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Comedian-in-chief Obama targets US TV networks at media bash

Last Updated 04 May 2014, 13:34 IST

American cable TV news networks like CNN were a target of President Barack Obama's wit as he let loose a series of zingers at journalists assembled for the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Obama told the audience he was a little jet-lagged from his recent trip to Asia which included a stop in Malaysia.

"I am happy to be here, even though I am a little jet- lagged from my trip to Malaysia," Obama said as he opened his remarks at the WHCA's 100th anniversary.

"The lengths we have to go to get CNN coverage these days" the President said, adding, "I think they're still searching for their table," — a riff on the cable network's extensive focus on Flight MH370 tragedy.

The president's remarks came during a night of celebrity -meets-politics in which 2,600 formally dressed movie actors, politicians, singers, journalists, television stars and military officers gathered for their once-a-year party.


Comedian and actor Joel McHale, who spoke after Obama as the evening's entertainment, also targeted the CNN, joking, "100 years ago, CNN was only searching for the Wright brothers' plane."

Obama also took a shot at MSNBC's low viewership ratings.

"MSNBC is here. They're a little overwhelmed. They've never seen an audience this big before."

As for Fox News, the President joked that the cable outlet was a front for the Koch brothers, a pair of billionaire industrialists known for their monetary contributions to conservative groups and causes.

"I'm just kidding," Obama added, "Let's face it, Fox. You'll miss me when I'm gone. It'll be harder to convince the American people that Hillary was born in Kenya."

Clinton, former Secretary of State, is widely seen as the front-runner in the 2016 presidential race, though she is yet to confirm her intention to run.

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(Published 04 May 2014, 08:11 IST)

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