US President Joe Biden took jabs at his opponents and former President Donald Trump during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday, May 1. Biden entertained the crowd with his sarcastic remarks, including a joke that he was offered hush money to limit the length of his speech, referencing the charges brought against Trump in a case regarding the payment of $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016.
The 80-year-old president also addressed concerns over his age, with polls indicating that his age is a significant vulnerability that could impact his chances of winning the 2024 election. Biden joked about his age, saying, “Look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue. It’s in everybody’s mind and by everyone, I mean the New York Times. Headline: ‘Biden’s advanced age is a big issue. Trump’s, however, is not.'”
Biden also took aim at CNN host Don Lemon, who was terminated by CNN after controversial remarks about women. The president quipped, “They say I’m over the hill; Don Lemon would say, ‘That’s a man in his prime’.” He also joked about Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia congresswoman, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s battle with Disney.
While the evening was filled with laughter, Biden also spoke about the importance of freedom of the press and condemned attacks on it. He criticised news outlets using “lies told for profit and power” to stir up hate, and warned about the dangers of misinformation that could potentially undermine democracy.
The dinner was rearranged due to the pandemic, and Biden became the first president in six years to accept the invitation after Trump eschewed it while in office. The annual event commemorates the US Constitution’s First Amendment, which ensures freedom of speech and advocates for a free press.
Overall, the dinner provided a platform for President Biden to deliver a mix of humor and serious commentary on important issues, including freedom of the press and democracy.
