Obama ribs Radio and TV Correspondents

WASHINGTON, June 19 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama addressed his first Radio and Television Correspondents dinner Friday in Washington, taking aim at his hosts and himself.

After first saying he was using the jokes that weren't funny enough for the White House Correspondents dinner five weeks ago, he then backtracked, telling his audience of broadcast journalists he preferred their company to the higher-profile guests who add glamour to the White House Correspondents' affair.

"Why hang out with celebrities when I can spend time with the people who made me one," he said. "I know where my bread is buttered."

Obama also joked about his troubles implementing policy. He said in his recent trip to the Middle East and Europe he heard the same thing from every leader -- "No thanks, but have you considered Palau?" -- referring to the problem of finding homes for Chinese Uighur Muslims detained in Guantanamo, Cuba.

Palau has agreed to accept some Uighurs, while most other countries have declined to provide new homes for detainees.

Obama also talked about healthcare reform: "One problem we're trying to solve is the high cost of health care in America. And I'm pleased that in our quest to reform the healthcare system, I have gained the support of the American Medical Association. It proves true the old expression that it's easier to catch flies with honey. And if honey doesn't work, feel free to use an open palm and a swift, downward wrist motion."

That was a reference to a video, widely viewed online this week, of Obama swatting a fly during a TV interview at the White House.