President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden attended the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington on Saturday, where they discussed the plight of American journalists under siege in authoritarian countries around the world. Biden also met with the parents of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March, and made jokes about his age. He also addressed the issue of press freedom while taking jabs at some of his most vocal political critics as well as himself. The event drew a wide array of celebrities and media moguls to Washington, with parties being held across the capital.
Mr. Biden was the first president in six years to accept the invitation after former President Donald Trump shunned it while in office. He was joined by actor Liev Schreiber, singer John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen as guests at annual black-tie dinner.
During his speech, President Biden showed he could take a joke when several pointed remarks were made about his age including references to recent protests in France and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's recent budget cuts proposal.
"The older I get," said Mr. Biden jokingly during his speech "the more I appreciate that old saying: 'Age is just a number.' It's true - especially when you're talking about budgets."
In addition to addressing serious issues like press freedom and meeting privately with Gershkovich's parents, he took time out for light-hearted banter; making jokes about CNN presenter Don Lemon who had recently been sacked after making sexist and ageist remarks on air.
"Maybe Don should have taken notes from me," quipped Mr.Biden "At least people laugh with me when it comes to my age!"
Several attendees praised President Biden for attending this year's dinner showing support for journalism amid challenging times both domestically and internationally.
"It takes a certain level of humility to sit through an evening filled with jokes about yourself," said White House Correspondents' Association president, Adrienne Elrod. "President Biden's presence here tonight sends a strong message about the importance of press freedom and his support for journalists around the world."
The annual dinner serves as a platform for journalists and politicians to come together in support of a free press. Throughout the night, attendees were reminded that while they enjoyed their evening, many colleagues continued to face hardships in pursuit of truth.
As guests left the event, conversations lingered on not just President Biden's humor but also his commitment to supporting journalism during these trying times. The hope is that this renewed relationship between the White House and media will continue promoting transparency and open dialogue moving forward.