Sunday
May102009
Video: Obama Tries Out Comedy at White House Correspondents' Dinner
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 7:57
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXvE6m57dt0[/youtube]
In recent years, the White House Correspondents' Dinner has become an annual big deal for a few days, mainly because media folks love to write about themselves. There have, however, been highlights. Number 1 is still Stephen Colbert's send-up of former President George W. Bush, as Dubya sat with a rigid smile.
Last night a new President made his appearance. Before his 10-minute talk, there was press chatter as to whether, in the midst of wars and a recession, Obama (and his writers) might play it serious.
No need to worry. Even if you don't get the string of inside-Washington jokes, the first two-thirds --- before Obama pays tribute to the press amidst its current financial crisis --- is really funny. There are potshots at everyone from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ("you know what I always say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em) to Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, disguised as Captain Hook. (My favourite is the jibe at John Boehner, the overbronzed-from-a-bottle Republican leader in the Senate.) And "I believe my next 100 days will be so successful I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day I will rest."
In recent years, the White House Correspondents' Dinner has become an annual big deal for a few days, mainly because media folks love to write about themselves. There have, however, been highlights. Number 1 is still Stephen Colbert's send-up of former President George W. Bush, as Dubya sat with a rigid smile.
Last night a new President made his appearance. Before his 10-minute talk, there was press chatter as to whether, in the midst of wars and a recession, Obama (and his writers) might play it serious.
No need to worry. Even if you don't get the string of inside-Washington jokes, the first two-thirds --- before Obama pays tribute to the press amidst its current financial crisis --- is really funny. There are potshots at everyone from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ("you know what I always say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em) to Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, disguised as Captain Hook. (My favourite is the jibe at John Boehner, the overbronzed-from-a-bottle Republican leader in the Senate.) And "I believe my next 100 days will be so successful I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day I will rest."