A few thoughts on the White House Correspondent’s Association event last night:
When journalists have an event to celebrate themselves, and their work, they invite criticism and ridicule. And playing into the hand of Donald Trump, we give this White House an opening as wide as the Grand Canyon to mock us in front of the rest of the country. My fellow journalists, you can argue it, but it’s the truth and you know it.
Here’s what Politico writes is the purpose of the event:
“At its core, the dinner is supposed to be a celebration of the First Amendment, an opportunity to laud the young journalists who have won the association’s scholarships, and a place to applaud the current journalists whose work illuminates the public’s understanding of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.”
OK, sure, it’s for a worthy cause but that’s not why people attend. It’s all about being seen, sitting with the right people at the right tables. Having the “A” guest on your arm, someone you’ll probably have to objectively report on. How’s that going to work?
Once again for the umpteenth year, a comedian has crossed the line and there will be a weeks of collective naval gazing by some in the Washington press corps who think they should, for some reason, apologize for the entertainer’s behavior. After the actions of this White House? Seriously? First, she’s a comedian and it’s her job to make fun of people. Second, take a peek at Donald Trump’s twitter account. To allow the White House to claim the high road on ANY issue shows the ridiculousness of this event. The faux outrage from conservatives is laughable.
The comedic routine laced with sexual innuendo and, at times, dominated by outright vulgarities was directed primarily at Republicans and conservatives — a fact not lost on those in the room who expressed their displeasure on Twitter afterward. https://t.co/RP46G2aetP
— NPR (@NPR) April 29, 2018
I attended the WHCD last night. Donald Trump has so poisoned the atmosphere by attacking the disabled, gold star parents, Muslims, Mexicans, Blacks, women, the press, the rule of law that a comedian who simply tells the truth is offensive? She’s joking. He’s not.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) April 29, 2018
Here’s a not so hot take, the White House Correspondents Association shouldn’t try to lure President Trump or any other politician to their fundraising event. pic.twitter.com/JIZYbqkgy3
— Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) April 29, 2018
Let’s do everyone a favor and make next years event about the future of journalism. Lose the celebrities, the politicians and business leaders. Or just cancel the event. The New York Times stopped going years ago. There are less painful ways to raise money for aspiring journalists.
First Amendment would probably be OK without the dinner
— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) April 29, 2018