The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, an annual event renowned for its comedic barbs and satirical jabs at Washington’s elite, has taken a decidedly more serious turn this year. With global press freedom under attack, the evening was dedicated to a somber discussion in support of journalists who have been wrongfully imprisoned or have disappeared while on the job.
On Saturday, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrived at the Washington Hilton, where they held a private meeting with the parents of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is currently imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges. The Bidens expressed their support for Gershkovich’s release, along with many other attendees who wore buttons reading “Free Evan.” The mother of Austin Tice, who has been missing since 2012, was also present.
Throughout the evening, the plight of journalists around the world who are unjustly detained for their reporting was a recurring theme. Tamara Keith, White House correspondent for NPR and president of the association, noted that “they are among hundreds of journalists around the world who are wrongfully detained for the simple act of reporting – which is not a crime.” The evening served as a powerful reminder of the importance of a free press and the sacrifices that journalists make to bring us the truth.
The attendees included numerous celebrities and media moguls, such as actor Liev Schreiber, singer John Legend, and model and television personality Chrissy Teigen. The evening began with a recorded video from actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, emphasizing the importance of a free and independent press. Comedian Roy Wood Jr., correspondent for ‘The Daily Show,’ served as the featured entertainer for the evening, according to Dallas Press News.
Wood prefaced his remarks by acknowledging that humor will not change deep-seated beliefs, citing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as an example. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were seated on stage with Wood for the evening’s entertainment.
As a longtime attendee of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, President Biden is well-versed in its traditions. He was the first president in six years to accept the invitation after his predecessor, Donald Trump, avoided the event during his administration. While last year’s event saw Biden taking aim at his Republican critics, including Trump, this year’s focus was on more serious matters. As the President arrives as Commander-in-Chief and a presidential candidate, he was reminded of the importance of a free press and the dangers that journalists face every day.
