Obama pokes fun at himself

29 April 2013 - 02:53 By Sapa-AP
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US President Barack Obama reacts to a joke told by comedian Conan O'Brien during the White House Correspondents' Association at the weekend. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists, politicians and celebrities. During the dinner Obama joked about how he was not young anymore
US President Barack Obama reacts to a joke told by comedian Conan O'Brien during the White House Correspondents' Association at the weekend. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists, politicians and celebrities. During the dinner Obama joked about how he was not young anymore

US President Barack Obama has joked that the years were catching up with him and that he was not "the strapping young Muslim socialist" he used to be.

Obama poked fun at himself - as well as at some of his political adversaries - during the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday.

He joked about how re-election would allow him to unleash a radical agenda. But then he showed a picture of himself golfing on a mock magazine cover of Senior Leisure .

He then recounted his recent two-for-22 basketball shooting performance at the White House Easter Egg hunt.

But Obama's most dramatic shift for the next four years appeared to be aesthetic.

He presented a montage of shots featuring himself, with bangs similar to those sometimes sported by his wife.

"So we borrowed one of Michelle's tricks," Obama said. "I thought this looked pretty good, but no bounce."

He noted the recent tragedies in Massachusetts and Texas, praising Americans of all kinds, from first responders to local journalists, for doing what was best for the public.

The banquet attracted the usual assortment of stars from Hollywood and beyond. Actors Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Claire Danes, who play government characters in series, were among the attendees, as was Korean entertainer Psy. Several cabinet members, governors and members of Congress were present.

Despite coming at a sombre time, nearly two weeks after the deadly Boston Marathon bombing and 10 days after a devastating fertiliser plant explosion in West, Texas, Obama and political allies and rivals alike took the opportunity to enjoy some humour.

Late-night talk-show host Conan O'Brien headlined the event.

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