Journalism of Courage
It was his eighth appearance at the the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner and his last as President. Obama drew plenty of laughs with his barbed remarks to a ballroom filled with journalists, politicians, and movie and television stars.(Source: Reuters)
The president waxed nostalgic at times. "Eight years ago I said it was time to change the tone of our politics. In hindsight, I clearly should have been more specific." (Source: Reuters)
And he acknowledged that the years had taken their toll. "I'm gray, grizzled ... counting down the days to my death panel." (Source: Reuters)
When he said he couldn't explain the rise in his popularity, two photographs appeared on ballroom screens: Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.(Source: Reuters)
After calling presidential candidate Bernie Sanders the bright new face of the Democratic Party, Obama contrasted the slogan "Feel the Bern" with one he said was rival Hillary Clinton's: "Trudge Up the Hill."(Source: Reuters)
Obama said of the billionaire businessman and real estate mogul leading the GOP race: "He has spent years meeting with leaders from around the world — Miss Sweden, Miss Argentina, Miss Azerbaijan." (Source: AP)
Obama took a few more swipes at the presidential race, noting that "next year at this time someone else will be standing here in this very spot, and it's anyone's guess who she will be." (Source: Reuters)
Turning serious, the president thanked the White House press corps and praised a free press. "I just have two more words to say: Obama out." With that, he held out the mic and dropped it. (Source: Reuters)
Preceding his remarks was a tongue-in-cheek video tribute to his seven-plus years in office that contained highlights of his verbal gaffes — his reference to "57 states" and misspelling 'rspect" among them — as well as light-hearted moments. (Source: Reuters)
As usual the Washington Hilton ballroom was a celebrity-spotters dream. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders joined Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and other government officials taking a seat. (Source: Reuters)
