"Obama out": President Barack Obama's hilarious final White House correspondents' dinner speech
TLDRIn his final White House Correspondents' Dinner speech, President Obama reflects on his eight years in office with nostalgia and humor. He pokes fun at the 2016 presidential candidates, the changing media landscape, his legacy, and plans for post-presidency life. Throughout the speech, Obama expresses gratitude for having the opportunity to serve the country and work alongside the press corps to uphold democratic ideals like objective truth and facts. He affirms these are under threat globally and that good journalism has never been more vital.
Takeaways
- 😄 Obama pokes fun at himself and others, including the media, politicians, and celebrities.
- 😏 He reflects on his presidency, his aging and greying, and counting down to the end.
- 🤓 He jokes about Republicans rejecting his authority in his final lame duck year.
- 😎 Obama mocks Donald Trump's lack of foreign policy experience.
- 🤨 He notes the confusion and chaos around the Republican nomination process.
- 😟 Obama says the role of the free press is central to democracy.
- 🙂 He honors imprisoned journalist Jason Rezaian for his courage.
- 🤔 He says journalists have an enormous responsibility to uncover truth.
- 😠 Obama warns that facts and objectivity are under attack in the world.
- 😊 He thanks the press for their role in strengthening democracy.
Q & A
What event is Obama speaking at in the transcript?
-Obama is speaking at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, an annual event where the President gives a humorous speech in front of an audience of journalists, celebrities and politicians.
What does Obama joke will be his plans after leaving office?
-Obama jokes about struggling to figure out what to do after leaving office, making plans to binge-watch TV, wear mom jeans, play golf, and eat McDonald's breakfast all day.
How does Obama poke fun at Donald Trump in his speech?
-Obama mocks Trump's lack of foreign policy experience and questionable business practices. He also jokes that the media has given Trump an inappropriate amount of coverage compared to how serious his candidacy is.
What does Obama say about the importance of journalism?
-Obama emphasizes the vital role journalism plays in holding leaders accountable, uncovering injustice, and establishing a baseline of facts and truth to build consensus in society.
Why does Obama think objectivity in journalism is important?
-Obama argues that objectivity affirms the idea that the only way society can move forward is by agreeing on a baseline of facts.
What happened to reporter Jason Rezaian that Obama references?
-Jason Rezaian was imprisoned in Iran for 18 months, and Obama honors his courage and commits to fighting for the release of unjustly imprisoned journalists.
What critique does Obama make regarding modern journalism trends?
-Obama critiques trends that prioritize speed over depth in journalism and that reward controversy and conflict rather than objective reporting.
How does Obama say the role of journalists is changing?
-Obama says that in a climate where facts and objectivity are under attack, the journalist's duty to counter distortions and untruths is more important than ever.
What does Obama say threatens liberal democracies?
-Obama warns that the fundamental ideals of liberal democracies, like objective facts and a free press, are under attack in parts of the world.
How does Obama thank the journalists in the audience?
-Obama thanks the journalists for their devotion to uncovering the truth and says it has been an honor and privilege to work alongside them.
Outlines
😄 Opening Jokes and Introduction
Obama opens with jokes about being late, using the n-word, and earning money after leaving office. He introduces his wife Michelle Obama, pokes fun at her for looking unhappy, and shows photos of how she has not aged over the years while he has grayed. He reflects on how in 6 months he will be a lame-duck president and Republicans will ignore him.
😆 Jokes About Republicans and the Election
Obama jokes that Republicans like Paul Ryan have already mentally checked out on him. He cracks jokes about the Republican presidential candidates including jokes about Trump, Cruz's basketball "ring" gaffe, and Sanders' appeal to young voters.
🤗 Thanking Joe Biden
Obama thanks Vice President Joe Biden for his friendship, advice, and for not shooting anyone in the face. He also thanks the host Larry Wilmore.
😂 More Jokes About Sanders and Clinton
Obama says Bernie Sanders' campaign slogan works for young people while Clinton's slogans fall flat. He jokes that appealing to young voters is like Hillary's relative just joining Facebook.
😠 Discussion of Trump
Obama criticizes Trump for not attending the dinner. He cracks jokes about Trump's lack of foreign policy experience but notes his experience running waterfront properties "into the ground."
🏠 Decision to Stay in DC Post-Presidency
Obama announces that he and Michelle will stay in DC for 2 years after he leaves office so his youngest daughter can finish high school. He shows funny sketches about deciding what he will do during those 2 years.
🤝 Thanking the Press Corps
Obama thanks the press corps for upholding the ideals of journalism and democracy. He commits to fighting for press freedom and recognizes specific journalists for their service.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡president
💡election
💡democracy
💡journalism
💡facts
💡controversy
💡objectivity
💡consensus
💡distortions
💡accountability
Highlights
Obama jokes about this being his last White House Correspondents' Dinner speech as President
Obama pokes fun at claims he's been an ineffective 'lame duck' President in his last year
Obama jokes about Republicans in Congress refusing to consider Merrick Garland for Supreme Court
Obama compliments his wife Michelle Obama for looking great and 'practicing' to seem happy
Obama jokes that time passes quickly comparing photos of him and Michelle from 2008 and recently
Obama says he has appreciated staffers and partners over the years, especially Joe Biden
Obama makes fun of Donald Trump not attending the dinner and questions what he could be doing
Obama praises the role of journalism saying the press corps is central to democracy
Obama honors imprisoned journalist Jason Rezaian for his courage
Obama defends objectivity and facts saying they strengthen democracy
Obama argues leaders should agree on a baseline of facts to solve issues
Obama praises journalists for digging deeper and not just giving people a megaphone
Obama says the press' power to question distortions is important
Obama thanks the press corps for their dedication and says it was an honor to work with them
Obama concludes by saying "thank you" and "Obama out"
Transcripts
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