Obama jokes about Romney, Congress and Secret Service at press dinner
President Barack Obama poked fun at his likely presidential rival Mitt Romney and Republican opponents in Congress, including a dig at Romney's treatment of a pet dog, at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
The black-tie dinner, informally billed as the “nerd prom,” is the biggest social event of the year for Washington media and gives presidents a chance to show a lighter side.
“I'm not going to attack any of the Republican candidates. Take Mitt Romney; he and I actually have a lot in common,” the president said, telling the crowd of Hollywood celebrities and Washington power players that both men trailed their wives in national opinion polls.
Obama, who faces re-election in November, is expected to be matched against Romney, a multimillionaire and former Massachusetts governor.
He joked that the luxurious ballroom in the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner was held was “what Mitt Romney calls a fixer-upper,” a dig at Romney's sometimes clumsy references to his wealth.
Obama said he had expected a tough campaign but that one video had gone too far. A fake political attack ad rolled with a news clip of Romney defending himself against criticism for strapping the family dog, Seamus, in a crate on the top of the car during a family trip in 1983.
The clip showed images of the Obama family dog Bo, apparently miserable at being held captive by “European style dog socialism.” A deep voice intoned: “American dogs can't afford four more years of Obama. To them, that's 28 years.”
Obama also took a shot at former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who has announced he would quit the Republican primary race. “Newt, there's still time man,” he said to Gingrich, who was in the audience with his wife, Callista”.
In a shot at the legislative branch of the U.S. government, Obama quipped: “Congress and I have certainly had our differences. Yet, I've tried to be civil, to not take any cheap shots and that's why I want to especially thank all the members who took a break from their exhausting schedule of not passing any laws to be here tonight. Let's give them a big round of applause.”
Obama ended his speech with a reference to a recent scandal over Secret Service staffers consorting with prostitutes during a presidential trip to Colombia. ”I had a lot more material prepared, but I have to get the Secret Service home in time for their new curfew”.
- EnjoyJimmy Kimmel speech.
Suggested Stories
-
May 22nd 2013
“Fed not ready to take its foot off the gas”, Bernanke tells the US Congress
-
May 21st 2013
Venezuelan overture to the US: “time to resume diplomatic representation at the highest level”
-
May 16th 2013
US will continue to be a country of immigrants according to census projections
-
May 23rd 2013
Beware inflation: CFK announces “political groups” will keep track of prices in shops
20 comments Feed
Note: Comments do not reflect MercoPress’ opinions. They are the personal view of our users. We wish to keep this as open and unregulated as possible. However, rude or foul language, discriminative comments (based on ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or the sort), spamming or any other offensive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Please report any inadequate posts to the editor. Comments must be in English. Thank you.
I, as well as millions of other Americans, hope and pray that you are correct! Obuma is a complete misfit and arrogant ass.
Good riddance to bad rubbish!
Unfortunately, in most areas probably not. But, I would hope that Romney would treat our REAL friends and allies in the world, such as the UK, with the respect they deserve. And I don't think Romney will be hell-bent on turning the US into the Socialist Utopia that Obuma envisions.
Most politicians are nothing more than self-serving bastards as demonstrated by Obuma, CFK, her son His Fatness and all of the others of their ilk. A pox on them all.
Interestingly very few laugh,
But we suspect that the American people will have the last laugh, on this fool,
And if this comes true,
It may well be the biggest setback for CFK sine she was agonized by some .
.
To help china ?/
But like we said, it was only a rumour.
.
China will be “invited” to invade Argentine Patagonia to “assist” CFK's government to develop the oil and gas YPF shale reserves, and insure that they get their shipments of production as promised. Argentina will receive an increase of Chinese exports, such as automobiles, busses, tractors and trucks in violation of Mercosur agreements, but will arrive anyway as bilateral “barter agreements” which will economically harm Uruguay and infuriate Brazil.
Maximo will have no problem financing his upcoming presidential campaign.
Residents of Buenos Aires will start to be seen wearing pins with pictures of Nestor, Cristina, and eventually Maximo, on their lapels...
What is China exporting to Uruguay to this day (Uruguay being a founder member of the Mercosur)
The yanqui is right, maybe we should sign a FTA with USA; we export GUSANOS, and import peace and quiet, no taxes involved :)
Very disturbed and unstable, he’s obviously extremely sensitive to rejection - implied, perceived or real from others and may react with displays of aggression, threats or temper tantrums when denied.
Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-tartamudo?
Look, if I gave you a bucket with 2 turds in it and asked you to pick the best one, what you've got there is still a nice looking turd, right?
I know the british can't talk either, Gordon Brown followed by David Cameron and his little b*tch, Nick Clegg. Oh the comedy just keeps on coming.
Me personally, I quite like Obama, I think that he has been good for America, but then again I haven't had to live under his policies for 4 years, and anyway, that's just my opinion.
That's a wonderful analogy (two turds in a bucket) of what a pickle we Americans are in at this juncture in our History. Our controlled choices for President.
I disagree with your assessment of Obuma. In my opinion he is an unmitigated disaster; probably the worst President in our history. Also, just my opinion.
@16 Stefan...
Your analogy is priceless, perfect: “the love child of Jimmie Carter and Oprah Winfrey.” :) :) :) :) LOL LOL LOL
As these so called turds, arise from its human hosts,
Are they entitled to rights, as in human?
Justa joka,
But in reality, we think Obama is not the friend of the british, he still has a grudge,
Others may deny it. But it happens to be true,
As like all leaders of government, he will try to keep his personal opinions away from front line politicts,
But,
Remember this, he would like nothing more that to instigate Americas authority over OAS, in such as leading the Americas, as one unit,
But he has a thorn in the works, called the Falklands, backed up by the British, his simple choice, is declare for British, [as he should do]
Or declare for [South America] and this would damage Americas credibility,
Or sit on the fence,
[He sits on the fence] thus insulting both sides,
But just for a moment, let’s ask Argentina and Britain, in reverse rolls,
Would you back me up, no matter what?
Would you declare for us, and help to defend us, and send your military to die along side or ours, under the guise of democracy or to defend against terrorisms.
Argentina will say what ?????????? you choose for them
The British on the other hand will say [yes] and declare for the Americans, right or wrong; this has happened and is still happening,
Argentina on the other hand has stated that they and others do not like the USA .in part.
Obama should declare for us, or go under,
Just my opinion,
.
Of, course you are right, briton. Obuma is no friend of our staunchest ally, Great Britain. Remember, the first thing he did when he moved into the White House was to grab the bust of Sir Winston, which was a gift to the American People from the British People, and return it to the British Embassy. That action was no more than a calculated insult to the British People. Millions of Americans were outraged by that action.
Oh, how I wish that we still had real leaders such as Maggie Thacther and Ronny Reagan. There would be no doubt what would happen if CFK made a move against the brave people of the Falkland Islands. (there are no Malvinas!)
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!