Beats by Barack. http://t.co/bLXImBTejs #WHCD pic.twitter.com/EViNkabkOG
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 26, 2015
Last night was Washington’s Nerd Prom, otherwise known the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Every media outlet buys a table and they invite various politicos, reporters and celebrities. The Nerd Prom has been especially popular over the past seven years of Pres. Obama’s administration – Obama made it “cool” again, his speeches are always hilarious and the comedian speakers have been much, much better.
I actually thought Obama’s speech this year lost some of his previous light, funny touch, but things picked up when Obama’s amazing “anger translator” Luther made a surprise appearance. In case you don’t know, this is a bit on Key & Peele, where Jordan Peele plays Obama as straight-laced and even-tempered and Keegan-Michael Key plays Luther, Obama’s “anger translator,” saying all of the harsh things that Obama can’t say. Keegan-Michael surprised everyone when he came on stage half-way through Obama’s speech and (no apologies) I laughed the hardest at the mention of Hillary Clinton and Luther is all “THE KHALEESI IS COMING TO WESTEROS.”
I also loved Obama’s “rhymes with Bucket List” jokes. And this great one about Bernie Sanders running for president: “Apparently people really want to see a pot-smoking socialist in the White House. We could get a third Obama term after all.”
Last night’s comedienne was Saturday Night Live’s Cecily Strong, who did a very good job (I thought) even though some of her jokes got groans or complete silence in the room. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to make some harsher jokes about the media, politicians, the Secret Service and all that.
My favorite? “It feels so weird to be up here. Since I’m only a comedian, I’m not going to try and tell you comedians how to do politics. That would be like you guys telling me what to do with my body. I mean, can you even imagine? Crazy.” She did the obligatory “this is an event at the Washington Hilton” joke, which was “It’s an honor to be here at the Washington Hilton . . . is something a prostitute might say to a congressman.” I loved this Secret Service joke: “Let’s give it up for the Secret Service, they’re the only law enforcement organization in the country that will get in trouble if a black man gets shot.”
Strong made a bunch of Hillary Clinton jokes, only she was very pro-Hillary. I liked “I’m excited about Hillary running, though I’m not sure she’s excited about having to run. I imagine she feels the same way Meryl Streep feels when she’s asked to audition for something.” I loved when Strong spoke directly to Michelle Obama and told her to enjoy her garden while she can because Bill Clinton is going to turn it into a pool.
Oh, and she made a Benedict Cumberbatch joke!! It was amazing and on-point too. She said Jeb Bush goes by JEB because his real name is John Ellis Bush, and Strong said he was “overcompensating…It’s kind of like if Benedict Cumberbatch decided to go by ‘Skeeter.’”
Photos courtesy of Getty, WENN, White House Twitter.
It sounds like it was a fun night. I love that Presidents do this! It humanizes them.
Ugh. Put me on the Wish-he-were-more-dignified camp. He is far too enamored of the “celebrity” aspect of being President of the United States.
This has been a tradition for a long time, including the president making a speech of his own (though I don’t think anything will top “MC Rove” in undignified). The biggest difference is that it’s covered more nowadays. Previously it simply wasn’t considered as newsworthy.
Interesting comment. He’s had a few swag-goo moments but overall, I think he’s pretty much the self-described introvert.
Was Calvin Coolidge too enamored of celebrity and undignified when he did it? What about the other 13 Presidents who have done it? Would it have been better if he submitted a video of the Oval Office being searched for WMDs?
I agree, Lilacflowers. Every president since television has done some form of light interview with an entertainment oriented audience, like Jack Parr or Johnny Carson. I think it gives them a chance to show a different side of their personality. Some people like it and some don’t. Fair enough. But don’t single Obama out as if he’s the first or only one to do these things.
Humor and intelligence don’t negate dignity. We have enough sneering pomposity and arrogance from too many public servants who think they are accountable to no one.
He is able to laugh at himself which is also a very welcome trait.
I find it so interesting that he can be attacked for being too elitist because he isn’t folksy enough and at the same time be criticized for not being “dignified” enough.
Sorry, but that sounds like some coded language to me.
Fifteen US Presidents have spoken at the White House Correspondents dinner. FIFTEEN! Hardly undignified for Obama to do it too
He could cure cancer, end world hunger, and walk on water and it still wouldn’t be enough for some people.
All Washington-level politicians have some appreciation of celebrity. How else could you survive in the constant spotlight like that? Besides, appearances like this are far more likely to grab the attention of young people than a droll CSPAN talk. Part of why his campaigns were so successful is because he understands the audience he’s working for and exploits it accordingly. I’m not going to criticize him for something essential to the task of the political process – I’ll save that for the policies he pushes that I don’t agree with.
I’m with you springingfoward: it seems like every time I turn around the Obamas are making some trite media appearance to show off their lighter side. Don’t know why, it’s not like Barack had to run for office again. He should be knuckling down with the little he has left to bring about some meaningful full change. Change we can believe in.
Oh, come on. People criticize him ALL THE TIME for being too “stiff,” too “elitist,” too “intellectual.” And then when he cracks a joke he’s too “undignified?” Give me an f’n break.
Absolutely. I’d rather have a president that actually works for the people, not clown around with the media and play golf all the time. He is a narcissist and that does not make for a good leader.
I agree. I think the law enforcement joke is disgusting & in poor taste. Is seems as if the administation fosters a “disrespect law enforcement”. All this knee-slappin’ & yuckin’ it up as Baltimore Is being torn apart by rioting. Classy
He does popular media like “The Tonight Show” and “The Daily Show” because far more people watch those shows than C-SPAN or the evening news. The viewers skew younger, too. Do you actually think Obama went on “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifinakis” for sh*ts and giggles? He used the show to plug his healthcare program to young people. It’s not stupid fluff, it’s a genius way to spread information to a huge number of American citizens.
@lilacflowers I will never forget that video. Unfunny and tone deaf considering the deaths, financial costs and global shifts that decision cost. I didn’t vote for Bush but I’m not the type that reflexively dislikes a politician personally over political differences. And I think Bush made some good WHCD appearances. But that was really horrible.
Pres. Obama has such great comedic timing!
ITA. He may not write the jokes, but he knows how to deliver them. Hilary in a van…too funny!
And hotness.
Always.
Yes to the hotness. Severe.
+100
Obama is hilarious. Sometimes he’s funnier than the comedian. I love this event, it’s a good way to blow off some steam and make fun of the absurdity.
He does! I remember W doing this, and he really wasn’t bad at it either, but Obama really brings it.
As a Brit, I thought it was terrific.
POTUS always kills at this dinner. He has great writers, perfect timing.
And all of his targets have to just sit and take it.
I know, right? Why does Donald Trump always show up at these things? Did he give up looking for the President’s “real” birth certificate?
I’m actually surprised too, because a couple of well timed jokes from Seth Meyers managed to mercifully kill Donald Trump’s presidential hopes a few years ago.
Seth killed it!
Not only that, but during that very weekend of 2011 the raid to kill bin Laden was in progress. The night after the dinner POTUS made the announcement.
You have to be invited to this event..he didnt just show up.
Db’d.
So early, on a Sunday?
Twice in a row, and this was in response to another db’er. It’s gonna be a goot day!
Where?
They was poofed!
Mimif led them to flames.
Clever crusher.
Ok, but if they come back, I’ll sock ’em.
Aww. I feel so left out. 🙁 What does Db’d mean?
I don’t know but can someone tell me what Kaleesi is coming to Westeros means?
It’s a reference from show Game of Thrones.
Db’ing is like what the Khaleesi does to the slave traders when they piss her off. 😉
Ah! I thought it must be from a tv show. I’ve never seen it. I don’t watch much tv, and my son told me GoT was too gory for me. (I get nightmares)
Thank you! I googled the westero comment/expression(?) and found the answer right away but found nothing on Db’ing. I thought it was an inside joke. Lol I’m the only I know that doesn’t watch GoT. One day when I have more time… 🙂
“Let’s give it up for the Secret Service, they’re the only law enforcement organization in the country that will get in trouble if a black man gets shot.” LMAO
“I’m excited about Hillary running, though I’m not sure she’s excited about having to run. I imagine she feels the same way Meryl Streep feels when she’s asked to audition for something.”
^ the one about Hillary sounds like a justified dig to me.^ Hillary thinks she deserves the role without an audition because she’s Hillary. Or maybe that’s just how I feel.
ETA: I have had a crush on Keegan-Michael Key ever since he played the uber-wired-for-sound UPS guy who couldn’t keep still…NO JUDGING.
I read the Hilary joke the same way.
And you and your crushes…
Moobs and Aflac insurance, the end. And also Simon Cowell, for Crizzakes.
U iz misinformed! I never admitted any crushdom on either. Walter White yes, Simon & Aflac I was just objectifying.
P.S. you’re testes this morning.
Dead……………………………………….
……………………….
babied.
I’m reporting you for spam/abuse on objectification.
t e s t e s
“Balls”, said the queen, “If I had them, I’d be king”.
ETA: told the boyfriend about you, and he thinks you’re funny. Contrary to your new BF Mark, who thinks this site is ‘anit-humour’ and somethin’ about gossip ladies at the office and whatnot.
BALLs HOARDER!
Wait, does that mean mark & I are official??
Ngl, I remember watching planet’s funniest animals and thinking he was so cute. I watch really lame shows.
See mimif, ^He’s Cute^. 2 out of 3 CB commenters agree.
He’s totally cute! I just can’t keep up with who you are/are not crushing on (and also the wild disparity of hair styles throws me off too.)
Tears!
Mark can not accuse me of hairline shaming Evah!
I have a feeling his “anger translator” is probably what really goes on behind the scenes. And he probably does have a “bucket list”. He does know how to deliver for full effect and I was in tears!! It is always hard to follow the President, but she did her best as well.
Cecily was sooooo good lol loved it
Awesome job by all-I love that they brought Luther in!! Too funny!
POTUS is funny and he’s not hard to look at. That’s all I got.
Agree. He delivers jokes really well.
My all time favorite is still the year Stephen Colbert hosted.
Thanks for bringing that up, because Obama didn’t make the WHC dinner cool…Colbert did in 2006, 3 years before Obama took office. (The following year he was replaced by Rich Little — those of you under 40 can Google him. Yawn — for fear of a repeat performance.)
Another correction: not every media outlet attends. The NY Times, the most influential print outlet in the country, stopped attending years ago because of the very uncomfortable relationship the event promotes between politicians and those entrusted to report on them.
Really? The NYT is the Pravda of the Democratic party so not showing up just helps them stay undercover.
The Pravda of the Democratic Party?? Did you miss when they printed “intelligence” on WMD’s straight from Dick Cheney without bothering to do any actual reporting?
Exactly. Colbert and his testicles of titanium – continuing to testify & kill it in front of an absolutely dead uncomfortable house – will always be my comedy hero for this.
Ha! Summed up so well, belle. It was sooo uncomfortable for them, but that delivery with the glean in his eye was everything for us.
He bombed so hard in that room but just kept going. Balls of steel indeed. I love him.
@Bridget, did you ever see this?
http://www.laineygossip.com/Stephen-Colbert-shirtless-with-Steve-Carrell-and-Jon-Stewart-in-Instagram-throwback/36579?celebrityId=20152
Omg! He looks like Danny Tanner! *cries laughing*
I kiss that picture every night before I go to sleep.
Ah, too late, I was embroidering it on a pillow case for you Bridget, during a moment of extreme crafting. I’ll just send it to mimif instead, with 3D moobs.
I’ll still take it! Now I can have snuggles with my kisses!
Uggg This president is more of a celebrity then a leader of a country. y does he need to be on talk shows ? Y not spend ur time doing educational shows or promote worthy charities. I mean isn’t that ur job is to protect and work on making your country better? I can’t take this guy as a serious leader when I see him singing and cracking jokes on talk shows. i dont need a cool president
He’s on talk shows because that’s all that the majority of the population watches. He actually makes the effort to each out to his constituents in a medium that they pay attention to. He isn’t on talk shows shooting the shit, he’s promoting his policies (obamacare being the main one) so that people know what it is and how it can benefit them.
Really? so he’s all presidential and talks bout issues On talk shows ? So that’s the only way he’s going to get Americas attention? By comin on ego boosting talk shows for celebrities..? His goal is to be a cool president and keep America hooked. I mean I like him but he’s overboard a bit
Speaking of talk shows..remember when he went on leno and said he bowled like he was in the special olympics? Hahaha! He truly is a comedian!
Hahaha. Yes, tina. I remember that. But he got a hard pass from the media. I bet that not many on this blog remember that gaffe at all; it wasn’t covered by the press.
You were equally outages when his predecessor attended and joked about searching the Oval Office for the missing Iraqi WMD? What about when Truman attended?
Because it’s no longer tolerated in polite society (thankfully) to be an outright racist, it comes out in the way of hyperbolic complaints about non-issues.
Ok, I’m repeating myself, but every president since television has been on talk shows. This is not a legitimate criticism.
Fluffy, we are going to be able to take your criticisms more seriously if you stop using “y” and “ur”. And also if they weren’t poorly disguised fox news rhetoric…..
My thoughts exactly. Also, if “Fluffy” wants to see him be presidential, there are no shortage of speeches, press conferences, state dinners, meetings with foreign dignitaries, etc. for her to google. This is willful ignorance at its worst.
The White House Correspondence Dinner is not a talk show. It pre-exists television. Coolidge did it. Herbert Hoover did it in 1932. Franklin Delano Roosevelt did it. Eisenhower did it. Were they undignified? Were they fame whores? Were they seeking ego boosts? Did it make them seem cool? Were they going overboard?
No, of course not; those descriptors are only reserved for President Obama (at least, according to certain people).
Same thing with the Al Smith dinner. All presidents attend and make jokes.
And, hello? Nixon? Laugh-in? Sock it to ME?
Obama was great! Loved it!
I honestly didn’t think that Strong killed it; she had a couple of great jokes, but, on the whole, her delivery wasn’t all that great and the jokes were a bit cliched. I thought Obsma was much funnier. I know he must have amazing writers, but between Two Ferns isn’t scripted and he was hilarious in that too.
Also, Colbert actually talked about how most people in the crowd WERE laughing at his jokes, but because they are not miked in the same way the audience is at Comedy Central, you couldn’t really hear it and it appeared that they hated it. I’m sure that’s what happened here with Strong too.
Wish he would talked about the americans killed in drone strikes..his ordered drone strikes. Lrts just say its bushs fault and ignore it!
So true! Those that bastardized bush for war are silent as barack continues it..and kills americans with new additions to war such as drone strikes. It proves liberals dont stand for issues..but rather for an image and party. Im sure it threw them into a tizzy when bruce jenner said he was a repub and didnt care for obama…bc they think they own certain issues and groups..
I remember that disgusting joke when he was on Leno. Lost all respect for him after that. Jerk.
Me too. Who says that? Just a weird thing to say..but of course..he was given a pass. My son who is special loved obama..but when heade that comment was crushed.
Why do so many models go?they might as well have the VS runway down the middle of the event all thats missing is dicaprio and his VS reference catalogue.
I was wondering where the anger translator was from. He looked so vaguely familiar so I googled him. He was on MADtv back in the early 2000s to when it ended in 2008 on Fox. I remember he always seemed to play characters with irrational rage haha. Did anybody else watch this show? I didn’t watch regularly because I didn’t think it was that good (everybody complains that SNL is not that good but people have been saying that for 20 years at least! MADtv was just so hilariously bad I didn’t understand how the show was on the air) but if you watch their Abercrombie and Fitch skits on Youtube, those were pretty funny.
I love her for calling out Amanda Knox. I totally agree on that point. Obama and Michelle looked a little bit scared and relieved by turn. She pushed the line just enough to keep it funny and unexpected. I don’t know why Chrissie Teigen, Naomi Campbell, and Carolyn Murphy were there. Maybe it’s to thin out the nerd concentration and a calculated move to inject some glamour into the event.
Ewww, why would you go by Jeb when you have a nice name like John Ellis!?
the anger translator killed it! lmao!!! Obama has a great timing, the bucket list was one of the best, still laughing.
too bad he has also a great deal of censorship going on against the press, but I blame the media for being such hypocrits.