Original: May 10, 2011 Issue 16
By: Jeff Danovich
Staff Writer
Sunday May 1, 2011 very well may have started to ensure President Barack Obama his 2012 presidential candidacy.
In a matter or 48 hours, beginning the night before, Obama commenced the political mockery that exists within any political race. He ridiculed and trampled on his alleged opponents egos and presidential aspirations, while the following night he announced the news that revived the fervor that he had instilled in American people during his previous election campaign. A fervor, which many thought to be dead after two years of a dormant presidency, governed by bipartisan antagonism and rhetoric promises.
Day 1
Saturday April 30, 2011
At the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., the White House Correspondents Association held their annual dinner. As is tradition, the President of the United States was the guest of honor while a celebrity served as host for the evening’s event. With a multitude of potential Republican candidates in attendance, Barack Obama took the opportunity to needle some of his potential 2012 opponents.
To Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Indiana): “…Of course, the deficit is a serious issue. That’s why Paul Ryan couldn’t be here tonight. His budget has no room for laughter.”
To Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann (R-Minnesota). “Michele Bachmann is here, though, I understand, and she is thinking about running for President, which is weird because I hear she was born in Canada.” Obama then looked directly at her and said, “Yes, Michele, this is how it starts. Just letting you know.”
To former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. “And then there’s a vicious rumor floating around that I think could really hurt Mitt Romney. I heard he passed universal health care when he was governor of Massachusetts. Someone should get to the bottom of that.”
But President Obama saved some of his best material for real estate mogul and reality television star Donald Trump. Here are some highlights.
“….but no one is happier, no one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than the Donald. And that’s because 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?”
“But all kidding aside, obviously, we all know about your credentials and breadth of experience. You, Mr. Trump, recognized that the real problem was a lack of leadership. And so ultimately, you didn’t blame Lil’ Jon or Meatloaf. You fired Gary Busey. And these are the kind of decisions that would keep me up at night. Well handled, sir. Well handled.”
Later on during the “Nerd Prom”, Saturday Night Live’s Seth Myers skewered Trump even further, adding “I hear that Trump is running as a republican, but I thought he was running as a joke.” Myers also wisecracked about C-SPAN’s low ratings, joking, “People think (Osama) bin Laden is hiding in the Hindu Kush, but did you know that every day from 4 to 5 he hosts a show on C-SPAN?”
Little did anyone know at the time, the President had something epic in store that was months in the making. (although WHCA President David Jackson did find it unusual that Obama stepped away from the dinner four separate times to make phone calls)
Day 2
Sunday May 1, 2011
On the Sunday Morning talk shows, pundits from both sides of the aisle commented that the Comedian in Chief had done a masterful job at the Correspondent’s Dinner, that he systematically deflated the egos of some Republican Presidential hopefuls. Twitter and Facebook feeds were abuzz with Obama’s performance. As the day passed to night, it just seemed like an ordinary spring day.
At approximately 9:30 PM, White House Communications Director Dan Pfiefer told major news outlets that the President was going to make a nationally televised speech later on that night about national security that evening. At 10:30 PM (and perhaps one last jab at Donald Trump by pre-empting Celebrity Apprentice), Barack Obama announced, “Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama Bin Laden.” The White House explained that this mission was being planned since August of 2010. Following the announcement, many people gathered at Ground Zero in New York City and in front of the White House (including some Montgomery College students).
Barack Obama, over the course of two days, belittled his political foes and scored a major victory with the death of Osama bin Laden. People from all ends of the political spectrum congratulated him on a job well done, including his predecessor, George W. Bush Jr. His job approval ratings saw a six point increase within hours of the news of Bin Laden. After Bin Laden’s death, 46 percent of Americans said he deserved a second term, whereas 48 percent said the president shouldn’t be re-elected before the raid.
