In the heart of Washington, President Joe Biden recently shared a light-hearted moment at a weekend event, making headlines with his witty remarks about the presidential nominations. He humorously pointed out that one of the candidates might be too old and not quite fit for the presidency, only to reveal, “The other’s me.”
The event in question was the annual Gridiron Club and Foundation Dinner, where President Biden took the opportunity to address the criticisms about his age and memory. Instead of taking them to heart, he playfully turned the tables, highlighting similar slip-ups by his 77-year-old rival, Donald Trump. Biden’s jests included a quip about Trump mistakenly thinking he was running against Barack Obama, adding a personal touch by mentioning his struggle to stay awake past his bedtime.
This year marked President Biden’s first attendance at the Gridiron dinner during his presidency, an event with a rich history dating back to 1885. The dinner is known for its tradition of bringing together political figures for a night of humor, and this year was no exception, especially with the upcoming 2024 election and the anticipated rematch between Biden and Trump.
However, the tone shifted as Biden addressed more serious concerns, emphasizing the threat to democracy posed by Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. He criticized Trump’s leniency towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the importance of standing firm against such threats to democracy and freedom.
The evening also included a moment of solidarity as Biden introduced Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, reinforcing his message of resilience against authoritarianism.
Accompanied by his daughter Ashley, President Biden was dressed in the customary white-tie attire for the event, which was attended by a diverse group of political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, numerous Cabinet members, members of Congress, governors, and ambassadors. The presence of Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in town for St. Patrick’s Day, added to the evening’s significance.
The dinner also featured speeches by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Utah Governor Spencer Cox, showcasing bipartisan participation. Biden concluded the event by highlighting the vital role of a free press in society, acknowledging the challenges faced by journalists and his commitment to their protection.
The event, held at the Grand Hyatt, was a testament to the enduring tradition of the Gridiron dinner as a night of bipartisan camaraderie, even in times of political tension. With no photos or TV coverage allowed, the dinner remains a unique occasion for Washington’s political elite to gather and share a night of humor and reflection.