Luxe Life

Obama, Sykes Bring Down the House

By Kimberly Castro

Posted: May 11, 2009

With Hollywood heavyweights strolling down the red carpet, paparazzi, and a bevy of screaming 'tweens, you'd think this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night was a summer blockbuster movie première. As the fans ogled the likes of Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro, and Glenn Close, the stars were there in hopes of catching a glimpse of or mingling with President Obama, the true A-lister of the evening. He did not disappoint.

Obama, with spot-on comedic timing, delivered an after-dinner speech laced with one-line zingers poking fun at Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Fox News, and Vice President Joe Biden. Here are a couple of the president's noteworthy quips, which had many people banging their tables, teary with laughter, and falling out of their seats:

"During the second 100 days, we will design, build, and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days. My next 100 days will be so successful, I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day, I will rest."

"Sasha and Malia aren't here tonight because they are grounded. You can't just take Air Force One on a joy ride around Manhattan. I don't care whose kids you are. And that reminds me: Tomorrow is Mother's Day. This is a tough holiday for Rahm. He's not used to saying the word day after mother."

The annual fete, cheekily dubbed "the nerd prom," packed 2,500 journalists, Washington elite, and celebrities into the Washington Hilton ballroom. It's the one night during the year when journalists toast the president and, in turn, when the president gets roasted. As the mistress of ceremonies, comedienne Wanda Sykes skewered the first couple and also took shots at Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh. Two jokes that may have gone too far, eliciting "oooohhhhs" from the crowd:

"I think Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker [on 9/11], but he was just so strung out on OxyContin he missed his flight. He needs a good waterboarding—that's what he needs."

Sykes also took a jab at Sarah Palin, saying she was scheduled to attend the dinner but then "pulled out at the last minute." "Somebody should tell her that's not really how you practice abstinence."

Special shout-out to an adorable Rashida Jones, a "big fan" of U.S. News!

No morals, no ethics, no values, no character... oh, them Dems...

Typical!

r2w of FL @ May 12, 2009 13:29:28 PM

True Words spoken in jest

I think there is a recurring pattern here. It appears those that did not like the President before the elections are entitled to their opinion and those that like him are entitled to theirs. All in all it is fair game.

Ms Wanda made me laugh and cringe but all in all she can only interpret the world the way she sees it – obviously not every one agrees with her views.

But you know what you can take it or leave it.

Personally, I hope someone will make sense of all that has been taking place on a global scale and do a proper audit.

We all need elected officers and the best candidate not party always get elected. I think history is already in the making and a good one for that matter – we cannot pretend that a lot of abuse that has gone on for too long is exactly fair. If it has to come out in jest so be it.

Laughter is a good medicine for the soul.

Keep Laughing !!!!!

Pammy @ May 12, 2009 12:29:20 PM

Free Speech - Loving it!!! Truth shall set you free

You know what, I think it was a good evening - Wanda was there to do a job and she delivered.

She had a go at every one and I must say I don't think what she did or said was different from what the likes of Rush has said as well.

Rush might not have completed a lot of his opinion the way Wanda has done but he himself has implied negative comments.

I feel strongly that he can take care of himself - No harm done.

Shorty, I don't know your level of education but if you are implying that it is a race card - then the implication is from you - you said it, it is your opinion so own it digest it and chew on it.

One last thing I am glad the President had a good laugh, I can assure you though he didn't enjoy all of it but as always he endured all.

Pammy @ May 12, 2009 11:12:28 AM

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Luxe Life

Luxury is no longer the sole province of the elite. Upscale goods and services now target a much broader market. Kimberly Castro, deputy business editor of U.S.News & World Report, takes a look at the luxe life, from fine wines and cars to high-end real estate and wealth management. Though no elitist, Kim does admit a fondness for a bold bottle of Scout's Honor from Venge Vineyards and satiating her wanderlust in Europe.

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