The forum is the White House Correspondents’ Association’s annual black-tie dinner Saturday night, which attracts a mix of politicians, celebrities and journalists.
The president isn’t the only one telling the jokes. Tart-tongued comic Wanda Sykes, who first made a name on TV with stints on “The Chris Rock Show” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” was booked as this year’s dinner entertainer. She has said it’s her job to “poke fun and ridicule,” and even a popular figure such as Obama isn’t off limits. Proceeds from the dinner will help feed the hungry and fund journalism scholarships. The association will donate more than $23,000 to the charity So Others Might Eat, including money raised by skipping formal dessert for guests. First lady Michelle Obama planned to present scholarship awards at the event. The $200-per-ticket dinner attracts plenty of VIPs from outside the Beltway. Among those expected to attend were Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Eva Longoria Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Fallon, Samuel L. Jackson and Jon Bon Jovi.
Pilot hero pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger was expected, too.