During a weekend roast in Washington, President Joe Biden humorously remarked that while two candidates had secured their party’s nomination for president, one was deemed too old and mentally unfit for the job – a jab he couldn’t resist directing at himself. The playful digs aimed at Republican Donald Trump continued throughout the evening at the annual Gridiron Club and Foundation Dinner. Biden brushed off ongoing criticism of his own cognitive abilities by highlighting moments when Trump, at 77 years old, had faltered, suggesting Trump seemed to think he was still running against Barack Obama.
In his first attendance at the dinner as president, Biden shifted the tone to a more serious note, expressing concerns about the threat to democracy posed by Trump’s continued false claims about the 2020 election and his apparent deference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden emphasised the importance of standing firm against such threats, introducing Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as examples of resilience.
Attending the event in customary white-tie attire with his daughter Ashley, Biden joined a bipartisan crowd of political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, various Cabinet members, members of Congress, governors and ambassadors. The evening’s speakers included Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Utah Governor Spencer Cox, each offering their perspectives.
Biden closed the dinner by underlining the vital role of a free press, acknowledging the challenges journalists face and reaffirming his commitment to supporting their work. Seated alongside Harris and other dignitaries at the head table, he emphasised the need for responsible journalism, pledging ongoing efforts to secure the release of journalists held captive abroad.
The event, held at the Grand Hyatt, strictly prohibited photography and television coverage, preserving the intimate atmosphere of the occasion.
(With inputs from AP)