Obama to Shift From Consoler to Comic Saturday Night
- Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:42pm by
Scott Baker
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is shifting from consoler to comic for his appearance before a mix of politicians, celebrities and journalists at Washington’s premier black-tie dinner.
Obama was to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner Saturday night, one day after traveling to Alabama to meet with residents affected by the deadliest tornado outbreak in 40 years and view what the president said was the worst devastation he’s ever seen.
The president‘s speech at last year’s dinner came just days after the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Obama ended his otherwise humorous speech by asking the audience to remember those affected by the spill. He traveled to the Gulf Coast the next morning to assess relief efforts.
But in a town consumed by politics and partisanship, the dinner is typically a light-hearted affair and an opportunity for the president to show off his humorous side. Obama has used his past appearances to crack jokes at everything from the infamous couple that crashed his first state dinner to the off-the-cuff speaking style of his vice president, Joe Biden.
Obama‘s political rivals haven’t been safe from the president’s zingers either, and this year will likely be no exception. In fact, some Republicans who may get into the 2012 presidential race were expected to attend. They included Obama’s first ambassador to China, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, as well as Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and businessman Donald Trump.
The association was formed in 1914 as a liaison between the press and the president. Every president since Calvin Coolidge has attended the dinner.
In recent years, the dinner has attracted a wide array of Hollywood celebrities. Among the 3,000 guests expected to attend this year’s event are actors Sean Penn and Jon Hamm, American Idol judge and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, and Bristol Palin, daughter of 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
“Saturday Night Live” comedian Seth Myers was booked to provide laughs at the dinner.
Some of the proceeds from the dinner pay for journalism scholarships for college students.
Several journalists will also be honored at the dinner:
— Dan Balz of The Washington Post and Jake Tapper of ABC News, for winning the Merriman Smith Award for presidential coverage under deadline pressure. Balz won for his coverage of an unexpected appearance by Obama and former President Bill Clinton in the White House briefing room. Tapper won for a story revealing that Obama was about to ask Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair to step down.
— Peter Baker of The New York Times, for winning the Aldo Beckman award for sustained excellence in White House coverage. Baker won for what the judges called a “remarkable run” in 2010 with dozens of stories dubbed “the education of a president.”
— Michael Berens of The Seattle Times, for winning the Edgar A. Poe Award for excellence in coverage of news of national or regional significance. Berens won for a series that uncovered flaws in a health care plan for seniors that resulted in neglect, abuse and even death.
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Comments (95)
raspberrytea
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:38pmI’m going to start a sticky note campaign
Report Post »in my town…..“ ALLEN WEST” for president!!
trueblueday
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:19pmWith all of his party engagements/social functions and downtime, doesn’t it tell us something? He’s happy with the total restructuring and chaos he has created in this country. He’s giving himself some downtime before round two of the destruction of America. How’s that Hope and Change workin for ya?
Report Post »raspberrytea
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:30pmWhat do you think about “the sticky note” campaign? I think
Report Post »its a great idea. You can live sticky notes
on alot of things. Way to get a point across
and cheap.
tierrah
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 8:52pm@raspberrytea: I think it’s a neat idea, but I’ve never been to jail in my long, long life and might be a bit timid about sticking those notes everywhere. I‘m writing some out to take with me hoping I don’t turn into a coward at the last minute.
Report Post »SAYNOTOSOCIALISM
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:13pmI’m still waiting for him to switch from comode-ian to POTUS…. but I’m NOT holding my breath
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:09pmHe’ll eventually revert to that tried and true standup shtick, “the fat joke”.
Uh, hello ladies and comrades. Michelle is so fat that I had to take a train and two busses
just to get on her good side.
Michelle is so fat she ate the milky way..
I’m going to sell you out of the sack…
oh wait, that last one wasn’t a joke…..
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:07pm“obama the fecal” just opening up his mouth and letting that anti-American filth fall out of him is about as funny as watching a 3 yr old child being hit by a train.
Report Post »VotersOfNY
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:02pmYup, Obozo has much more important things to do than worry about birph certificate.
Go see Oprah, fund raise, have lavish dinner party. Hmmm, did we miss anything? Economy, jobs, spending? Nope, not that important.
Report Post »raspberrytea
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:01pmWatching the (Red Carpet Arrivals) now. These people have no
Report Post »idea how “people” in the real world live. They are
so far removed from what it’s like to worry about
the cost of food and gas. I’m sorry, I know I
sound resentful but they make me sick. All of them!
StevenL1955
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:47pmHes been a Joke ever since he ran, why is this news?
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:45pmLet’s see….mmmm… who was president in 1914? Interesting aint it.
Report Post »Look4DBigPicture
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:40pmThere was a time when this might have been acceptable, because the world wasn’t watching. But now … with the whole world turning upside down, we expect our President to use his time more wisely. We’re watching you Obama … and we’re not impressed.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:27pmConsoler & Comic
My wife Michele said a funny thing just the other day.
She said that higher gas prices will actually benefit folks –cause they’ll walk more.
…And, that’ll re-enforce “Let’s Move”.
~Then she said, “So will the 2012 election” !
Report Post »4X4in
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:27pmDid you ever hear the one about $7 a gallon gas, and skyrocketing electric rates? hahahahahah
NOT FUNNY!
Report Post »tierrah
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 8:56pm@4X4in: not to mention the inflation that’s hit the grocery stores!
Report Post »trooper
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:21pmHe won’t be telling any gay jokes because he may offend 90% of the crowd!
Report Post »shorthanded12
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:20pmWheres the consoler inepted chief for the families of the 8 that was murdered in Afghanistan? Where was Barry when North Carolina was hit hard a couple weeks ago? Wheres Barry on resolving this $4.00 gas, Oh I forgot just like in the Senate he voted present. All talk an continue destruction.
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:16pmConsidering the “hate speech” that usually comes out at this socialist get together, I’m surprised that someone like Bristol Palin was invited. Perhaps she’s to be a designated target for some of the hate tonight? God knows that she, her mother, and the entire family have been “targeted” by the progressive/marxist government for the last two years…If I were of the Palin family, I‘d not set foot inside the White House until after it’s been politically fumigated in 2013!
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:23pmIs she double dating with Meghan McCain??
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:26pmI’m surprised that someone like Bristol Palin was invited. Perhaps she’s to be a designated target for some of the hate tonight?
Report Post »—————
I agree. I’m sure BHussain will go all Kathy Griffin on her and that loser Levi. And then there is Seth Meyers, the SNL propaganda artist . I’m sure between the 2 , there will be a lot of nastiness aimed at Palins
LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:17pm@C. Schwehr….Please tell me how this “progressive/marxist government” has “targeted” the entire Palin family… the Media yes , but the Government ?
Report Post »Randyrocker
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:14pmHe is trying so desperately to be a clown, and in reality, he doesn’t have to try.
Report Post »LJSinAZ82
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:11pmAll I can say is good-bye Obama. 2012 can’t come soon enough.
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:10pmOne group of idiots entertaining another.
Report Post »Lucy Larue
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:09pmWhat shift? He is a comic. He’s just not funny and he has a lot of power.
Report Post »streetrodder
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:07pmBarry should do good because he is a joke, but he’s not funny.
Report Post »Highland
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:36pmHe’s an embarrassment, that’s for sure.
Report Post »swigs
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 9:01pmHe can perform every night to a captivated audience….literally behind bars.
http://theconservativemonster.com/2011/04/29/certificate-of-live-birth-birthplace-kenya-registered-in-honolulu.aspx
Observe line item #23. Not a natural born Citizen” and not eligible for POTUS.
Report Post »high school drop out
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:01pmSpit nickles I mean…He,s not getting reelected
Report Post »high school drop out
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:00pmThis guy would stand on his head and spit nickels to get reelected!…who knows… He really might
Report Post »spirited
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:33pmhang it!
–spit tea all over the keyboard!!!
>Talk about a visual ;^>
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:54pmMaybe Trump will do a repeat performance of his Vegas act, raucous…
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:30pmIf Trump and Obama wind up in the same comedy performance, the only thing I could see happening would be called WW3. And honestly, I do not think Trump would come out as the winner between the two of them.
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:12pmaaaand, Trump arrives at the dinner to a chorus of “boos” and “Trump go home’s”… Mr popularity.
Report Post »SKOAL-BROTHER {GALLEY OF CATFISH}
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:58pmBoth President Obama and Seth Meyer OWNED the Donald. The jokes started with the opening theme song and continued for both monologues. The Donald looked humiliated and Very Unhappy, and left very quickly seen on camera with his “daughter.” He will now have his revenge, claiming, “I rocked! They talked about me more than they talked about Libya, and talked about my hair more than Alabama!”
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:53pmROFL
Report Post »The WishyWashyPost and the TheNewYuckTimes gets awards for “good” journalism????
Journalism is DEAD…..Too many journo-listers in the bag for Obummer.
Too bad ChrissyMatthews isn’t able to provide some jokes since he is a joke himself.
TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:43pmI do like watching some of that gig; if it’s funny, it’s funny. I hope it is.
Report Post »Revere1
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:49pmWhy shouldn’t Obama play the comic role? He’s a clown and always has been. http://www.battlefield315.com/2011/02/barack-obama-explained.html
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:53pmPresident Barack Obama is shifting from consoler to comic
Report Post »————–
Consoler ? When did that happen ? Really ???
82dAirborne
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:00pmOrdinarily I would agree with you. Every President is still just a person. Still has the right and the need to relax from time to time. However – Does he have time for this “silliness?” I don’t think he does. He needs to attend to the concerns and the needs of the people who elected him.
I do not want to see or hear him crack teleprompter jokes while Texas is on fire and several southern states are a full blown disaster area. Maybe Harvard should have taught a class on prioritizing. Something along the lines of: Life and death issues first; then a black tie PR event. Or help your countrymen first, the oppressed peoples of the world after that.
Get food, shelter and clean drinking water to Alabama and then let Syria join the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations. Help put out the fires in Texas and then arm the Al Qaeda rebels in Libya.
We need a leader. We do not need yet another wanna-be comic. Go to the Oval Office and do your damn job.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:06pmHe probably squeezed in a round of golf after his 5 seconds of consolation.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:20pmComedian??? Now Alfred E Newman, now theres a comedian. As a matter of fact , Barry reminds me of Alfred . But No, Could it be???
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:22pmTotally guessing here.
Report Post »These will be the topics of 0′s jokes :
Trump’s hair
Bachman’s mass-NewHamp flub
Bristol’s dancing
Steven Tyler’s lips
The new birth certificate the WH just cooked up
Biden’s sleepy dreany eyes
Something about Bush and deficit
Cheney and shooting people
Mitt’s hair
Paul Ryan want to kill old people
Moochilli’s divine angelic arms
and
Nancy Pelosi’s beautiful centerfold for Playboy Nov 2012
:D
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:25pmSome of the benefits go to help with scholarships for student journalists? Good.
Comedy Benefit for laughter the best medicine? Better.
That is all I shall say.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:27pm@82ndAirborne:
Truth in your posting as always. We need a leader, not a POTUS worse than Carter was; never thought the day would actually come in my lifetime I could say that – got proved wrong.
Report Post »Clara88
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:33pmBarry’s father was FORCED out of Harvard
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/53968.html
Report Post »Johnny Jarhead
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:36pm@82dAirborne:
Well said, sir.
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:37pmNothing the Idiot in Chief could say would make me laugh.
Comedian no…Joke yes.
Report Post »SKOAL-BROTHER {GALLEY OF CATFISH}
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:39pmLet us bless our duly elected President, wise Commander in Chief, faithful leader of the Democrat party, and for tonight – going Toe to Toe against the best of Saturday Night Live without a teleprompter!
Report Post »Bless this gifted Inspirational speaker and nationally admired debater.
Bless America! Godspeed!
No1YaKnow
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 6:43pmWe don’t have time for this “silliness”.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:14pm@CHEEZEWHIZ
Report Post »ROFLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Great list of Obummer’s possible jokes BUT
you forgot how he will “JOKE” about not having enough TIME for GOLF
Took alot of time to go to Chicago and tape the bog “O” show………..
Dale
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:20pmThe only thing funny about the squander-in-chief is acting like a president.
Report Post »mill
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:25pmTell him to go to Texas and respond to their request for help instead of going to dinner. Oh..right…Texas..there aren’t the cameras and media there that there is in Alabama…and he knows people in Texas think he’s an @hole. Perry will never hear form him.
Report Post »Obviously Obama doesn’t know that this is not how a democracy works.. Every last person in Texas should vote against this @hole.
tifosa
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:32pmCHEEZWIZ, good call. Already, as they just arrive, the top tweet is a copy of a sign @nerdprom : “Donald Trump: you’re gonna have hell toupee!” the 2nd top tweet: “Trump & Boehner at the same table tonight: The liar and the crier.”
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:40pm@ GeorgieJo
Report Post »” To all those who complain about my golfing, you too would be finding any excuse to go golfing if you had to live with a nagging mother-in-law in your house “
cheezwhiz
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 7:50pm@ mill
Report Post »Watch the vids of him campaigning errr…er…er consoling in Alabama.
Then watch the non-existant vids of him in TN ( last year ) and this year’s other tornado -hit communities .
What stands out ?
BetterDays
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 9:23pmAny conservative that would sit in the same room with him for any reason than doing government official business, I won’t vote for!
Report Post »VoteAllenWest2012
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 9:41pmØBAMA = ØNE BIG (_____)(_____) MISTAKE AMERICA
Report Post »copyright © by VoteAllenWest2012
SKOAL-BROTHER {GALLEY OF CATFISH}
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:53pmThey tore Trump apart, even calling his hair “a fox” that would eat left over food. The Donald left as soon as possible with his “daughter” in tow. He did not look happy.
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:59pmoops, methinks DonTrump got an ouchy at the WHCD. He left FAST and NOT SMILING!
Report Post »jzs
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:50pm82dAirborne, what would have have President Obama do about the fires in Texas? Should he go fight the fire himself? Is it that those responding to the fire need some Presidential guidance, hour by hour? What is it you’d have him do?
Or maybe, as long as there as any problem, presidents of the United States should exercise or take vacation?
Report Post »bullcrapbuster
Posted on May 1, 2011 at 12:37amBring in the clown.
Report Post »Tea Party Conservatism
Posted on May 1, 2011 at 3:50amBirth certificate speculation, isolated from other disqualifications, has been a diversion from the fact that Obama’s foreign father precluded his being a “natural born citizen” meaning born on U.S. soil of U.S. citizen parents; he is further ineligible by dual citizenship for being born a British citizen pursuant to the British Nationality Act of 1948, as his father was a British citizen of colonial Kenya.[1]
Obama is not a natural born citizen which, while encompassing a non-naturalized citizen, is a higher quality of citizenship required for only the President by the Constitution. Allowing a usurper to remain in office presents a clear and present danger to our national security and your freedom!
Mistakenly equating a non-naturalized citizen with a natural born citizen, ignores constitutive eligibility exclusions established by the Founding Fathers. Potentially any enemy such as Osama Bin Laden along with a naturalized U.S. citizen, could have a child born on U.S. soil but raised overseas until age 21, then 14 years later be eligible for President. Similarly untenable is allowing Obama’s de facto presidency to set a precedent permitting dual citizens possibly having divided loyalties to be eligible.
Obama recently stated, “We don’t have time for this kind of silliness, Forget the birth certificate “distraction” and focus on what’s really important!”
Good advice America.
Tell your elected Representatives and Senators to honor their oaths and obey the Constitution by removing Obama from office, or they will be removed from office!
Bear in mind impeachment applies to offenders legally in office and may undo very little. Obama should be arrested, tried and convicted for usurping the Presidency. Every law and executive order he signed along with the illegal orders he issued the military, will all be invalidated. Concomitantly, his entire administration including Joe Biden and the communist czar cabinet will also be removed, along with every appointment he made including most importantly, the two extremely dangerous dissidents he placed on the Supreme Court.
Report Post »1. Leo C. Donofrio, Esq., “Why Obama is ineligible – regardless of his birthplace.” WorldNetDaily, 4/01/2010.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=134881