Obama Speaks at Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner

President Obama spoke at the 65th Annual Radio and Television Correspondents Association Dinner Friday evening, and the guffaws from the crowd at times were funnier than his material.

Of course, this wasn't surprising for as he noted early in his monologue, he was speaking in front of the very people who made him a celebrity.

Yes, it was an evening filled with the President unashamedly talking about how wonderful he is to an audience that wasn't capable of hiding how much they agree.

One of his biggest fans, MSNBC's Chris Matthews, was even caught on camera gazing adoringly at the man he did everything in his power to get elected making one wonder if he was getting a thrill up his leg in the middle of a crowded room filled with his peers (videos in two parts embedded below the fold with transcribed highlights and commentary):

I want to express my appreciation for the opportunity to tell jokes that weren't funny enough to use when we did this five weeks ago. (Loud guffaws) Whatever. (Louder guffaws) The jokes may not be as good, but neither is the guest list. 

This got some chuckles from his staff on camera -- i.e. Leon Panetta -- but many groans in the crowd. But Obama was quick to make amends:

I'm just joking. For me, there's no contest. Why bother hanging out with celebrities when I can spend time with the people who made me one? (Laughter, applause, even some hollers from the crowd) I know where my bread is buttered.

Yes he does, and so do his sycophants in the media which makes it even more disturbing. After all, not only does Obama clearly understand who got him elected with their disgraceful abdication of journalistic integrity, but they ALSO know it, and rather than be embarrassed by it, they're PROUD of it.

One of the main offenders, MSNBC's Chris Matthews, at 2:30 into part one, is shown gazing adoringly at his president and readjusting his napkin in a fashion that might remind you of his now infamous comment in February 2008 concerning Obama giving him a thrill up his leg:

Now THAT'S entertainment.

I have to admit though, it wasn't easy coming up with fresh material for this dinner. A few nights ago, I was up tossing and turning trying to figure out exactly what to say. Finally, when I couldn't get back to sleep, I rolled over and asked Brian Williams what he thought. (Loud guffaws and applause)

Although this is a funny joke, it's actually sad because the joke's really on us, for the underlying truth is that Williams and NBC are INDEED in bed with the new administration, and everybody present including the guest speaker knows it.

That shouldn't be something to laugh about, nor should the following:

"Inside the Obama White House" is my favorite new show. (laughter) There's just something really compelling about the main character that's... (laughter) ... wonderful narrative. In fact, the show has been such a hit that all of you guys now want to come and tape one in my house. 

Imagine the lack of humility on display here. First, Obama said a program about him is his favorite show, and then he referred to the White House as "my house!"

And the audience -- filled with supposedly impartial journalists -- laughed and applauded.

I'm once again reminded of Padmé Amidala:

Readers should also observe so-called impartial journalists applauding at 2:37 of part two when Obama said, "I'm proud of nominee, Sonia Sotomayor."

Journalists applauding a president's Supreme Court nominee before he or she has been approved by Congress. Imagine that.