Biden skips anti-war protesters to roast Trump in election-year speech | US News
US President Joe Biden recently took aim at his rival Donald Trump during a speech at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Biden, who is 81 years old, addressed concerns about his age and joked, “Yes, age is an issue – I’m a grown man running against a six-year-old,” in reference to his 77-year-old opponent.
However, Biden also had a more serious message for the reporters in attendance, urging them to focus on the important issues at hand rather than getting caught up in the political circus. He emphasized the need to move past distractions and sensationalism and truly consider what is at stake.
While Biden did not directly acknowledge the protesters outside the event calling for an end to US support of Israel, he did arrive through a back entrance to avoid the demonstrators. The protesters outside the main entrance voiced their discontent, accusing US journalists of neglecting the war and misrepresenting the situation.
Pic: Reuters
Amidst the chaos outside, more than two dozen journalists in Gaza penned a letter urging their US counterparts to boycott the dinner. The letter highlighted the risks faced by journalists in the region and the importance of journalistic integrity.
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Israel’s recent offensive in Gaza following an attack by Hamas has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Both sides have suffered losses, with more than 34,000 Palestinians killed during the conflict. Reporters Without Borders reported a high number of journalist deaths in the region, underscoring the dangers faced by media professionals.
As protests and calls for action escalate across universities in the US, Biden’s speech at the correspondents’ dinner reflects the larger political climate and the challenges he may face in the upcoming election against Trump.
