* I usually watch the White House Correspondents Dinner. It’s a spotlight on journalism: its critical need and its manifest vulnerability. It’s also a reminder that free speech can be both funny and cringe-worthy. And it says something relevant about a democracy that we can poke fun at our leaders. And it says something about those leaders, excepting the no-show Trump, that they are tough enough to show up and then give as good as they get.
But I wouldn’t watch without fast-forward. Highlighting the Red Carpet debut of Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson–or “Kete” to some insiders–is Exhibit A. Who the hell cares? And why the hell did ABC invite them? BTW, Trevor Noah, the personable roast-host was good. Even took well-aimed pot shots at Ron DeSantis. Finished by underscoring that humor aside, the real purpose of the event—after two years of COVID cancellations—is “to honor and celebrate the 4th estate.”
* “America is not a reality show.”–President Joe Biden.
* MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has been banned–again–by Twitter. Lindell is a Trumpster who has pushed the claim that Trump won the 2020 election. He had tried to work around the ban with a new account.
* According to Nielsen data, Fox News’ audience is 92 percent white—and overwhelmingly older.