Post by TCole
Wanda Sykes headlines The Whitehouse Correspondence Dinner

Falling in line with the tradition of all his predecessors, President Barack Obama attended the Whitehouse Correspondence Dinner, an event that was formed in 1914 by the White Correspondence Association, a group that serves as a liaison between the press and the president. Though it is tradition to attend this event, the evening was anything but traditional.

President Obama gave the crowd quite the surprise by firing a series of zingers, poking fun at the Republican Party, the press and himself. He even went in on Republican National Committee Chairman, Michael Steele jeering “Michael, for the last time, the Republican Party does not qualify for a bailout. Rush Limbaugh does not count as a troubled asset, I’m sorry.” John Boehner, House Minority Leader, found himself on the receiving end of punchline about his faux tan. Mr. President wasn’t just hard on others, he made a little fun of himself, making mention of some of his own public foul ups.

“No president in history has ever named three commerce secretaries this quickly,” Obama said. The president’s two top choices for the position dropped out. He also went in on former Vice President Dick Cheney, making light of his absence by saying that Cheney was writing his memoir, “How to shoot friends and interrogate people.” President Obama wasnt’ the only one who had jokes that evening.

Famed Comedian Wanda Sykes, the entertainment for the evening is known for her candor and political criticism, an obvious risque choice for the event. Sykes started in on the President and his love for basketball stating that his pick-up basketball hobby after becoming the first black President was “one step forward, two steps back.”

She teased the Obamas about their trip to England to meet the Queen, making light of their gift of an Iphone to her, and Michelle’s infamous back pat, “like she just slid into home plate — way to go, queen!” “What are you going to give the Pope, a Bluetooth,” asked Sykes.

She left the crowd of VIPs thoroughly entertainted, but not before painting Rush Limbaugh and terrorist, and berating Seah Hannity for not keeping his promise to the troops. Sykes was a definite hit with the attendees, who were politicians, journalists and celebrities. Among those attending were Eva Longoria Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Christian Slater, Natalie Portman, Sting, Mariska Hargitay, Steven Spielberg and Jon Bon Jovi. Also there was Richard Phillips, who was held hostage by Somali pirates after his cargo ship was attacked.

Proceeds from the dinner will help feed the hungry and fund journalism scholarships. The association will donate more than $23,000 to the charity So Others Might Eat, including money raised by skipping formal dessert for guests. What could be better than a night of charity and jokes??? I’m not sure but I bet this Friday at Icon will be pretty close… we’ll see you there!!
To see President Obama and Wanda Sykes go in on our nation’s blunders CLICK HERE.

LINK TO SITE FOR VIDEO CLICK HERE