The White House Correspondents' Association dinner - known for its fun albeit ferocious jabs at Washington - took a more solemn tone this year as President Joe Biden acknowledged the several American journalists under siege in authoritarian countries around the world.
"We are here to send a message to the country and, quite frankly, to the world: The free press is a pillar, maybe the pillar, of a free society, not the enemy," Biden said in his speech.ABC7 News Bay Area 24/7 streaming channelThe president and first lady Jill Biden, upon arriving at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, met privately with the parents of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since March.
"Journalism is not a crime. Evan and Austin should be released immediately along with every other American detained abroad," Biden said. "I promise you, I am working like hell to get them home." Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger opened the dinner with a pre-taped video about the importance of a free and independent press, calling reporters an "ally of the people." Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were seated on the stage along with comedian Roy Wood Jr., a correspondent for "The Daily Show," who was the featured entertainer.
"The last time Republicans voted for something that hapless it took 15 tries," Biden said, referring to the gruesome fight McCarthy endured to become speaker in January.
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