Poli Alert Political & Civics
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Jimmy Williams
President Joe Biden took center stage at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, using humor to criticize former President Donald Trump while also addressing serious issues.
In his speech, Biden playfully referred to his age compared to Trump, stating, “I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old.” He also quipped about Vice President Kamala Harris endorsing him, contrasting Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence’s reluctance to support him in 2024.
But beyond the jokes, Biden emphasized the importance of the upcoming election and the threat to democracy posed by Trump’s actions. He urged the press to focus on the substance of the issues rather than sensationalism, saying, “Move past the horse race numbers and the ‘gotcha’ moments… and focus on what’s actually at stake.”
Biden also addressed the wrongful detention of journalists abroad, particularly highlighting the case of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter held in Russia. He pledged to continue working to secure the release of journalists like Gershkovich, stating, “I give you my word as a Biden: We’re not going to give up until we get them home.”
The president’s remarks echoed his previous statements on the importance of a free press. Last year, he emphasized that “journalism is not a crime” and underscored the role of a free press in a democratic society.
While Biden used humor to lighten the mood, the event was not without controversy. Protesters gathered outside the venue to demand a cease-fire and criticize Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some held signs reading “Stop media complicity in genocide,” reflecting broader concerns about media coverage of the conflict.
Despite the protests, the event proceeded with heightened security measures. Attendees faced screening and intermittent road closures, and security personnel removed disruptive protesters from the premises.
Inside the ballroom, the dinner featured entertainment from “Saturday Night Live” cast member Colin Jost, who delivered jokes poking fun at both Biden and Trump. While attendees enjoyed the festivities, the event underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding issues like press freedom and international conflicts.
Overall, Biden’s speech at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner highlighted the intersection of politics, journalism, and social activism, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values in an increasingly polarized world.
Watch Biden’s full remarks here.
