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 "The Republican establishment is incredulous that he's their most
likely nominee," Obama told attendees at the black-tie event, which
brought together journalists and media moguls with Hollywood stars
and power brokers from Capitol Hill and beyond.
"They say Donald lacks the foreign policy experience to be
president. But in fairness he has spent years meeting with leaders
from around the world: Miss Sweden, Miss Argentina, Miss
Azerbaijan," the president said to howls of laughter, referring to
contestants on the Miss Universe pageant that Trump formerly
co-owned.
Obama made fun of the angst many in the Republican establishment
have expressed at the prospect that Trump or Tea Party candidate Ted
Cruz could win the party's nomination to run in the Nov. 8
presidential election.
 “Guests were asked to check whether they wanted steak or fish, but
instead a whole bunch of you wrote in Paul Ryan,” Obama said,
referring to the top Republican in the House of Representatives, who
many have hoped could be lured into running for president.
"That's not an option people," Obama said, displaying comedic chops
perfected through seven previous appearances at the annual dinner.
"You may not like steak or fish, but that's your choice."
In his remarks, Obama looked back on his presidency and jokingly
predicted the country may be nearing its doom.
“The end of the republic has never looked better,” the tuxedo-clad
president said looking out at the well-groomed crowd as he blasted
Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus.
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“Congratulations on all your success,” Obama told Priebus, while
wearing a sarcastic grin. “The Republican party, the nomination
process – it’s all going great.”
Larry Wilmore, the host of a show on cable outlet Comedy Central,
took his own shots at Trump when he took the podium after Obama,
joking that next year the dinner will be called: "Donald Trump
presents a luxurious evening paid for by Mexico."
Trump has famously promised to build a wall between the United
States and Mexico to prevent illegal immigration, and he has said he
would force Mexico to pay for it.
With a bit of nostalgia, Obama reflected on his more than seven
years in office, saying he had been a young man of idealism and
vigor before he became president.
"Eight years ago I said it was time to change the tone of our
politics," Obama said. "In hindsight, I clearly should have been
more specific."
(Reporting by Megan Cassella; Editing by Tim Ahmann and Kim Coghill)
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