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Shallow Nation

June 21st, 2009 at 9:55 am

Obama Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner (Video, Photos)

Here is the Obama Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner video. President Barack Obama delivered an entertaining speech at the June 19, 2009 annual dinner. See the full video, transcript and photos here.

The 65th annual dinner organized by the Annual Radio and Television Correspondents Association as with all previous dinners was characterized by its roasting speeches, and Obama more than lived up to the challenge. His speech preceded the keynote speech by humorist John Hodgman who called Obama ‘the first nerd President of the modern era’ (which you can also see the John Hodgman speech video below.)

Noting that the guest list for this dinner did not equal that of White House Correspondents Dinner, which typically draws numerous celebrities and Hollywood stars he began his speech saying, “Why hang out with celebrities when I can spend time with people who make me one?”

Referencing the recent fly killing incident during the taping of a news interview (with the Obama kills fly video going viral) he said, of his health care reform efforts, ‘”It proves true the old expression that it’s easier to catch flies with honey. And if honey doesn’t work, feel free to use an open palm and a swift, downward wrist motion.”

Regarding the widely circulated photo of his Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel riding a camel during the recent trip to Egypt, he said during his address, “I admit, I was a little nervous about the whole situation. I said at the time, “This is a wild animal known to bite, kick and spit. And who knows what the camel could do?”

The Obama Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner video also reveals the President joking about the auto industry saying he had teamed up with his friend and supporter Oprah Winfrey to come up with a plan: ‘If each of you will look under your seat you will find that you get a car company. And Fox, you get AIG!’

Furthering his send-up of the troubled industry, he said he had no ambition to run an auto company: “I’m not the salesman-in-chief. And GM will rise or fall on the quality of its products — like the taut, athletic design of the new Buick Enclave. It’s French-seamed leather and warm wood tones make the Enclave more than transportation. It’s a modern driver’s retreat. Come on, work with me here. I’ve got cars to move, people!”

Source: Obama at Radio and TV Correspondents Dinner Transcript

Watch the full Obama Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner Video from June 19, 2009 below along with the John Hodgman speech video below.

YouTube Video Link