The White House Correspondents’ Dinner made its triumphant return on Saturday since the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the annual event for the last two years. Daily Show host Trevor Noah hosted the event.
It also marked the first time that a sitting president had attended the event in six years. President Joe Biden took shots at his predecessor in addition to cracking jokes about himself.
We had a horrible plague followed by two years of Covid,” he said, referencing Donald Trump. “Just imagine if my predecessor came to this dinner this year, now that would really have been a real coup if that occurred.”
The president also made light of the “Let’s go, Brandon” phrase, which the GOP has used as an insult.
“Republicans seem to support one fellow,” Biden joked. “Some guy named Brandon. He’s having a really good year. And I’m kind of happy for him.”
After joking about his age, Biden also joked with Noah for referring to him as “new” when he called Biden “America’s new dad.”
“Let me tell you, something pal, I’m flattered anyone would call me a new anything,” Biden told Noah. “You’re my guy.”
The dinner took place inside the Washington Hilton, and more than 2,500 guests were expected to attend.
Noah made light of the event, calling it a super-spreader event, but precautions against spreading COVID-19 were taken. Negative COVID tests were required by guests for entry. Mask wearing was optional.
