The annual tradition of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, which celebrates the First Amendment and honors the current president, took place at the Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C. Prior to the dinner, hundreds of protesters gathered outside to protest the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Washington’s support for Israel. However, inside, nearly three thousand guests mingled in formal attire while President Joe Biden delivered a humorous speech that joked about his age and his Republican opponent Donald Trump.
NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell, who is also the president of the Correspondents’ Association, was among those who recognized and highlighted the plight of journalists like Evan Gershkovich and Austin Tice who have lost their lives in recent conflicts. In contrast to previous years where former presidents would avoid attending correspondents’ dinners due to their busy schedules or lack of interest, President Biden was present and engaged with attendees.
Aside from Biden’s speech and O’Donnell’s address, comedian Colin Jost provided a comedic response that poked fun at Biden’s age and made lighthearted jabs at other political figures and media outlets. The gala was attended by various celebrities and influencers, creating an energetic atmosphere reminiscent of the “Oscars of Washington.” As guests left for exclusive after-parties, a few protesters continued to voice their objections outside.
Despite its festive atmosphere, the gala served as a reminder of how power dynamics intersect with politics and media in Washington D.C., particularly when it comes to contentious issues such as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. As President Biden departed amidst heightened security due to these tensions, he faced significant challenges as a leader that would require him to navigate through complex geopolitical landscapes while maintaining transparency with his constituents.
