President Joe Biden playfully poked fun at former President Donald Trump during Saturday’s Gridiron Club Dinner, an annual roast in Washington where politicians and journalists don white tie attire, continuing a long-standing bipartisan tradition.
During his remarks, Biden quipped, “The big news this week is two candidates clinched their parties’ nomination for president. One candidate is too old, mentally unfit to be president. The other’s me.” He also ribbed Republicans, noting, “They want a secure border but they block it for the strongest border bill ever. They take credit for one [of the] biggest infrastructure laws but voted against it. And I’m the one confused?”
This marked Biden’s initial appearance at the dinner during his presidency, coinciding with the onset of one of the lengthiest general election cycles in American history, following his and Trump’s securing of their party nominations.
Looking ahead, Biden outlined his intentions: “In the coming months, Kamala and I will be making the case how Americans are better off than four years ago. How we got so much though the pandemic, turned around the economy, reestablished America’s leadership in the world all without encouraging the American people to inject bleach,” referencing Trump’s infamous disinfectant suggestion in 2020. He emphasized, “All without destroying the economy, embarrassing us around the world or itching for insurrection,” adding, “Look, I wish these were jokes but they’re not.”
Transitioning to a more solemn tone, Biden highlighted the threats facing democracy and freedom, central to his re-election campaign. “Putin’s on the march in Europe. My predecessor bows down to him and says to him. ‘Do whatever the hell you want.’ Former American president actually said that,” Biden asserted, underscoring the presence of Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
He asserted, “We will not bow down. They will not bow down, and I will not bow down,” emphasizing the domestic threat post-insurrection, stating, “the threat remains” with “poison coursing through the veins of our democracy” and accusing Trump of vilifying the press.
Biden addressed the attendees, acknowledging the risks journalists undertake in their profession and expressing gratitude, stating, “Let me state the obvious, you are not the enemy of the people,” recognizing the vital role of journalism in a free society.
Vice President Kamala Harris also attended, along with several Cabinet members, members of Congress, and governors, marking the first presidential appearance at the dinner since Trump in 2018. Notably, cameras are not permitted at the event, a tradition upheld since Trump’s attendance in 2018.
In 2022, at least 72 attendees reported testing positive for COVID following the high-profile gathering.
