Biden urges for the journalist’s release at Correspondents’ dinner

US President Joe Biden made headlines at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night, where he used his time at the lectern to address a room full of 3,000 media professionals and celebrities. Biden took the opportunity to call on foreign governments to release detained journalists, emphasizing that “journalism is clearly not a crime.”

Specifically, Biden called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in Russia on March 29, 2023. The President stated, “Putin should release Evan. We are doing everything we can.”

In a lighter moment, Biden also took a jab at his presumptive Republican running mate, former President Donald Trump, poking fun at his age and literary tastes. Biden quipped, “The 2024 election is in full swing. And yes, age is an issue. I’m a grown man running against a six-year-old.” He also joked about Trump’s recent interest in reading Bibles he’s selling, suggesting that the first commandment may not have resonated with him.

While Biden’s speech had moments of humor, it also touched on serious issues, such as the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The President did not address these topics directly, but the mention of slain Gaza journalists and criticism of media coverage by protesters outside the event highlighted the importance of press freedom and the need for accurate reporting in conflict zones. The International Federation of Journalists has reported that 102 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed in the ongoing Hamas-Israel war, calling for the release of hostages and access for international reporters.