Read accounts and watch video highlights from Washington's annual comedy press dinners, including the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Radio & TV Correspondents' Dinner, and the Gridiron Dinner.
• Obama Brings Down the House at White House Correspondents' Dinner
From the 2009 White House Correspondents' Dinner - President Obama poked fun at himself and the Washington establishment in one of the edgiest comic performances a president has ever given at the annual White House Corespondents' Dinner.
• Wanda Sykes' Limbaugh Joke Stirs Controversy
From the 2009 White House Correspondents' Dinner - Comedian Wanda Sykes' controversial joke likening Rush Limbaugh to a 9/11 hijacker has sparked predictable outrage from Republicans and cheers from Democrats, while the White House distanced Obama from her remark.
• Biden Lampoons Obama at Gridiron Dinner
From the 2009 Gridiron Dinner - Vice President Joe Biden stepped in to perform the president's duties at the Gridiron Club dinner, and used the opportunity to poke fun at his boss.
• Bush Mocks Candidates, Plays Conductor at Press Dinner
From the 2008 White House Correspondents' Dinner - President Bush poked fun at his would-be successors during his final appearance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. He also fulfilled his dream of conducting the U.S. Marine Band.
• Dick Cheney, Dark Lord of Comedy
From the 2008 Radio & TV Corespondents' Dinner - Dick Cheney fired off a barrage of jokes about Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, the hubbub over the "naked woman" reflection in his sunglasses, and his resemblance to Darth Vader.
• Bush Sings Farewell Song at Gridiron Roast
From the 2008 Gridiron Dinner - President Bush surprised guests at the annual Gridiron roast when he appeared on stage wearing a cowboy hat and gave the first public singing performance of his presidency.
• Karl Rove Raps, Bush Plays Comedian at Press Gala
From the 2007 Radio & TV Correspondents' Dinner - Karl Rove brought down the house as he rapped and danced around on stage, while President Bush cracked jokes about his low approval ratings.
• Cheney Yuks It Up at Gridiron Dinner
From the 2007 Gridiron Dinner - Vice President Dick Cheney filled in for President Bush, whom he said couldn't make it due to another obligation: his book club was meeting.
• Stephen Colbert Roasts Bush at Media Gala
From the 2006 White House Correspondents' Dinner - In one of the ballsiest comic stunts ever pulled in Washington, comedian Stephen Colbert delivered a blistering "tribute" to President Bush at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner. It was so edgy and uncomfortable that it was almost too hard to watch, as a cold-faced and stunned Bush sat just a few feet away with the look of someone who had just been ambushed.
• Bush Plays Straight Man To His Lookalike
From the 2006 White House Correspondents' Dinner - President Bush drew big laughs at the White House Correspondents' dinner when he took the stage alongside Bush impersonator Steve Bridges.
