A mix of roasts and respect pervaded the atmosphere as 'Saturday Night Live' comic Colin Jost takes the stage at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, delivering both laughs and a poignant tribute to his late grandfather.
- Apr 28, 2024
AceShowbiz - Striking a fine balance between sharp wit and solemn homage, Colin Jost, the acclaimed "Weekend Update" co-anchor from "Saturday Night Live", commanded the stage at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner. Known for his punchy humor, Jost did not hold back, roasting figures across the political spectrum, including President Joe Biden, with whom he shared the spotlight.
The event, alive with star power - including Jost's spouse, Scarlett Johansson - was a vibrant blend of political satire and earnest moments. Jost's comedic highlights included playful barbs aimed at Biden's speaking style and age, alongside jokes touching on recent headlines, from controversies around Biden's approval ratings to a humorous stint about cocaine found at the White House.
"I love Washington. Last time I was here I left my cocaine at the White House. Luckily President Biden was able to make good use of it at his State of the Union," Jost quipped, drawing laughs from an audience accustomed to his brand of humor. He also joked about the President's age, "It's not always easy following President Biden... like it's not always easy following what he's saying."
Jost's barbs extended beyond Biden. He quipped about Trump's former daughter-in-law Lara Trump and poked fun at Senator Bernie Sanders. He referenced the recent student protests at Columbia University, deeming the campus one of the "world's dangerous geopolitical hotspots."
Yet, the night wasn't solely about levity. In a touching turn, Jost dedicated part of his speech to his late grandfather, William Kelly, a Staten Island firefighter who voted for Biden in his final presidential election.
"He voted for you and the reason that he voted for you is because you're a decent man. My grandpa voted for decency, and decency is why we're all here tonight," Jost remarked, adding a layer of gravitas to the event's festivities. "My grandpa voted for decency, and decency is why we're all here tonight," he said.
Jost's reflections on his grandfather's vote and the inherent decency it represented were echoed by President Biden himself, who, taking the stage afterward, addressed his age with humor while underscoring the seriousness of the current political climate and the importance of rising above divisive rhetoric.
Jost, with his unique blend of satire and sincerity, captured the essence of the event, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and viewers alike.
