UK President Joe Biden did not spare his political adversary, Donald Trump, from sharp witticisms at a recent gathering of Washington’s elite. Biden declared, much to the amusement of the audience, that he was an adult running against a child.
The event held last Saturday was the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and it served as an excellent opportunity for Biden to assert his stance against Trump through a mixture of pointed rhetoric, clever wit, and personal jibes.
As anticipation builds for a potential debate between both men, President Biden, dressed in a tuxedo and black tie, commenced his roast by humorously poking fun at Trump, dubbing him ‘sleepy Don’. This moniker referenced a nickname Trump had previously assigned to Biden.
Commenting on the 2024 election in motion, Biden, who is 81, stated, “As an adult, I’m competing against a child.” He also ridiculed Trump’s recent discourse on the civil war battle at Gettysburg, which Trump described as “fascinating”, “brutal”, “awful”, and “beautiful” in turns.
Biden made a jest, “Do you recall what Donald remarked regarding a significant civil war fight? ‘Wow, Gettysburg!’ Trump’s address was so cringe-worthy, the statue of Robert E. Lee gave up once again.” Biden also referenced the rift between Trump and his prior Vice President, Mike Pence, who contradicted him over the 2020 election result.
Biden said, “Apart from our age, we have no common ground. My Vice President endorses me, unlike his”. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was present on the stage, responded with laughter and applause.
Biden also touched upon Trump’s pending legal case in New York, where he’s alleged to have falsified business records to conceal a payoff to adult film star, Stormy Daniels. He quipped, “Donald has been having some rough days of late. You could say it’s a stormy period.”
He also mentioned Trump’s new venture of retailing ‘God Bless the USA Bibles’ at $59.99. “Trump has become so desperate he’s started reading the Bibles he’s retailing. When he reached the first rule that says, ‘You shall not worship any god before me’, he put it away saying ‘This book isn’t for me’.”
Mr Biden light-heartedly made jokes about his own seniority and took friendly jabs at the press. He said, “Some of you have criticised me for not fielding enough of your questions. I have nothing to say on that.”
On a more solemn note, the president called on the media to maintain its focus on the repercussions of November’s election. “Please understand that I’m not imploring you to pick sides,” he stated. “What I’m asking is for you to grasp the gravity of the present situation. Look beyond the competitive polling figures, the unexpected incidents, and the distractions. Let’s stop allowing the trivialities that amplify and trivialise our politics. Instead, let’s concentrate on what is genuinely at stake.”
The cheerful atmosphere inside the room stood in stark contrast to disorderly protests taking place outside the Washington Hilton hotel. Several hundred protestors yelled disapprovingly at White House staff, journalists and stars as they made their way into the dinner, criticising Mr Biden’s management of the Gaza conflict and the media’s reportage on it.
Mr Biden’s address, lasting roughly 10 minutes, did not refer to the ongoing conflict or the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza. – Guardian