From Laughter to Leadership: President Biden's Address at the White House Correspondents' Dinner
In a blend of humor and seriousness, President Joe Biden addressed the audience at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening, delivering a speech that ranged from self-deprecating jokes to a firm stance on the importance of journalism and democracy.
At 8:12 P.M. EDT, the President opened with lighthearted remarks, joking about his Irish ancestry, his nickname for Donald Trump as “Sleepy Don,” and even playfully ribbing White House Correspondents’ Association President, Kelly O’Donnell, about her being “too young to be president.”
“It’s been a year since I delivered this speech. And my wife, Jill, who is with me tonight, was worried how I’d do. I told her, ‘Don’t worry. It’s just like riding a bike.’ She said, ‘That’s what I’m worried about.’” (Laughter.)
The President didn’t shy away from self-deprecation, bringing up the topic of his age in the context of the upcoming 2024 election, comparing it humorously to running against a six-year-old and proclaiming, “But I feel great. I really feel great.”
Mr. Biden also took aim at former President Donald Trump, referencing “stormy weather” and Trump’s recent reading of the Bible in a jest that had the audience laughing:
“Trump is so desperate, he started reading those bibles he’s selling. (Laughter.) Then he got to the First Commandment, ‘You shall have no other Gods before me.’ That’s when he put it down and said, ‘This book is not for me.’ (Laughter.)”
However, the tone took a more serious turn as the President expressed his genuine gratitude towards the free press, acknowledging the risks journalists face in their line of work, from covering natural disasters to pandemics, wars, and more.
“Journalism is clearly not a crime. Not here, not there, not anywhere in the world. (Applause.) And Putin should release Evan and Alsu immediately. (Applause.)”
President Biden reiterated the crucial role of the press in democracy, especially in an age dominated by disinformation. He highlighted the stakes at play, urging the press to rise up to the seriousness of the moment, focusing on what’s truly at stake beyond the distraction of sensationalized politics.
“I’m sincerely not asking of you to take sides but asking you to rise up to the seriousness of the moment; move past the horserace numbers and the gotcha moments and the distractions, the sideshows that have come to dominate and sensationalize our politics; and focus on what’s actually at stake.”
In closing, President Biden made a toast to a free press, an informed citizenry, and to an America where freedom, and democracy endure, wrapping up his speech at 8:22 P.M. EDT on a note of unity and hope for the future.
The White House also extends an invitation to stay informed about how the Biden administration is working for the American people and encourages engagement through opting in to receive text messages from President Biden, signifying an ongoing dialogue with citizens and a commitment to building back better together.
