He is the first US president to participate in 6 years, after the interruption of two for Covid. Self-deprecating: “Tonight I’m here with the only group of Americans with a lower approval rating than mine”
An unreleased Joe Biden, at least for a few minutes. Self-deprecating, with some even brilliant joke, before resuming the register of his presidency and paying homage, with a pinch of rhetoric, to the “essential”, indeed “quintessential” role of the media in the American democratic system. Last night, Saturday 30th April, big night in Washington. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, she is back there White House Correspondents’ Association Dinnerthe Dinner of Accredited Correspondents at the White House.
There are about 400 reporters registered with the Association, but they were crowded in the International Ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel 2,620 guests, divided into tables of 10.
On the stage a long rectangular desk, where, among others, the president of the United States, First lady Jill Biden, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki, as well as the president of the Association Steven Portnoy (CBS) and the entertainer of the evening, the actor Trevor Noah. In the audience noted the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. And then senators, deputies, a four-star general.
Although curiosity has polarized on Kim Kardashianlong ivory dress, accompanied by partner, the actor Pete Davidson, in a dark suit, tie in tone with psychedelic reflections, sunglasses, black and white sneakers.
All the others divided by tribe, following the American information scheme. The table and the pre-party room of Foxthen here Bloombergthe Cnn, Reuters, Cbs and so on. Around a dozen foreign journalists, relegated to the side areas.
For many it was an opportunity to break the leaden atmosphere of recent years: the women showed up in long dresses, the men in tuxedos (with some exceptions). In the name of Washington’s worldlinessin which each event serves to forge or consolidate relationships, to approach characters otherwise unattainable.
Biden, however, wanted to make a difference with his predecessor: Donald Trump never wanted to participate in the Dinner. The president began with a humorous strip: «Thanks and special thanks to the 42% of the audience who are really applauding me. I am very excited to be here tonight with the only group of Americans with a lower approval rating than mine“. True: Biden’s current consensus does not go beyond 42%; that of the media, according to Gallup polls, is around 32%.
Then a whip for Trump, without ever naming him: «This is the first time in six years that a president has attended this evening. In affections we had a horrible plague, followed by two years of Covid. Imagine if my predecessor had been here tonight, it would have meant that, really, there would have been a coup ». Lots of laughs, even if the loudest comes shortly after, when Biden takes on the chest Fox News, the conservative TV that helped sow skepticism in the country towards anti Covid masks and precautions. To enter the room, each guest had to prove that they were vaccinated and had taken an anti-virus test on the same day. «I know that there have been some doubts (Fauci has given up, ed), but to those who watch from home with distrust, I suggest contacting your reference Fox reporter. They are all here tonight, fully vaccinated and with proof of a test. ‘
A few more sarcastic passage on Republicans, but also on Joe Manchin, the Democratic senator who has so far blocked White House reforms: “I knew I would have to deal with the opposition in the Senate, but I thought it would be that of the conservatives.”
From then on, Biden changes tone. He talks about the pandemic and, above all, about the war in Ukraine
. Remember i reporters who died in the field: «We have all seen the courage of American journalists and from all over the world who are on the ground, who are risking their lives…».
There is also time to “remember and honor” them first African American women which in the 1950s, in full segregation, they became White House correspondents: Alice Dunnigan ed Ethel Payne. Finally, the president offers a reflection that seems valid not only for the US reality: «Your sector is radically changing. I know that journalists are under great pressure. It is increasingly difficult to fulfill your duty: to seek the truth, as best you can; to illuminate and explain things, not to inflame or entertain the public …. American democracy is not a reality show, it is a reality in itself “. A track taken from Trevor Noahwho distributed his own in a fair and super fun way digs between Fox and CNNbut who insisted on “integrity” as an essential component of “good journalism”.
May 1, 2022 (change May 1, 2022 | 20:03)
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