From Sweetness and Light: White House correspondents celebrate their celebrity

POLITICO Top Stories

1. House GOP boosts Djou in Hawaii
House Republicans mount a behind-the-scenes effort to push Charles Djou over the finish line.

2. At 96, WHCA goes ecological
Association’s green efforts come amid frustrations in the D.C. environmental community.

3. The evolution of D.C.’s premier event
It’s the party that (almost) everyone loves to complain about but that (almost) everyone clamors to get into.

4. The high-wattage party circuit
For Washington’s social set, the weekend has become a hallmark of the year.

5. The man in the middle
POLITICO sits down with Jay Leno, who is making his fifth appearance at the annual dinner.

6. Networking with the stars
It’s no secret why pols go to the correspondents’ dinner, but what’s in it for the celebs who attend?

7. Prep and circumstance
Obama’s speech can be a central moment in the construction of the presidential image.

8. For some pols, dinner isn’t worth it
Why are some of Washington’s top politicians taking a pass at the glitziest of all galas?

9. Correspondents want to ‘give back’
Members of the White House Correspondents’ Association share why they joined.

10. When it’s not a laughing matter
Speechwriter Mark Katz recalls two rejected jokes he wrote for Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

11. Behind the scenes at the WHCD
Julia Whiston shares highlights with POLITICO from her 17 years of organizing the dinner.

12. Journos saluted for W.H. coverage
Five journalists will be honored by the White House Correspondents’ Association this year.

Lest we forget, the Politico promised it would break the traditional journalism mold and be new and ‘independent.’

Funny how that works.