President Joe Biden didn't hold back punches as he took center stage at the prestigious Gridiron Club dinner on Saturday, aiming a barrage of witty jabs at his predecessor, Donald Trump, particularly targeting Trump's mental fitness.
In a jovial atmosphere reminiscent of Washington's political tradition dating back to the 1880s, Biden's attendance marked the first time a sitting president graced the event since Trump's appearance in 2018.
Amidst a gathering of over 650 esteemed guests including international dignitaries like Taoiseach of Ireland Leo Varadkar and tech titans such as Jeff Bezos and Shou Zi Chew, Biden seized the opportunity to showcase his comedic chops.
"One candidate is too old and mentally unfit to be president. The other one is me," Biden quipped, sparking laughter across the room. The 81-year-old president, who recently secured the Democratic Party's nomination for the upcoming presidential election, seemed determined to debunk concerns about his age and vitality in the race against the 77-year-old Trump.
Trump's campaign remained silent in response to Biden's jests, a stark contrast to Trump's past criticisms questioning Biden's mental acuity.
In addition to delivering a punchy performance, Biden also used the platform to underscore the importance of a free press, steering away from Trump's antagonistic rhetoric towards the media.
As the evening progressed, Biden engaged in candid conversations, touching upon pressing global issues such as the conflict in Ukraine. Standing alongside Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas, Biden affirmed a stance of solidarity with Ukraine, asserting, "We will not bow down."
Following his address, Biden graciously mingled with attendees, even taking the time to snap selfies with reporters and connect with guests on a personal level, exemplifying his approachable demeanor.
The event also saw participation from prominent political figures including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer representing the Democratic Party and Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who humorously announced his presidential candidacy for 2052, emphasizing his comparative youthfulness to both Biden and Trump.
