May 9, 2009
Posted: May 9th, 2009 11:29 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Barack Obama drew big laughs at the annual White House correspondents dinner Saturday night, taking jabs at his administration, his Republican rivals and even himself.

"I would like to talk about what my administration plans to achieve in the next 100 days," Obama said. "During the second 100 days we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days."

He added later, "I believe that my next 100 days will be so successful, I will be able to complete them in 72 days - and on the 73rd day I will rest."

The Democratic president poked fun at the Republican party, saying it "does not qualify for a bailout" and conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh "doesn't count as a troubled asset."

Obama touched on a few gaffes during his short time in office, from Vice President Joe Biden's verbose tendencies to an unfortunate Air Force One photo op that frightened New Yorkers - playfully pointing his finger at his young
daughters

"Sasha and Malia aren't here tonight because they're grounded," he said.

"You can't just take Air Force One on a joyride to Manhattan - I don't care whose kids you are."

As the world shakes off swine flu fears that started in Mexico, Obama noted his old rivalry with former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who now serves as secretary of state.

"We had been rivals during the campaign, but these days we could not be closer," the president said. "In fact, the second she got back from Mexico, she pulled me into a hug and gave me a big kiss - told me to get down there
myself."

Obama even took on former Vice President Dick Cheney, who wasn't in attendance: "He is very busy working on his memoirs, tentatively titled, "How to Shoot Friends and Interrogate People."

Obama took a somber tone, though, when specifically addressing the reporters in the room - noting the financial struggles that have afflicted the newspaper industry.

"Across the country there are extraordinary, hardworking journalists who have lost their jobs in recent days, recent weeks, recent months," he said. "I know each newspaper and media outlet is wrestling with how to respond with
these changes. ... Not every ending will be a happy one.

"It is also true that your ultimate success as an industry is essential to the success of our democracy - it's what makes this thing work."

Obama's remarks were followed by comedian Wanda Sykes, whose searing delivery spared no one - including the president and his tendency to pick up basketball games.

"They're just stroking your ego Mr. President," Sykes said.

Filed under: President Obama


skyhawkdriver   May 10th, 2009 10:11 am ET

Of course everyone in attendence laughed at his bad jokes..99.9percent of them voted for the bumpkin..the airforce one joke was in bad taste..the hillary joke was in bad taste..hopefully she will run again..she won't need a teleprompter...he is worried about newspapers??..of course he is..they all voted for him!!..I didn't hear any car jokes..I guess he can't tell chrysler jokes because he owns the company..that's funny because they all voted for him..the old saying is it is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it to the world..where is joe biden when you need him??

Yossi Gestetner   May 10th, 2009 8:47 am ET

Obama told the journalists something to the affect of "all of u voted for me."

It was a good "joke," but it is mainly the truth, and this tells us how objective the reporters were during 2008 leading up to election day...

Yossi Gestetner   May 10th, 2009 8:47 am ET

Obama told the journalists something to the affect of "all of u voted for me."

It was a good "joke," but it is mainly the truth, and this tells us hos objective the reporters were during 2008 leading up to election day...

jaymzz   May 10th, 2009 4:03 am ET

'let's go to iowa n make it official'. the best line of the night, hands down!

Lily Lansdon   May 10th, 2009 3:49 am ET

Still don't understand why Todd (first dude) Palin was there, what would he have to say, and to whom ? Well I guess its maybe just for Sarah's political agenda. I still don't see where he would fit in. white house corresspondent dinner

Kamilah Tyus   May 10th, 2009 2:54 am ET

President Obama is a man of integrity, who is very well versed on life. He has gone through more than many of us will ever know. So to all of the people who want to bash him you really need to get a life. You have know idea what our president has on his plate, not only is he the president he is a black man who is demonstrating that he has the ability to multi-task and control himself. Something many of the haters in America said did not exist. President Obama is more scrutinized than any other president in our history. Why? we all know the answer to that one. So to all who want to tear our president down with your hate speech and racism. I feel sorry for you because you are going to have to each your words and all of the hate that you try and spread. President Obama will succeed in everything he puts his mind to and he will defy the odds throughout his term in office. He wil be successful in bringing change to the United States of America. How do I know because our president is a man who fears God,cares for people, and believes in equality and justice for all people. To the first family you and your administration are in my prayers and may our God supply all your needs according to his riches and glory. May the peace that passeth all understanding continue to rest upon you daily and remember that greater is he that is in you. With God you can not fail. President Obama and First Lady Michelle thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and sacrifice. You are truly an inspiration.

The man's got jokes!   May 10th, 2009 1:57 am ET

Barack Obama is one of the coolest Presidents ever! His jokes, weren't boring, but funny as all get out. Keep up the great work President BO!

on a joyride to Manhattan   May 10th, 2009 1:52 am ET

not funny

I do not have trouble letting this go, I am not a 'hater', but this was sooooooo stupid, and his joke is poor

P from CA   May 10th, 2009 1:46 am ET

President Obama and Wanda Sykes were so funny! I will give it to Steele who did exhibit he has a sense of humor. And the rest of the GOP... most have lost their sense of humor. No humor, no ideas...just the party of no.

TKW-New Mexico   May 10th, 2009 1:15 am ET

I love our President, he is so down to earth. Just refreshing!

Charlize   May 10th, 2009 1:02 am ET

All I can say: Obama is the exact opposite to Dubya and the republicans in general. HONEST, STRAIGHTFORWARD, COOL, LIKABLE, FUNNY, INTELLIGENT, OPEN-MINDED, FRIENDLY, HUMBLE, DOWN TO EARTH. It is a privilege and a pleasure to have a president like him, just as it was an aberration and a disgrace to have had Dubya. No doubt those useless brainless close-minded republicans hate him so much, both envy and frustration go a long, long way!

Scott L   May 10th, 2009 12:59 am ET

Meanwhile an American is on trial in Iran and nobody in his administration is doing anything about it.

This President is worthless.

Rhonda   May 10th, 2009 12:52 am ET

Have watched this event for a many years, have never seen anyone wish death on another. This was a huge disgrace to the news media. the hostess was drunk, the president was a bore and the entertainer was rude and awful. Shows Obama cannot even take a "soft" punch.

Tanya Kujath   May 10th, 2009 12:50 am ET

Witty and Honest Humor. God Bless America and our President!!!

The Truth Texas Style   May 10th, 2009 12:46 am ET

This must have been a great and relaxed atmosphere for good old fashion jokes.

raymond buchanan   May 10th, 2009 12:45 am ET

waaay to go Mr. pres. you cannot imagine how much you pump us up.

RONNEBRASKA   May 10th, 2009 12:38 am ET

Way better than having the last moron joking about looking for WMD's while the soldiers he used for photo ops were dying or his favorite turd blossom trying his hand at rapping.

Flo   May 10th, 2009 12:35 am ET

Obama was so funny........................a class act. Wanda was off the chain, I can hear Hannity and Rush on Monday hopping mad at her for digging the knife deep. I really enjoyed the entertainment. The Limbaugh joke was probably the best. "He wants the country to fail; I hope his kidney fails" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Round 2 Rush take on Wanda on his show................Bring it on

Happylady   May 10th, 2009 12:35 am ET

It sounds like our pres knows how to laugh at himself. I would love to read Wanda Sykes comments. She is always hilarious.

Louie   May 10th, 2009 12:31 am ET

very funny mostly I like the joke about Sean Hannity is being tortured by Keith Olbermann

David   May 10th, 2009 12:27 am ET

Do I detect a certain edge to his humor? Particularly with regard to Hillary?

Judy Cunningham   May 10th, 2009 12:25 am ET

It was great fun tonight. The humor was great. I think we are going to have an exciting next four years.

hab   May 10th, 2009 12:24 am ET

It is good to have a president who makes us feel good and also remind us the challenges we are facing as a country.

Marge   May 10th, 2009 12:21 am ET

I watched this on MSNBC...their commentators esp Pat seemed to think she went "too far"...I thought she was wonderful!!!!

Sharon   May 10th, 2009 12:20 am ET

very good dinner ,worth watching.I hope know one gets mad at the comedy if so oh well.

tess   May 10th, 2009 12:19 am ET

could he have done it without a teleprompter? i don't think so because if he could he would – what happened to the smartest, most eloquent president we've ever had! in fact, all his speeches are beginning to sound alike – enflection and everything – and they are getting tiresome and boring!

m smith   May 10th, 2009 12:14 am ET

I really got a laugh out of the Cheny remark. Who say's our president doesn"t have a sense of humor.

Mel of Alexandria   May 10th, 2009 12:07 am ET

Very funny, Mr. President, but please keep your day job. I would hate to think that you are even tempted to join the John Boehner Posse in its comic routine.

CAMI in eternal moderation   May 10th, 2009 12:05 am ET

If this had been a competition, I would say the President won hands down. He was quite even-handed in poking fun at himself, his administration, his two girls and the Republicans without being mean spirited about it.

Wanda, on the other hand, had fewer truly funny moments and I think she should have limited herself to one-liners rather than elaborate on any one jibe too long.

Dan, TX   May 10th, 2009 12:00 am ET

Funny, but a little harsh.

reaganfanforever   May 9th, 2009 11:58 pm ET

I wonder whether his comments were amusing to the people who were terrified by the Air Force One debacle

Nicole   May 9th, 2009 11:54 pm ET

LOL @ the Hillary Clinton joke. :)

Leah DiMarco, Texas   May 9th, 2009 11:47 pm ET

The President and Ms. Sykes were BOTH great!

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