At the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, President Joe Biden delivered a lighthearted speech, using humor to address his political rival, Donald Trump, and his own age.
Meanwhile, outside the event, protesters voiced their discontent with Biden’s stance on Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Biden playfully joked about his age, contrasting it with Trump’s, and humorously mentioned his vice president’s endorsement.
Amid the jovial atmosphere inside, demonstrators outside the Washington Hilton criticized Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The protesters, holding banners and chanting about journalists’ deaths in Gaza, urged for a ceasefire. Despite the vocal opposition, Biden opted for a discreet entrance through a back entrance, avoiding the large demonstrations at the front of the hotel. He was met by smaller groups calling for an end to the violence in Gaza.
The annual event, often referred to as Washington’s “nerd prom,” typically brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities for an evening of camaraderie. However, this year, the festivities were overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Addressing the press corps, Biden urged them to focus on the gravity of the moment, emphasizing the need to move past trivialities and distractions dominating political discourse.
The dinner, hosted by “Saturday Night Live” cast member Colin Jost, aimed to provide a platform for light-hearted banter and reflection on the state of journalism and politics.
While the event proceeded inside, grassroots movements like CODEPINK marched outside, highlighting concerns over media narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
These protests reflect a broader dissatisfaction within the Democratic base regarding Biden’s handling of international affairs.
