Washington D.C. - President Joe Biden delivered a humorous speech at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, taking aim at Fox News and CNN after the recent firings of Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon.
Biden started his speech by thanking the press for their hard work, saying "Without a free and independent press, democracy as we know it would not exist." He then went on to joke about the current state of the media landscape, saying "I don't know who to trust these days. Fox News is firing people left and right, and CNN is doing the same. It's like watching Survivor, but with news anchors."
The President then turned his attention to Fox News, poking fun at their recent lineup changes. "I heard Fox News is planning to replace Tucker Carlson with a golden retriever. At least the dog won't spew hate speech," he quipped to the crowd, who responded with laughter and applause.
Biden also addressed the recent controversy surrounding Carlson's comments on the COVID-19 vaccine, saying "Tucker Carlson said he won't get the vaccine because he doesn't trust it. Well, I don't trust him, so I guess we're even."
The President then took a playful swipe at CNN, saying "Don Lemon recently got fired, and I have to say, I'm not surprised. It's hard to keep a straight face when you're reporting on the latest antics of Marjorie Taylor Greene."
Biden's remarks were met with a mix of laughter and applause from the crowd of journalists, politicians, and celebrities in attendance. The annual event, which brings together members of the press and the White House for a night of comedic roasting and entertainment, had been cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President also took a moment to address more serious topics, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and his administration's efforts to combat climate change. He acknowledged the challenges facing the country but expressed confidence in America's ability to overcome them.
"We're facing some tough challenges right now. But I know we're up to the task. I have faith in the American people, and I know that together, we can build a brighter future for all of us," he said.
The Correspondents' Dinner has a long history of presidential roasts, with past leaders such as Barack Obama and George W. Bush using the event to poke fun at themselves and their opponents. However, this year's event was notable for its focus on the media, which has come under increased scrutiny in recent years for its coverage of politics and current events.
The event also served as an opportunity for journalists and members of the press to reflect on their role in American democracy. Some attendees expressed concern about the current state of the media, particularly in the wake of the recent firings at Fox News and CNN.
"I think it's important for us to remember that journalism is not just about reporting the news. It's also about holding those in power accountable, and that includes the President," said one journalist who attended the event.
Overall, the Correspondents' Dinner was a lighthearted and entertaining evening, with the President using his comedic talents to poke fun at the media and other political figures. While the event may have been overshadowed by the recent controversies surrounding Fox News and CNN, it served as a reminder of the important role that journalists and the media play in American democracy.
