The Paradox of Protests and Posh: Inside the 2021 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is an annual tradition that brings together the political elite and the media for a night of networking and camaraderie. With over a century of history, the event honors the First Amendment and the current president. This year, President Joe Biden delivered a humorous speech, avoiding mention of controversial topics like the war in Gaza or support for Benjamin Netanyahu.

Outside the Hilton hotel where the gala was held, hundreds of protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza and Washington’s support for Israel. Despite this, nearly three thousand guests dressed in formal attire entered the hotel, ignoring the protests. Inside, journalists’ vests were displayed in honor of fallen reporters, including those who died in recent conflicts in Gaza.

President Biden joked about his age and took jabs at his Republican opponent, Donald Trump, during his speech. He also made light of upcoming elections and legal troubles facing Trump. Comedian Colin Jost brought humor to the event with his jokes about Biden and current events.

Guests at the gala included celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and politicians like Governors and Secretaries of State. The event is often referred to as “the Oscars of Washington,” bringing together power circles in an informal setting. After speeches and jokes, attendees dispersed to exclusive after-parties, leaving behind protests outside the hotel.

As guests left the Hilton hotel at night’s end, echoes of conflicts like wars in Middle East lingered behind them even though there were laughter and celebration throughout evening but it also highlighted serious challenges that leaders face while making decisions on behalf of country