Biden directed his barbs at his own age and at his predecessor.
One candidates too old and mentally unfit to be president, Biden said.
The other guys me.
Joe Biden and Donald TrumpBrendan Smialowski / AFP / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Holocaust Museum’s Board
Biden noted that his student debt relief program doesnt apply to everyone.
Just yesterday, a defeated-looking man came up and said, Im being crushed by debt.
Im completely wiped out.
I said, Sorry, Donald I cant help out.'
Chew later shook hands with Biden as the president lingered for a bit afterward chatting with attendees.
Sure enough, there was a joke about their likeness.
At least that is what Jeff Bezos would tell them.
Democracy and freedom are literally under attack.
Putins on the march in Europe.
My predecessor bows down to him and says, Do whatever the hell you want.
It is not hyperbole.
Democracy is at risk and the American people need to know.
In fractured times, they need a context and perspective.
They need substance to match the enormity of the task.
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.
He noted that he is the clubs oldest president.
Our best-known motto is: Singe, dont burn, Balz said.
We also have a lesser-known motto:Elderly and well meaning.
Another moment featured Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin as she sang Bobby McFerrinsDont Worry, Be Happy.
When YOURE out pumpin gaso-lee-unStop mopin!
Be happy (spoken) Be happy, dammitWoo-woo-woo woo, woo-di-woo-di woo-doo-doo .
The dinners speakers traditionally feature one Republican and one Democratic figure.
The Utah governor was a last minute addition after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin had to drop out.
Thats fancy Utah, like if Jon Huntsman or Mitt Romney were a city.
Full disclosure, though: I did get a little help with my speech.
So Senator Katie Britt offered some coaching.
Notice I am a little breathy tonight… That drew some laughter and some ooohs.
Cox responded, We really didnt know if we should use that one.
We are better than the hatred and the divisiveness, he said.
I know its fun to make fun of MAGA.
And the same thing is happening on the other side.
Theres nothing more un-American than hating our fellow Americans.
After he finished, Cox hugged Biden and Harris.
Another: D.C. is a special town.
There are so many fascinating characters here.
Speaker Mike Johnson, off to a rocky start.
Speaker Johnson and his teenage son use and app called Covenant Eyes.
This is a porn accountability app.
… How good is this app?
Everytime Mike Johnson gets screwed by his own caucus his son gets a notification.
We must never forget that.
I personally know the stakes of rising political violence too well.
Biden and Harris both stayed for a bit after the dinner ended.
The president posed for selfies and even called a womans mother.
Harris, meanwhile, was asked what she thought of the dinner.
Its a part of a tradition and its wonderful.
Its a good tradition.
She then ribbed Politicos Jonathan Martin, asking him, Were you in the dog uniform?
One skit featured a singing Commander, one of the Bidens dogs, along with injured Secret Service agents.
For the record, Martin did not play the dog.
Tonight was the Gridiron Dinner in DC, one of Washingtons oldest traditions.
