- Biden mocks Trump’s age and controversies at WHCA dinner
- Demonstrators outside denounce Biden’s Gaza management and media
- Biden’s speech focuses on humor, not Gaza conflict
Joe Biden delivered a succession of scathing jokes about his election rival Donald Trump at a gathering of Washington’s political and media elites: “I am running against a six-year-old as an adult.”
On Saturday evening, at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner, Biden utilized the event as an opportunity to further his recent trend of challenging Trump with more assertive language, biting sarcasm, and personal jabs.
The lively atmosphere within the room, however, stood in stark contrast to the disorderly protests that erupted outside the Washington Hilton hotel. As they arrived at the dinner, hundreds of demonstrators yelled “Shame on you!” at White House officials, journalists, and celebrities, denouncing Biden’s management of the Gaza conflict and the media’s coverage of it.
Biden, attired in a tuxedo and black tie, began his roast with a direct but joking focus on Trump, referring to him as “sleepy Don” (a reference to a moniker Trump had previously used for the president). This came as rumors of a potential debate between the two men intensified.
Biden, 81, remarked, “The 2024 election is in full swing, and age is indeed a factor.” “I am running against a six-year-old as an adult.”
Additionally, the president criticized Trump’s recent speech wherein he labeled the Gettysburg battle of the Civil War as “beautiful,” “interesting,” “vicious,” and “horrible.” “About history, have you heard what Donald just said concerning a pivotal battle of the American Civil War? The phrase “Gettysburg – wow!” Due to the humiliating nature of Trump’s speech, the statute of Robert E. Lee once more capitulated.
Biden subsequently alluded to the dispute between Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, which erupted over the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. The president stated, “Our only similarity is in our age.” I have the support of my vice president who endorses me. While seated adjacent on stage, Vice President Kamala Harris laughed and applauded.
The president proceeded to the criminal prosecution of Trump in New York, where he is charged with fabricating business records to obscure a hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film performer. “Recently, Donald has had a few difficult days,” Biden stated. It could be described as “stormy weather.”
He then mentioned the recent scheme by Trump to sell “God Bless the USA Bibles” for $59.99. In an effort to save himself, Trump has begun to read the Bibles he is selling.” He then delivered the initial commandment: “Therefore, you shall not worship any deities other than me.” He subsequently set it down and declared, “This book is not intended for me.”
Additionally, Biden ridiculed his age and resorted to one-liners directed at the media. “I’ve received complaints from a few individuals that I don’t devote sufficient time to your inquiries. “There is no comment.”
Furthermore, he continued, “The New York Times condemned me in a statement for ‘actively and effectively avoiding independent journalists.'” “I’m all for it if it means convincing the New York Times that I am active and effective.”
Additionally, on a serious note, the president urged the media to maintain its concentration on the ramifications of the November election. “I do not sincerely request that you choose a side,” he declared. “I am imploring you to acknowledge the gravity of the situation at hand. Distinguish what is truly at stake from the horse race statistics, embarrassing moments, diversionary features, and sensationalized sideshows that have come to dominate and sensationalize our politics.
Colin Jost, a comedian on the Saturday Night Live variety program, contributed some gallows humor six months before an election in which Trump, who boycotted this event during his presidency and has labeled the media “the enemy of the people,” could potentially return. Jost stated, “I am honoured to be here hosting the final White House correspondents’ dinner, as determined by swing state polls.”
Actress Scarlett Johansson, the spouse of Jost, was one of the 2,600 attendees at the dinner, which also included Jon Hamm, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Chris Pine. “The last time I was in Washington, D.C., I left my cocaine at the White House,” the comedian stated. Fortunately, the president effectively utilized it in his State of the Union address.
Naturally, Biden’s age became a focus. “I am not suggesting that both candidates are elderly; however, it is evident that Jimmy Carter is contemplating the possibility of securing victory. “He is a mere 99.”
Each speaker was warmly received. The Republican governor of New Hampshire, Chris Sununu, lauded Biden while mocking his age: “At such a late hour, the president achieved success by completing his speech. Politicians always find it difficult to convey jokes. No one is created to be humorous. Were you not anticipating us to be humorous? That is a victory whenever a politician elicits even the tiniest amount of amusement.
Earlier, guests traversed the anti-war demonstrations that erupted outside the hotel. These events transpired in response to a public letter authored by over twenty Palestinian journalists based in Gaza last week, wherein they urged their American colleagues to abstain from attending the dinner.
“You have earned your disgrace!” As guests hurried inside for the dinner, demonstrators adorned in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth yelled and pursued men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses carrying clutch purses.
Demonstrators chanted “Shame on you for breaking bread!” and “A journalist in Gaza dies for every lie the media tells.” They carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “CNN: Criminal News Network,” “ABC: Constantly Bullshit,” and “Two-Faced Genocide Joe,” in addition to a massive banner that demanded an end to media complicity in genocide. Dozens of blue press vests were strewn about, cameras were shattered, and images of murdered Palestinian journalists were projected.
Protester Ramah Kudaimi, 37, stated: “It is abhorrent that journalists in the United States are amenable to the Israeli military’s complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, when they continue to supply Israel with weapons and refuse any accountability, while more than 133 Palestinian journalists have been murdered by the Israeli military in the past nearly seven months for doing nothing more than reporting on the situation.
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An additional demonstrator, identified solely as Yara and aged 24, stated: “Since October 7th, Israel has been responsible for the assassination of 135 Palestinian journalists. They have requested that this supper be boycotted. “That demand for a dinner boycott tonight is not coming from organizers in Washington, D.C.; rather, it is emanating from Palestinians in Gaza; therefore, we are requesting that individuals heed this demand.”
She further stated, “It signifies that if no one in that room cares about the murder of the press, then no one in that room cares about press freedom.”
The approximately ten-minute speech delivered by Biden failed to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza or the escalating humanitarian crisis in that region. The president of the Correspondents’ association, Kelly O’Donnell, made one of the few references to the deaths of journalists who covered the conflict.
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