“I am working like hell to get them home.” “Tonight our message is this: Journalism is not a crime,” Biden said. The president promised to try to bring both men home - then moved on to praise journalists who go where the story leads, no matter the cost and sacrifice. In the audience, a glimmer of hope: Biden acknowledged Griner, the WNBA star who was detained by Russia for nearly 10 months before being freed in December. WSJ reporters sought to assure them that Tice’s situation was much different than their son’s. The families of both men sat in the audience as Biden called for their loved ones to be “released immediately.” We’re told that at one point, when Biden mentioned how long Tice had been gone, Gershkovich’s family had a visibly distraught reaction. President JOE BIDEN called out the wrongful detention of EVAN GERSHKOVICH, the WSJ reporter being held in Russia on phony charges of “espionage.” He also recognized AUSTIN TICE, a journalist who’s been held in Syria for over a decade. This year, inside the ballroom, the dinner - while still amusing - had a weightier feel at times. INSIDE THE BALLROOM: Most years, the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is a light-hearted affair, as speakers crack jokes and poke fun at themselves and each other. President Joe Biden called out the wrongful detention of Evan Gershkovich and recognized Austin Tice. … JOHN HUDSON talking to CIA Director BILL BURNS. … JEFF NUSSBAUM chatting with New Hampshire Gov.
… Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN talking to DASHA and YULIA NAVALNAYA. … JONATHAN KARL chatting with ANTHONY FAUCI. … DIANA ROSS performing at TheGrio after-party. … Stars and reporters at the Fox News table looking uncomfortable during jokes about TUCKER CARLSON and the Dominion settlement. JUSTIN PEARSON confronting a woman for pushing his fiancee. … NRCC Chair RICHARD HUDSON (R-N.C.) becoming starry-eyed when meeting JUSTIN HARTLEY from his all-time favorite TV show, “This is Us.” … A climate activist obstructing RON KLAIN’s path into the Hilton. … Senate Majority Leader CHUCK SCHUMER posing with JULIA FOX in full “Black Swan” makeup.
… KELLYANNE CONWAY chatting with Maine Gov. (“I just got chills,” remarked one nearby partygoer.) … RNC Chair RONNA McDANIEL walking over to DNC Chair JAIME HARRISON, their first in-person meeting. SCENES FROM THE WHCD - BRITTNEY GRINER holding court with GAYLE KING.
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