Biden's Barbs at GOP, Media Highlight White House Correspondents' Dinner

President Joe Biden utilized the White House Correspondents' Dinner to humorously criticize both his political opponents and the media, while also drawing attention to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and protests over the issue.

The annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, held on Saturday, brought together President Biden, politicians, journalists, and celebrities for an evening of election-year roasting, with the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and protests over the conflict.

Comedian Colin Jost, who roasted the president, delivered jokes targeting both the media and Republican politicians, including former President Donald Trump and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. Jost's humor also extended to the president's age and his limited media availability.

Despite the lighthearted tone of the event, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside to condemn Biden's support for Israel and Western media coverage of the war. Chants of "Shame on you!" and "Free Palestine" could be heard as guests arrived for the dinner.

Inside the event, Biden poked fun at his age, referring to Trump as a "six-year-old" and highlighting the former vice president's refusal to endorse his former running mate. The president also made a dig at Rep. Lauren Boebert, referencing her removal from a theater last year for inappropriate behavior.

Biden's speech touched on the criticism he has faced from media outlets for limiting his interviews with mainstream outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He quipped that he prefers to interview with "strong independent journalists" like Howard Stern.

Jost's roast included references to Biden's age, Trump's legal troubles, and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s chances of winning the election. Jost also drew comparisons between Biden and former President Obama, noting that while Obama eliminated Osama bin Laden, Biden had apprehended O.J. Simpson.

The comedian likened Biden to his grandfather, highlighting the president's ability to navigate stairs despite his age. Jost concluded his roast by jokingly connecting Biden's vaccine stance to Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine views.

The White House Correspondents' Dinner provided a platform for both humor and commentary on current events, underscoring the complex political and social landscape in which the Biden administration operates as it approaches the 2024 presidential election.