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April 17th, 2008

Dick Cheney Has a Sense of Humor

Vice President Cheney’s Sunglasses, originally uploaded by Rob Bluey.

Last night I attended the 64th annual dinner of the Radio and Television Correspondents Association at the Hilton Washington Hotel — a wonderful evening filled with laughter and good times. As a guest of CNN’s Mara Gassmann, whom I met during the effort to save the GOP’s CNN-YouTube debate, I even got a coveted VIP pass to the afterparty.

It was my first time attending the dinner. After a surprise appearance by former presidential candidate Mitt Romney and a short video tribute from President Bush, a witty Vice President Cheney managed to outperform comedian Mo Rocca as night’s funnyman.

Donning a fishing hat and sunglasses, Cheney kicked off his remarks by noting his newfound popularity as fishermen — thanks to the speculation that a naked woman appeared as a reflection in the above photo. While Cheney kept the jokes mostly about himself, Rocca took a different tact and seemed to be gunning for specific attendees (Bill O’Reilly, Brian Williams and even Cheney) and just about everyone at MSNBC. It wasn’t surprising to see MSNBC host Joe Scarborough walk out early after the steady flow of insults hurled at the cable network no one watches.

NBC News’ David Gregory, the journalist who appeared drunk on “Imus” and proudly wears his bias on his sleeve during White House briefings, collected one of the night’s two awards. The other went to the absent Lara Logan of CBS News. Hers was presented by the late David Bloom’s three daughters in a wonderful tribute to their father.

After the dinner CNN competed against Fox News for the best nightcap. I headed to Russia House in Dupont Circle with my CNN friends. I had a wonderful time reminiscing with Melanie Buck (Wolf Blitzer’s producer and a high school friend of my wife), Chris Parks (a studio operator and Melanie’s fiancé) and Bethanie Chamberlain (a fellow Ithaca alum who was planning to forgo sleep to be ready to tape the Pope’s speech this morning). CNN’s Internet reporter, Abbi Tatton, was also there in good spirits. As I headed out the door, I ran into Romney’s former spokesman, Kevin Madden, who shows up on TV more often now than when Romney was in the race.

Props to CNN for putting on a great party. It was a thrill to attend. I hope I’m as lucky next year to score a ticket.

UPDATE — 3:54 p.m.: Everyone is raving about Cheney’s performance last night. Here’s the video: