“Welcome to Negro night,” Wilmore said, and added that Fox News had reported that “two thugs” disrupted an elegant dinner, also mixing in critiques of CNN’s viewership and MSNBC’s firing of black anchors. Preceding his remarks was a tongue-in-cheek video tribute to his seven-plus years in office that contained highlights of his verbal gaffes – his reference to “57 states” and misspelling ‘rspect” among them – as well as light-hearted moments.Ĭomedian Larry Wilmore, the evening’s professional entertainment, began by saying, “It’s not easy to follow the president.” Then he proved his point, offering a series of jokes about the president, different media organizations and various presidential candidates that often were racially tinged and drew a mixture of laughter and groans. Turning serious, the president thanked the White House press corps and praised a free press. He added: “And there’s one area where Donald’s experience could be invaluable, and that’s closing Guantanamo – because Trump knows a thing or two about running waterfront properties into the ground.” Obama said of the billionaire businessman and real estate mogul leading the GOP race: “He has spent years meeting with leaders from around the world – Miss Sweden, Miss Argentina, Miss Azerbaijan.” “Guests were asked to check whether they wanted steak or fish,” he told the diners, “and instead a whole bunch of you wrote in Paul Ryan.” Republicans took most of Obama’s humorous broadsides. Obama took a few more swipes at the presidential race, noting that “next year at this time someone else will be standing here in this very spot, and it’s anyone’s guess who she will be.”Īfter calling presidential candidate Bernie Sanders the bright new face of the Democratic Party, Obama contrasted the slogan “Feel the Bern” with one he said was rival Hillary Clinton’s: “Trudge Up the Hill.” “The last time I was this high,” he said, “I was trying to decide on my major.” When he said he couldn’t explain the rise in his popularity, two photographs of scowling presidential candidates appeared on ballroom screens: Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. On the other hand, he pointed out that his approval ratings are up. “I’m gray, grizzled … counting down the days to my death panel.” In hindsight, I clearly should have been more specific.”Īnd he acknowledged that the years had taken their toll. “Eight years ago I said it was time to change the tone of our politics. “Last week Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe,” Obama cracked. It was his eighth appearance at the event and his last as president and he kidded about the pains of being a lame duck. Obama drew plenty of laughs with his barbed remarks to a ballroom filled with journalists, politicians, and movie and television stars. “If this material works well, I’m going to use it at Goldman Sachs next year,” Obama quipped. Obama’s performance Saturday night proved he hasn’t lost a step. WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama performed his brand of sharp-tongued comedy at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for the last time – wrapping up with “Obama out” and dropping the mic while the crowd cheered.
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