Saturday Night Open Thread: Fun With Trump at the WHCD

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:27:56 PM EST
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Is anyone watching the White House Correspondent's dinner? Who's there? Donald Trump, Bristol Palin and Bill O'Reilly. Also, President Obama, who is lauughing at SNL's Seth Meyers. And Sean Penn. Here's a photo gallery of "red carpet" arrivals.

Update: Meyers is killing Trump. Trump is so not amused. And Obama is laughing out loud. He then moves to Obama, who's a good sport and laughs at all the jabs, from how he's aged to how the only person who can beat Obama in 2012 is the Obama who ran in 2008.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome. Updates and video from the dinner below:.

Update: On Congress, Meyers says, "I think Congress votes on bills the same way the rest of us agree to updated conditions on iTunes."

President Obama also spoke. Here's some of what he said about "The Donald." Trump at least smiled at this:

“He can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter. Like, did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?”

Here's Obama's speech tonight. His digs at Trump are really funny, and since it was before Meyers, Trump at least pretended to crack a tight smile:

Obama was a great sport during Meyers' jabs.

Trump, not so much.

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Saturday Night Open Thread: Fun With Trump at the WHCD | 63 comments (63 topical)

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The Dinner (5.00 / 7) (#13)
by kmblue on Sun May 01, 2011 at 03:11:41 AM EST

is a circle jerk of media types (note I do not say reporters) fawning over the people they cover.
Like they don't do enough of that already.

Stephen Colbert was the only guest ever to speak truth to the media--and he got reamed for it.

It's hard to understand why we seem to (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by Anne on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:25:14 AM EST

have gotten to the point where the only kind of truth spoken has to come from the safety of "just kidding," instead of from newspapers or network news studios.

And I do have a problem with the self-satisfied public laughter of the elite at a time when so many are hurting so badly; there's "dark humor" and then there's just meanness camouflaged with uproarious laughter.

Have never been a fan of that kind of funny.


: Dana Milbank on "IMPRESSIONS" (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by MO Blue on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:36:01 AM EST

I don't fault any one host for throwing a party or any journalist for attending. Many of them are friends. There's nothing inherently wrong with savoring Johnnie Walker Blue with the politicians we cover.
But the cumulative effect is icky. With the proliferation of A-list parties and the infusion of corporate and lobbyist cash, Washington journalists give Americans the impression we have shed our professional detachment and are aspiring to be like the celebrities and power players we cover. link
Don't think "impression" is quite the right word.

I know (5.00 / 3) (#14)
by lentinel on Sun May 01, 2011 at 04:06:44 AM EST

I'm just a gloomy gus, but I can't but be aware that this unholy union of the rich and the rich wannabes was taking place at the same time NATO was busy slaughtering Gaddafi's son and grandchildren.

obama is a farce, (5.00 / 7) (#15)
by observed on Sun May 01, 2011 at 04:21:57 AM EST

But he sure is skillful with sycophantic court jesters

Interesting thought: (5.00 / 6) (#16)
by lentinel on Sun May 01, 2011 at 05:23:00 AM EST

The only person who can beat Obama in 2012 is the Obama who ran in 2008.

Actually, the Obama who ran in 2008 is the same person he is now.
You all know his dismal voting record in the Senate and the peculiar people with whom he associated and campaigned.

But an image was fabricated in 2008 of a knight in shining armor, a brilliant man, a new Lincoln (!), a new FDR (!), a peacemaker... added to which was the absolute desperation of a war-weary and increasingly impoverished electorate... and voilà: Obama.

Now we're stuck with the reality of someone who cares little for civil liberties and is beholden to the same warmongers as his predecessor.

So what we really need is a candidate who is in fact what was only smoke and mirrors in 2008.

That can't be the Obama of 2008. He never existed.

great comment. (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by observed on Sun May 01, 2011 at 10:04:36 AM EST

It brought a tear to my eye. Oh have we elevated mediocrity .


"The peuliar people with whom he associated (2.33 / 3) (#29)
by MKS on Sun May 01, 2011 at 07:00:44 PM EST

and campaigned."

That is a comment coming straight from the Donald.

Pumas still live. In fact, Pumas have been fanning the flames of birtherism for a long time. TexasDarlin being a good example.

There appears to be disappointment that birtherism failed and that the original birth certificate was released. And disappointment that the Donald got lampooned.

And the nod to McCarthyism with the reference to "peculiar" people. Did you believe in the "Whitey" tape that that most famous of Pumas was peddling?


"Pumas"?!? (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by Yman on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:16:29 PM EST

Hahahahah ... that's some funny stuff.

You should have gone on after Meyers.


Hmmmm. Not just Pumas noticed (none / 0) (#30)
by oculus on Sun May 01, 2011 at 07:06:19 PM EST

Obama associated with Rezko, who isn't so much "peculiar" as much as he is a Chicago wheeler dealer.

Unless all the alleged Pumas have left TL, I haven't observed anyone expressing disappointment Obama released his birth certificate, Trump being trumped, etc.


Of course (5.00 / 0) (#32)
by MKS on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:15:07 PM EST

It always amazed me how oblivious Pumas were to their own use of the tactics and arguments that were used against Hillary.


The darkened photo, the Kenyan (none / 0) (#33)
by oculus on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:17:18 PM EST

native costume photo, the "as far as I know" re whether Obama is/was Muslim. Anything else?


Sure (none / 0) (#36)
by MKS on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:22:08 PM EST

The statement during a debate that Latinos would never vote for an African American was just a statement of fact.

You guys are quite selective....

After Whitewater, for you guys to go Rezko really is quite amazing....


: Aber ich bin nicht eine Puma! (5.00 / 1) (#37)
by oculus on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:23:02 PM EST

: MKS (5.00 / 0) (#40)
by Politalkix on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:04:28 PM EST

this link captures some of the points you are making. Many of them would use words like "exotic" in a very matter-of-fact way to describe Obama's background.
From the article
"Rip off the duct tape and here is what they would say: Obama has serious problems with Jewish voters (goodbye Florida), working-class whites (goodbye Ohio) and Hispanics (goodbye, New Mexico).
Republicans will also ruthlessly exploit openings that Clinton -- in the genteel confines of an intraparty contest -- never could. Top targets: Obama's radioactive personal associations, his liberal ideology, his exotic life story, his coolly academic and elitist style.
This view has been an article of faith among Clinton advisers for months."

The cocaine reference ... (none / 0) (#42)
by Yman on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:31:28 PM EST

... by Bob Johnson, Bill Clinton's Jesse Jackson comments, the "racist" 3 AM ad, etc. etc. ...

You could go on for days ...


You missed one (none / 0) (#43)
by MKS on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:39:18 PM EST

The comment from Hillary's pollster that Latinos would never vote for an African American. When asked about this statement during a primary debate and whether she would disavow it, Hillary said it was merely a statement of fact....

And, the statement about having the support of hardworking whites.....

Trump all the way.....


Didn't miss it (1.00 / 0) (#45)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 08:02:54 AM EST

Particularly since you keep citing it. Is that really the best you've got? That makes it even funnier. It would be helpful if you provided quotes/links to the comments that so offended you, but I'll assume you were talking about Sergio Bendixen's comment: "The Hispanic voter -- and I want to say this very carefully -- has not shown a lot of willingness or affinity to support black candidates". So what? That's his opinion as a pollstrer looking at his data.

First of all, that isn't remotely the same thing as what you originally claimed - i.e.

Latinos would never vote for an African American

- although I guess that explains the lack of quote. Things always sound better/more offensive when you throw in a little exaggeration and hyperbole, rather than simply quoting people. Secondly, again ... so what? Many people were questioning Obama's support in the Latino/Hispanic community, particularly given his weak showing against Clinton in the primary. Just ask Rep. Rep. Nydia Velasquez.

As far as the "Hard-working, white voters" comment, she was specifically responding to a question about an AP poll which demonstrated Obama's relatively weak support among white, lower/middle class workers. Pols almost always refer to these voters as "hard-working" or "working voters" rather than "blue collar" or "poorer" or even "middle class", because people prefer to be referred to as "hard-working". The meme repeated by Obama supporters (i.e. that she was implying that other voters or AAs are not "hard-working") is just silly. What pol running for office, particularly in a Democratic primary, would say that. But it is a good example of the race card being used yet once again ....

... by Obama supporters.

Anything else?


You missed Hillary's confirmation (none / 0) (#48)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 11:30:29 AM EST

of it during the debate....

But, just like a birther, no evidence will cure your blindness on this...

And, the statement was completely false....There is no evidence tu support it.....


You use the "some say" dodge (none / 0) (#50)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 11:36:01 AM EST

It was a racist comment devoid of any factual support....

And, you still support it today, true....

Just pitiful....


"Devoid of any factual support"? (none / 0) (#51)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 12:47:32 PM EST

You LIE about what others said and then demand "factual support"? Funny stuff.

You claimed that Hillary's pollster said that "Latinos would never vote for an African American." Any other false statements you want to make about him?
Read it again .... slowly. I never claimed I agreed with Bendixen's statement - I've never seen the poll data he was looking at. I merely pointed out that many others questioned Obama's ability to get the Latino vote. From that, you accuse me of agreeing with Bendixen's actual statement, another incorrect accusation.

"Pitiful", indeed.


No lie (none / 0) (#52)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 12:52:22 PM EST

That was the import of what was said....

And "secret" data??? How about real elections? There was data--and it went the other way.

It was a racist comment that you still try to defend, kinda sorta.

Your Obama hatred still blinds you.

Look, Hillary threw a lot of punches at Obama--a couple of them were below the belt....Would it kill you to own up to it?


Ohhhhhhhhh .... "the import" (none / 0) (#54)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 01:21:55 PM EST

... of what he said. I like that. So we just take someone's words, reinterpret and exaggerate them in order to decipher what they really meant. So, when Obama tried to defend his South Carolina tour with a bigot by saying "a great many African American share his beliefs", the import of his words was that many AAs share McClurkin's bigoted beliefs and I really need their votes right now, so I'm gonna pander to the homophobe crowd."

Heeeeeeeeyyyyy .... that is easier.

BTW - You don't seem to get my point about Bendixen's comments. To sum up: 1) He never said what you claimed he said. 2) I never said their was "secret data", but since he's a pollster that's an expert is Latino polling, I assume he was drawing conclusions from his own data 3) Hillary didn't "throw this punch" - it was Sergio Bendixen, a pollster who did some polling for her. 4) I don't know what HC said at the debate regarding Bendixen's comment, and given your habit of reinterpreting and exaggerating, I'm not going to take your word about what she did/did not say. That being said - do you really want to ascribe blame to Obama for all the statements made by people who worked for/supported him that he failed to disavow? 'Cause I can come up with a much better list.


You miss the broader point (none / 0) (#55)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 01:51:10 PM EST

Hillary did not always fight fair. Just acknowledge it....

This festuring wound of grievance warps your ability to see clearly.

I don't have time for your retrograde unquestioning support of all things Hillary and hatred of all things Obama. Google will show you the way on Hillary's quote during the debate.


Actually, I looked (none / 0) (#57)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 02:52:02 PM EST

There was nothing like you claimed. Not a big surprise, given your propensity to exaggerate and put words in the mouths of others.

BTW - Bots complaining that "Hillary did not always fight fair"?!?

You should take up comedy.

Seriously.


"Bots?" (none / 0) (#59)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 03:23:33 PM EST

Are you still into that juvenile insult?

You former Hillary supporters were every bit as fanatical as any "bot."


Speaking of "dodging" (none / 0) (#61)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 03:40:33 PM EST

You still haven't provided a link showing Hillary making the statement you claimed she made - i.e.

... despite the fact that you "Google will show you the way."

As if the reason for that isn't obvious ...

BTW -

You former Hillary supporters were every bit as fanatical as any "bot."

Seriously funny ...


hill's avenging angels.. (none / 0) (#63)
by jondee on Mon May 02, 2011 at 03:52:10 PM EST

who can blame them for going the second and third mile for an American pol with the guts to dodge sniper fire in a war zone.


: Well, we can't all be ... (none / 0) (#64)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 03:56:51 PM EST

... demi-god worshippers.

You missed one, too (none / 0) (#47)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 08:13:56 AM EST

Almost forgot - you seemed to be greatly offended by Sergio Bendixen's comments questioning Obama's support among Latino voters because he is an AA. Yet you readily dismiss Obama's pandering to the homophobic vote by touring South Carolina with bigot Donnie McClurkin. Obama even tried to justify the campaign tour by noting that

a great many African Americans share Pastor McClurkin's beliefs. This also cannot be ignored

Wow.

By your logic, I guess that means that Obama is "Trump all the way"...

... or worse.


Your talking points are dated (none / 0) (#49)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 11:33:41 AM EST

and a bit threadbare--but such is the way of Obama hatred.

Obama signed DADT repeal....


Wow - not the point (none / 0) (#53)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 12:58:50 PM EST

So you accuse HC of racism based on her failure to disavow a statement made by a pollster suggesting Obama migh have trouble with the Latino vote due to his race, yet when Obama defends his campaign tour with a homophobe by stating "a great many African Americans share Pastor McClurkin's beliefs," you dismiss it as a "talking point". What? No demand that he disavow his own statement? No comparing him to Donald? I guess that means that, "just like a birther, no evidence will cure your blindness on this". OTOH - I guess you can't defend the indefensible.

Heh.

BTW - Two years later after refusing to sign an immediate EO and waiting for Congress to do all the heavy lifting, at a time when the DOD, Congress and the public all strongly favor repeal of the ban (and DADT)?

Of course he signed it.


So Obama is always terrible (none / 0) (#56)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 01:55:46 PM EST

and Hillary is always better?

I did not accuse Hillary of racism....I said she threw a couple of below-the-belt punches....I never said Obama can do no wrong--you do the Fox News thing of trying to create balance by changing the subject.....

I was talking about Hillary's fouls....you change the subject...

Your dismissal of the repeal of DADT is foolish. McCain would not have signed it. Pawlenty wants to repeal it.

Read it again. (none / 0) (#58)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 02:59:33 PM EST

Even more slowly.

BTW - The McClurkin issue is not "changing the subject". It's pointing out the blatant hypocrisy of those who accuse HC of racism/race-baiting for comments a pollster made, while ignoring Obama's own defense of catering to bigotry because, according to Obama, "a great many AAs share his beliefs".

BTW - Who cares about Pawlenty and McCain? Obama signed a bill that he promised to sign, after failing to actually lead on the issue and letting Congress take any heat. Actually, given his record of breaking campaign promises, I guess it is kinduv nice that he eventually followed through.

You must be so proud.


You are beyond reason (5.00 / 1) (#60)
by MKS on Mon May 02, 2011 at 03:26:36 PM EST

Yes, I am proud Obama signed the repeal of DADT.

You would be too if you could set aside your outdated primary partisanship for one moment.

To tell the truth, I rarely notice your comments here....I could be wrong, but it appears you only have something to say when defending Hillary and bashing Obama......


: Look at your comment # 29 (none / 0) (#62)
by Yman on Mon May 02, 2011 at 03:42:36 PM EST

You would be too if you could set aside your outdated primary partisanship for one moment.
Just when I think you can't get any funnier.

A lot of (none / 0) (#31)
by Ga6thDem on Sun May 01, 2011 at 07:29:44 PM EST

people had a problem with Donnie McClurkin and I'm willing to bet that's part of what he's talking about.


Those same people (none / 0) (#34)
by MKS on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:17:46 PM EST

always had a problem with Obama and were just looking for an excuse.....


Slipped my mind. And the invocation-giver (none / 0) (#35)
by oculus on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:18:11 PM EST

@ the inauguration.


: Yes, the invitation was given (none / 0) (#38)
by MKS on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:25:09 PM EST

by the same person who ended DADT.

First thought that came to mind was (none / 0) (#65)
by observed on Tue May 03, 2011 at 09:14:32 AM EST

all the freaky pastors ---not just Wright---and Donnie McClurkin.
Those were definitely peculiar associates.
Rezko was a slimy associate and mentor, but probably not worse than typical, especially not for Chicago.


The Fox News table didn't (5.00 / 1) (#17)
by Militarytracy on Sun May 01, 2011 at 06:22:33 AM EST

look happy either, and they earned everything they got too.

Boy do they want Trump to run (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:00:23 AM EST

Obama was downright mean with his putdowns.

: I loved it (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by Militarytracy on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:20:12 AM EST

I loved watching my bipartisan President finally be mean to someone who deserves it. It's refreshing for those of us under the bus :)

Maybe it's my bias, but (none / 0) (#1)
by gyrfalcon on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:37:10 PM EST

I didn't think Meyer was at all funny until he got onto Trump. And wow, Trump is REALLY PISSED. Good.

same here (none / 0) (#2)
by Jeralyn on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:39:33 PM EST

I thought Meyers was dull until he got to Trump. He warmed up quick. He's still on a roll.


: So, I guess what Jerry said is true? ;) (none / 0) (#3)
by nycstray on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 10:02:03 PM EST

Did you see Trumps exit? (none / 0) (#11)
by bison on Sun May 01, 2011 at 02:19:20 AM EST

Did you see how quickly he left the room? He can put it out, but he can't take it!


Typical behavior from a bully -- (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by brodie on Sun May 01, 2011 at 10:57:06 AM EST

they're too insecure to be able to laugh at themselves. They much prefer taking shots at others, while being surrounded by a retinue of yes men who tell him he's great.

O'Reilly, another bully type, similar inability to take humorous jabs.


: Good point -- (none / 0) (#28)
by Natal on Sun May 01, 2011 at 01:57:57 PM EST

and a tip off of which buttons to press to derail his candidacy.

Seth roasted The Donald (none / 0) (#6)
by Politalkix on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 11:39:01 PM EST

as a Hawaiian would roast a pig.

: Seth roasted The Donald (none / 0) (#7)
by Politalkix on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 11:46:06 PM EST

as a top chef in China would roast the Peking Duck.

very funny (none / 0) (#8)
by jharp on Sun May 01, 2011 at 12:14:51 AM EST

Very funny. Thanks for posting. I watched the entire clip.

Sheesh (none / 0) (#9)
by catchy on Sun May 01, 2011 at 12:26:56 AM EST

Trump is such a heel.

Wow! (none / 0) (#10)
by sj on Sun May 01, 2011 at 01:52:14 AM EST

Thanks for the links! The precision was amazing. So beautiful. I take it this is a competition?

Trump was the joke! (none / 0) (#12)
by bison on Sun May 01, 2011 at 02:20:05 AM EST

The entire room was laughing at him.

I missed Obama jabbing at The Donald (none / 0) (#22)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:53:33 AM EST

No problem.

I never did enjoy Midget Wrestling.

Roasted Donald (none / 0) (#26)
by Politalkix on Sun May 01, 2011 at 11:24:28 AM EST

was served as a dinner entree last night. It seems Steaming Jim (vegetable?) was a side dish at the WHCD.


Unfortunately for your assumpation (3.50 / 2) (#27)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun May 01, 2011 at 12:37:32 PM EST

I never steam over politics.

And watching two midgets wrestle and insult each other, when one is the President, is hardly amusing. Especially when one of them use to be The Leader Of The Free World and the other a real estate tycoon.

And the people setting home on a Saturday night because of $4.00 gas will be even less amused.

I know the price of gas (none / 0) (#39)
by sj on Sun May 01, 2011 at 08:54:50 PM EST

is your big issue. But it seems to me that the price is a symptom not the problem. I don't see you advocating for relieving our dependence on oil. Have I missed that?


: Drill, baby, drill! (none / 0) (#44)
by MKS on Sun May 01, 2011 at 09:46:44 PM EST

never mind that it would only lower the price of gas a few cents 10 years from now.....

Of course you never steam, PPJ (none / 0) (#46)
by Harry Saxon on Mon May 02, 2011 at 08:12:41 AM EST

you just boiled over for a while, as this is what you used to use as your blog tagline:

Proven on 11/4/08
REMEMBER - sometimes a majority simply means that all the fools are on the same side...

So what fools are on what side these days, PPJ?


Wow -- a few of you need (none / 0) (#24)
by brodie on Sun May 01, 2011 at 10:53:06 AM EST

to lighten up, if just for a half day or so.

There was some funny stuff last night, mostly at The Donald's expense and mostly from Obama who had good material (except for the video piece towards the end) and good delivery.

Meyers -- first time I've seen him as I don't watch SNL -- also had some good stuff, particularly about The Donald. But maybe too much material -- at times he seemed to rush reading it or would stumble over a few words. Less material delivered at a more moderate pace would have been preferable.

Still, a funnier performance than some (Rich Little, Jay Leno), not quite though as spot on as Colbert or as funny and well delivered as either Al Franken or even Wanda Sykes.