Reuters-WASHINGTON (Reuters) : During the White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday night, US President Joe Biden thanked the journalists who covered Russia’s attack on Ukraine. He also revived a Washington tradition of speaking at the dinner.
After being postponed for two years because of the COVID-19 epidemic and being boycotted by Donald Trump during his time in office, the event came back with a vengeance. Trevor Noah, a comedian, made a statement.
Biden began his address with jokes about his poor popularity ratings, his age, and Trump’s hostility toward the media.
“I’m ecstatic to be here tonight with the one group of Americans who approve of me less than I do,” Biden stated.
His speech became more solemn as he thanked journalists for their bravery in covering Ukraine and the rest of the world, then asked for national unity.
“There is a poison coursing through our democracy… and misinformation is exploding,” Biden added. “You, the free press, are more vital than at any point in the last century. I really believe that. “
The meal was attended by journalists, media executives, government officials, and celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and comedian Pete Davidson. It included slideshows recognising the White House Correspondents Association’s first two female black reporters and journalists killed while covering Ukraine in recent months.
Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in Washington, such as at the journalists’ white-tie Gridiron dinner in early April, have given the White House meal a sour air.
Some high-ranking people, like Dr. Antony Fauci, a doctor who studies infectious diseases, didn’t come to the meeting.
Biden used the occasion to mock the Fox News anchors in attendance, many of whom have expressed doubts about vaccinations on-air, by pointing out that they had to confirm their immunisation status in order to attend.
Biden took further safeguards during the occasion, foregoing the meal part in favour of the speakers’ programme. He chose not to wear a mask throughout his remarks.
When there are a lot of people at a busy White House event, usually the president isn’t wearing a mask. The dinner on Saturday was supposed to seat about 2,600 people.
The White House Correspondents Association was created in 1914 and has hosted a luncheon almost every year since 1921 to honour the journalists who cover the president and collect money for scholarships.
But Biden couldn’t help himself in concluding his speech with a swipe at Putin.
The “Really wonderful news is that you now have the opportunity to roast the President of the United States,” he added to Noah, who delivered the event’s roast. “And, unlike in Moscow, you will not be arrested.”
