Big gig for Ted Cruz: Gridiron dinner
WASHINGTON — The trick at the annual Gridiron Dinner is to singe without burning, and Washington’s political and media establishment will soon find out whether Sen. Ted Cruz is up to the task. Today, the venerable club, whose sole purpose is to host an annual white tie shindig, announced that Texas’ junior senator has agreed to serve as the Republican speaker.
President Barack Obama is expected, though occasionally, presidents decide that sitting through a few hours of musical skits spoofing their foibles (and those of the opposition party) in white tie is just too much, and they leave the honor to the vice president. Last March, Obama poked fun at Cruz (in absentia).
“With all these new faces, it’s hard to keep track of who is in, who is out. And I know it’s difficult for you guys as reporters. But I can offer you an easy way of remembering the new team. If Ted Cruz calls somebody a communist, then you know they’re in my cabinet,” he said.
It can be a tough assignment to share a spotlight with the president. But as Gridiron members note, plenty of speakers have gone on to win their party’s nomination for president.
More at http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/big-gig-for-ted-cruz-gridiron-dinner.html/ .