Cheney's not at correspondents' dinner, but Obama lands punches

WASHINGTON — President Obama mocked his own administration and made playful digs at his critics and Republicans at a black-tie dinner Saturday night attended by a mix of politicians, celebrities and journalists.

The Republican party was a favorite target for Obama, speaking at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney couldn't make the dinner, Obama joked, because he was writing his memoir, "How to Shoot Friends and Interrogate People." It was a reference to Cheney's support of harsh interrogation techniques and his accidental shooting of a hunting companion

The president directly addressed Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who was in the audience.

"Michael, for the last time, the Republican party does not qualify for a bailout. Rush Limbaugh does not count as a troubled asset, I'm sorry," said Obama, referring to recent economic steps by the White House and the radio personality's public criticism of the GOP party leader.

But Obama targeted his own miscues as well.

"No president in history has ever named three commerce secretaries this quickly," Obama said. The president's two top choices for the position dropped out.

He playfully joked about his frequent use of a teleprompter and Vice President Joseph Biden's knack for speaking off the cuff. And about the Democratic party, he said his administration has helped in "bringing in fresh, young faces — like Arlen Specter." The 79-year-old Pennsylvania senator switched parties last month.

Obama noted that he and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton had been political rivals, but he assured the audience "these days, we could not be closer."

"In fact the second she got back from Mexico, she pulled me into a hug," the president said, playing off the threat of a spreading swine-flu virus that has affected Mexico the most.

The $200-per-ticket dinner attracted plenty of VIPs from outside the Beltway.

Among those attending were Eva Longoria Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Christian Slater, Natalie Portman, Sting, Mariska Hargitay, Steven Spielberg and Jon Bon Jovi.

Proceeds from the dinner will help feed the hungry and fund journalism scholarships

Every president since Calvin Coolidge has attended the dinner.