In Washington, President Joe Biden humorously announced at a weekend event that two individuals had secured their respective party nominations for the presidential race. He playfully remarked that one of the candidates was deemed too old and not mentally fit for the position, only to reveal, “The other’s me.”
Biden didn’t hold back in making light-hearted jabs at Donald Trump, the Republican contender, during the Gridiron Club and Foundation Dinner. Amidst criticisms about his own memory and moments of confusion, Biden chose to spotlight instances where Trump, at 77, had his own slip-ups. He even joked about Trump mistakenly thinking he was competing against Barack Obama, adding that the event was way past his bedtime.
This marked Biden’s first attendance at the dinner during his presidency, an event that precedes the upcoming 2024 election and the anticipated rematch with Trump. The dinner, a long-standing tradition now in its 139th year, has seen every president since Grover Cleveland participate at least once.
However, Biden’s tone shifted to a more serious note as he discussed the dangers he believes democracy faces if Trump, who continues to make false claims about the 2020 election, were to return to office. He criticized Trump’s leniency towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the unprecedented threat to democracy and freedom.
Biden also took a moment to introduce Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, affirming a stance of resilience against authoritarian threats.
Attending in traditional white-tie attire, Biden was accompanied by his daughter Ashley. The dinner is known for its bipartisan spirit and was attended by a mix of political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, members of the Cabinet, Congress, governors, and ambassadors. Notably, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was present for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Other speakers included Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Biden concluded the evening by emphasizing the importance of a free press, acknowledging his efforts to secure the release of journalists Evan Gershovich and Austin Tice, who are detained in Russia and missing in Syria, respectively.
Biden highlighted the crucial role of journalism in reflecting society’s image and expressed his appreciation for the media’s work. The dinner, hosted at the Grand Hyatt, was a private affair with no photos or television coverage allowed.