President Joe Biden made headlines at the annual Gridiron Club and Foundation Dinner in Washington with his witty remarks and jabs at former President Donald Trump. Biden, attending the dinner for the first time during his presidency, entertained the audience with his humor while also addressing serious issues.
Biden, 81, poked fun at Trump's age and mental fitness, jokingly referring to himself as the other candidate who had clinched the party's nomination. He highlighted moments when Trump appeared confused or made slip-ups, countering criticism of his own memory lapses.
The president emphasized the importance of the upcoming 2024 election, hinting at a potential rematch between himself and Trump. He warned of the threat to democracy if Trump, who continues to claim the 2020 election was stolen, were to return to the White House.
Biden's speech took a somber turn as he criticized Trump's approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin and underscored the need to defend democracy and freedom. He introduced Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as examples of leaders who refuse to bow down to authoritarianism.
The dinner, known for its bipartisan spirit, was attended by a host of prominent figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, governors, members of Congress, and foreign dignitaries like Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Biden closed the evening by praising the role of a free press in society, acknowledging the challenges faced by journalists and expressing his commitment to supporting press freedom. He highlighted the importance of journalism in holding power to account and mentioned efforts to secure the release of journalists held captive in Russia and Syria.
The event, held at the Grand Hyatt, was a night of laughter and camaraderie among political elites, showcasing the tradition of the Gridiron Club as a platform for humor, satire, and reflection on the state of the nation.
