President Biden wasted no time addressing the issues dominating the 2024 election, including his age and former President Donald J. Trump’s hush-money trial in New York, during his speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. He made jokes about the age gap between them, calling himself a grown man running against a 6-year-old and making an oblique reference to Stormy Daniels and Mr. Trump’s legal troubles. This marked a departure from his usual stance of forbidding his aides from discussing Mr. Trump’s legal issues. The night provided a break to journalists and government officials for a night of glitz and gossip in celebration of the free press, but outside the venue, protesters voiced their outrage over Mr. Biden’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
Inside the hotel ballroom, journalists wore pins reading “Free Evan” in support of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been wrongfully detained in Russia since March 2023. NBC News reporter Kelly O’Donnell, who is president of the correspondents’ association, highlighted journalists who have been captured or killed while doing their jobs, including Mr. Gershkovich and others. Comedian Michael Che was going to join the event but decided not to in solidarity with Mr. Biden, leading to some light-hearted jokes about the president’s poll numbers and his support among Black voters.
Guests at the dinner included celebrities and journalists mingling with politicians like Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor J.B. Pritzker. The presence of Hollywood celebrities like Scarlett Johansson added to the glitz of the event, with dinner guests enjoying seared petit filet mignon and engaging in discussions with policy makers like White House chief of staff Jeffrey D. Zients. The evening saw a mix of comedy, socializing, and political discussions, with Mr. Biden appearing emboldened and taking jabs at Mr. Trump in his speech.
Mr. Biden ended his speech at the dinner by warning about his political opponent’s threats on democracy, emphasizing the high stakes of the upcoming election. The event provided an opportunity for journalists and politicians to come together for a night of celebration, but also to highlight the challenges faced by journalists in their profession. The annual dinner served as a platform to raise awareness about important issues like press freedom and the dangers journalists face in conflict zones like Gaza. Despite the glitzy atmosphere, the focus remained on highlighting the importance of a free press and the responsibility of those in power to uphold democratic values.
