President Obama held nothing back during his last White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, skewering some of his critics, making light of friends, and even nodding toward his future in Washington after the presidency.
“Traditionally, presidents don’t stick around after they’re done, and it’s something that I’ve been brooding about a little bit,” said Obama.
In a video short featuring cameos from Vice President Joe Biden and former House Speaker John Boehner, Obama contemplates life after the White House.
“What am I going to do in D.C. for two years?” asked Obama in the video that sees him trying to get a coaching position with the Washington Wizards and trying to obtain a driver’s license, before calling another retired politician that’s in D.C. — Boehner.
Cut to Obama and crying Boehner watching Toy Story 3 and eating popcorn.
“So, you got any advice for me?” asked Obama.
“So now you want my advice?” said Boehner.
“You’ve got all the time in the world to figure this out, you can just be you for a while, if you know how to do that again,” Boehner told the president.
When the president talked about Biden, Obama said he wanted to thank him “for being a great friend” and “for not shooting anybody in the face”— harkening back to when former Vice President Dick Cheney shot Harry Whittington in 2006 while hunting on a Texas ranch.
And the president also took time to poke fun at how he’s aged during his presidency, noting that while he’s changed, first lady Michelle has not.
“Eight years ago, I was a young man, full of idealism and vigor,” the president said. “And look at me now — I’m gray and grizzled, just counting down the days until my death panel.”
“The only way you can date her in photos is by looking at me,” said Obama, talking about Michelle.
Moving from joking about his presidency, Obama made fun of the 2016 race for the White House. From the GOP to the Democratic candidates, none were safe from Obama’s wise cracks.
“GOP chairman Reince Priebus is here as well. Glad to see that you feel that you’ve earned a night off,” said Obama. “Congratulations on all your success. The Republican party, the nomination process — it’s all going great. Keep it up.”
On the topic of the 2016 presidential candidates, Obama brought up Ted Cruz’s recent “basketball ring” faux pas.
“What else is in his lexicon? Baseball sticks? Football hats?” said Obama. “But sure, I’m the foreign one.”
Donald Trump, who was not at the dinner this year, was also targeted by Obama.
“You got a room full of reporters, celebrities, cameras, and he says no? Is this dinner too tacky for The Donald?” the president asked before going on to ponder what Trump might be doing instead.
“Is he at home eating a Trump steak, tweeting out insults to Angela Merkel? What is he doing?”
The Democrats were not spared either.
“Hillary trying to appeal to young voters is a little bit like your relative who just signed up for Facebook,” Obama said. “‘Dear America, did you get my poke? Is it appearing on your wall? I’m not sure I’m using this right. Love, Aunt Hillary.’”
On Bernie Sanders, who was in attendance: Obama told him that he looked like “a million bucks,” or “37,000 donations of $27.”
Jokes and zings aside, Obama took a few moments during his speech to honor specific reporters for their work.
The president recognized Globe reporters Sacha Pfeiffer and Mike Rezendes, Globe Editor-At-Large Walter Robinson, former Globe staffers Matt Carroll and Ben Bradlee Jr., and Jason Rezaian of the Washington Post were all recognized by the president for their work.
“I have always appreciated the role that you have all played as equal partners in reaching those goals,” said Obama.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work side by side with you to strengthen our democracy.”
Then, perhaps the best moment of all, was Obama’s exit. A simple “Obama out” and boom goes the mic drop.
View post on imgur.comAimee Ortiz can be reached at aimee.ortiz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @aimee_ortiz.
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