President Joe Biden, showing at one in all DC’s oldest traditions, the Gridiron Dinner, made some sharp quips about his rival Donald Trump however then turned severe in regards to the menace that his rival poses to democracy.
The dinner custom, which dates to the nineteenth century, is a white-tie evening with journalists performing musical skits and politicians doing a few of their very own humor.
Biden directed his barbs at his personal age and at his rival. “One candidate’s too old and mentally unfit to be president,” Biden stated. “The other guy’s me.”
Biden famous that his pupil debt aid program “doesn’t apply to everyone. Just yesterday, a defeated-looking man came up and said, “I’m being crushed by debt. I’m completely wiped out.” I stated, ‘Sorry, Donald I can’t assist out.’”
There had been many jokes about age all through the night.
Noting that Mitch McConnell was stepping down as GOP chief, Biden stated, “I hate to see a friend give up in his prime.”
But he, like different audio system, ended their bits on a severe word.
“As I said in my State of the Union address, we live in an unprecedented moment of democracy — an unprecedented moment in history,” Biden stated. “Democracy and freedom are literally under attack. Putin’s on the march in Europe. My predecessor bows down to him and says, ‘Do whatever the hell you want.’”
Biden added, “Good journalism holds a mirror up to a country for us to reflect the good, the bad and the truth about who we are.”
Biden stated to the journalism crowd, “It just isn’t hyperbole. We want you. Democracy is in danger and the American folks must know. In fractured instances, they want a context and perspective.“
He added, “Every single one of us has a role to play in making sure American democracy endures. This year, you, the free press, have a bigger role than ever. Let me state the obvious: You are not the enemy of the people. You are a pillar of any free society.”