Recap Of The Presidential Correspondent’s Dinner: The Best Joke Was Right On Point, But Who Delivered It?
Let’s face it: President Barack Obama himself has been the brunt of many jokes: He’s not American, he’s a terrorist, he’s the worst president in history, and the list goes on. But one thing than almost any pundit can agree on is the President Obama has a wonderful laugh and the ability to laugh at himself. That in general makes for a likeable person, even if people don’t agree with his political persuasions. The President, his family, and invited guests annually attend the annual White House Correspondent’s Association Gala at the Washington Hilton Hotel, which this year was held last night on April 25.
While it’s an important political brouhaha, what the majority of people who don’t attend look forward to hearing are the joke that are told during the speeches. President Obama did not fail to deliver some heart laughs – at his own expense and the good-natured ribbing of others, according to The Slatist.
“Six years into my presidency some people still say I’m arrogant, aloof, condescending. Some people are so dumb.”
“A few weeks ago, Dick Cheney says he thinks I’m the worst president of his lifetime. Which is interesting because I think Dick Cheney is the worst president of my lifetime.”
“You know, let me set the record straight. I tease Joe Biden, but you know he has been in my side for seven years. I love that man. He’s not just a great vice president, he is a great friend. We’ve gotten so close in some places in Indiana, they won’t serve us pizza anymore.”
“It turns out Jeb Bush identified himself as Hispanic back in 2009, which, you know what, I — look, I understand. It’s an innocent mistake. It reminds me of when I identified myself as American back in 1961.”
“Rick Santorum announced that he would not attend the same-sex wedding of a friend or loved one, to which gays and lesbians across the country responded, that’s not going to be a problem. Don’t sweat that one.”
While his jokes left the audience in stitches, Obama cannot be credited with the best joke of the evening. This year, Saturday Night Live cast member Cecily Strong was in attendance and true to her nature didn’t disappoint with entertainment. One of her best jokes was when she quipped, “President Obama, your hair is so white now it can talk back to the police,” a joke that left both the President and First Lady howling with laughter. But by far, the best of the joke of the night also came from Strong, who is not one to be afraid to walk a political tightrope.
“Let’s give it up for the Secret Service. They’re the only law enforcement agency that will get in trouble if a black man gets shot.”
Readers, what do you think – sardonic humor or in poor taste considering police shootings of late?