Yeas & Nays broke the news Tuesday that Craig Ferguson would serve as the entertainment at the April 26 White House Correspondents Association dinner. We decided to get some reaction around town to the news.
“With his just becoming a citizen, it’s great to see him exercising his First Amendment rights!” White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.
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Scottish Americans are thrilled, too. “We have watched Craig Ferguson for many years, enjoying his Scottish humor and especially his accent,” said Scottish American Society co-chairwoman Margaret Frost. “Our organization is always proud to have anyone of Scottish descent recognized, but in this case it seems particularly appropriate.”
WHCA President Ann Compton told us that “for a lot of people in Washington, Ferguson will be something new for them,” thanks largely to the fact that most of us are asleep when his “Late, Late Show” airs on CBS. During Compton’s search, she considered Ellen DeGeneres (she’ll be traveling then) and Steve Carell (he’s booked that date but said he’s free next year!). She called the WHCA president’s job of finding entertainment “easily the most daunting part of the job. … You don’t want to embarrass yourself and disappoint your colleagues with a bad pick.”
Although Compton called the process “a fun search,” she said, “I’ll be able to sleep much more soundly” now that the selection process is over.
One logistical note: The entertainer will perform before the president this year. “It’s his last dinner, and he ought to be able to go last,” Compton said.
