’s indictment in an alleged hush money scheme.

In just the last two weeks, the media industry has been hit by multiple high-profile terminations, layoffs and the complete shut down of a news organization.

Host Tucker Carlson and Fox News severed ties. Anchor Don Lemon and CNN parted ways. Comcast announced NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell was leaving company after an outside investigation “into a complaint of inappropriate conduct.” Vice Media announced layoffs and the cancellation of its acclaimed program “Vice News Tonight.” BuzzFeed News shut down.

In pictures: The history of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

The event raises funds for the White House Correspondents’ Association scholarship fund and offers a rare opportunity for journalists and politicians to rub elbows – but also features remarks from a comedian often tasked with walking a fine line between gentle ribbing and legitimate criticism.

This year’s dinner headliner was “Daily Show” correspondent Roy Wood Jr., who took aim at both parties and the media as he criticized politics in Washington.

As Biden stepped away from the podium to make room for Wood, the comedian quipped: “Real quick, Mr. President. I think you left some of your classified documents up here,” in reference to the classified documents found in Biden’s Delaware home.

Wood also joked about Fox News’ settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, the oustings of Carlson and Lemon, the ethics scandal around Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and Trump, who he dubbed the “king of scandals.”

“Keeping up with Trump scandals is like watching Star Wars movies,” he said. “You got to watch the third one to understand the first one, then you got – you can’t miss the second one because it’s got Easter eggs for the fifth one.”

In 2018, comedian Michelle Wolf drew fire after she delivered a brutal monologue taking the Trump administration to task for its positions on abortion, press access and coverage of the beleaguered White House.

This year’s dinner comes weeks after Biden signed legislation to end the national emergency for Covid-19. Attendees were still required to submit proof of a negative Covid test before the event.

Last year’s dinner was the first time the gala had been held since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Biden was the first president to address the dinner’s attendees in six years, after former President Donald Trump famously boycotted the event throughout his tenure in office.

Biden last year used the appearance to loudly affirm his belief in a free press – a bold contrast to a predecessor who labeled reporters the “enemy of the people.”

This story has been updated with additional information Saturday.

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April 29, 2023
Known for laughs, DC dinner to spotlight reporting risks

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Despite its reputation as a comedic roast, the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday plans to take on the serious and solemn role of journalism in a democracy

WASHINGTON — There will still be plenty of laughs, but the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner on Saturday also plans to take on the serious and solemn role of journalism in a democracy.

This year’s dinner occurs as Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been imprisoned in Russia. He was detained in March and charged with spying, despite strong denials from his employer and the U.S. government. His family will be among the 2,600 people attending the gala at the Washington Hilton.

Also attending will be Debra Tice, the mother of Austin Tice, who has not been heard from since disappearing at a checkpoint in Syria in 2012. U.S. officials say they operate under the assumption that he is alive and are working to try to bring him home.

“They are among hundreds of journalists around the world who are wrongfully detained for the simple act of doing journalism — which is not a crime,” said Tamara Keith, a White House correspondent for NPR and the association’s president.

In addition, Brittney Griner, the WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist who was detained in Russia for nearly 10 months last year before her release in a prisoner swap, will attend with her wife, Cherelle, as guests of CBS News, the network said.

Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to open the dinner with a pre-taped video about the importance of a free and independent press.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the dinner, with comedian Roy Wood Jr., a correspondent for “The Daily Show,” as the featured entertainer.

Wood gave a preview of where his jokes were headed, predicting that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wasn’t likely to end his culture clashes or stop his feud with Disney just because of a few jibes. The comedian told CNN not to expect DeSantis to say, “’You know what, man, you’re right. Go ahead and put black history back in them books.’ … He’s fighting Mickey Mouse. You can’t change that person’s mind with a joke.”

The black tie dinner draws a wide array of celebrities and media moguls to Washington, with parties being held across the capital. Among those expected to attend the dinner are reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump and singer John Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, the model and television personality.

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April 29, 2023
Top moments from the White House Correspondents’ dinner | CNN Politics

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Washington
CNN
—

President Joe Biden joked about a range of topics at the White House Correspondents’ dinner on Saturday but struck a serious tone as he called for the release of wrongfully detained Americans abroad.

The annual dinner, hosted inside the Washington Hilton, drew thousands of guests in support of freedom of the press, something Biden called “the pillar of a free society, not the enemy.”

Here are the top moments from this year’s dinner.

Biden used the opportunity to address a crowd gathered to support freedom of the press to send a clear message: “Journalism is not a crime.”

He began his remarks on a serious note and immediately addressed the wrongful detentions of American journalists Evan Gershkovich in Russia and Austin Tice in Syria, reassuring the room full of journalists and the families of the detainees that his administration is committed to bringing them home.

“I promise you, I’m working like hell to get them home,” Biden said.

In attendance Saturday evening was Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was freed from Russia late last year after being wrongfully detained. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden held a pull-aside meeting with Griner and her wife at the event, per the White House pool.

The president and First Lady also met privately with the family of Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter that the US State Department has deemed “wrongfully detained” in Russia. Several journalists in attendance wore pins to urge his release.

The daughter of jailed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navanly, Dasha Navalnaya, told CNN earlier Saturday the White House Correspondents’ dinner represents an especially important event for those who are wrongfully detained because “America as a country represents freedom of speech, freedom of political expression.”

Comedian Roy Wood Jr., known for his role on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” did not hold back in his roast of Washington politics Saturday evening, saving jabs for both parties.

He immediately addressed the classified documents found in Biden’s Delaware home, telling the president as he stepped aside from the podium, “Real quick, Mr. President. I think you left some of your classified documents up here.”

Wood also pointed to protests in France in response to the government raising the retirement age. “Meanwhile in America, we have an 80-year-old man begging us for four more years of work,” he quipped, alluding to Biden’s reelection bid.

But the comedian went on to dub former President Donald Trump the “king of scandals.”

“Keeping up with Trump scandals is like watching Star Wars movies,” he said. “You got to watch the third one to understand the first one, then you got – you can’t miss the second one because it’s got Easter eggs for the fifth one.”

Watch: Iconic moments from past White House Correspondents’ dinners

Biden’s jokes, meanwhile included a number of quips aimed at his predecessor’s recent scandals.

He joked that he was offered $10 to keep his remarks under ten minutes. “That’s a switch, a president being offered hush money,” he joked in reference to Trump’s indictment in an alleged hush money scheme.

Biden also poked fun at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is likely to be top candidate for the GOP presidential nomination if he enters the 2024 race.

“I had a lot of Ron DeSantis jokes ready, but Mickey Mouse beat the hell out of me, he got there first,” Biden said.

Disney filed a lawsuit against the governor and his oversight board earlier this week, accusing him of punishing the company for exercising its free speech rights with his political influence.

The White House Correspondents’ dinner honored several journalists for their impactful work last year, including CNN’s Phil Mattingly for his coverage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington and Politico’s publishing of the Supreme Court draft opinion that would later overturn Roe v. Wade.

While Biden also applauded the journalists for their work, he poked fun at their tough questioning.

“I get that age is a completely reasonable issue, it’s on everybody’s mind,” he said, referring to his reelection bid. “By everyone I mean the New York Times.”

Biden also joked about how he dodges the media’s questions. “In a lot of ways, this dinner sums up my first two years in office: I’ll talk for 10 minutes, take zero questions and cheerfully walk away.”

In recent weeks, the media industry has taken several hits – from high-profile terminations to layoffs, something Wood addressed head on.

“The untouchable Tucker Carlson is out of a job,” Wood said, referring to the anchor’s departure from Fox News, which prompted applause.

“Okay, some people celebrate it,” he responded. “But to Tucker’s staff, I want you to note that I know what you’re feeling. I work at the Daily Show, so I too have been blindsided by the sudden departure of the host of a fake news program.”

Saturday’s event saw a number of celebrities in attendance, including model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen and her husband, singer John Legend.

Actress Julia Fox posed with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer while actress Rosario Dawson and actors Liev Schreiber and Billy Eichner all took turns on the red carpet.

During the event, identical twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, who host “Property Brothers” on HGTV, drew big laughs as their sketch-style video showcased how they would renovate the White House.

“We’ve been doing this a long time and we think we know how to turn the White House into the White Home,” the pair said in video.

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April 12, 2021