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Join CNN anchors John Berman and Sara Sidner as they host CNN’s special coverage of the 2024 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner airing live at 7pm ET on CNN, CNN International, and on MAX. Subscription required. Visit max.com.

Broadcasting from CNN’s Washington, DC bureau, Berman and Sidner will guide you through the evening’s highlights, from guest arrivals to President Joseph R. Biden’s post-dinner remarks, and a performance from Saturday Night Live's Colin Jost. Also joining Berman and Sidner in studio will be CNN political commentators S.E. Cupp, Scott Jennings, and Van Jones; CNN contributor Cari Champion, and also Van Lathan, for color commentary. 

Plus, CNN anchor and chief legal analyst Laura Coates and senior political data reporter Harry Enten will interview attendee as they arrive on the red carpet as they arrive for this annual celebration and tribute to America’s freedom of the press. We caught up with them about how they prepare, their favorite moments, and what to expect from this year's event. 

How do you prepare for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner? 

John Berman: I do a lot of stretching, focusing mostly on my lower back. Lately my right calf muscle has been tight as well.  I also memorize the name of every DC-based reporter and what designer they like to wear (usually Osh Kosh B’Gosh). 

Sara Sidner: Read and hope for a miracle.

Harry Enten: Honestly, my only real prep is getting a tuxedo (which I don't own) and reaching out to try and get a few guests. Additionally, this year, because it falls on a Jewish holiday (Passover), I might have a special treat on the red carpet. Otherwise, I am just myself and look to have a good time. 

Laura Coates: Moisturizer and Thin Mints. 

What were your favorite moments from past events? 

Berman: I have anchored our coverage for many years.   I often like to joke that I am working because I did not get invited to the dinner. One year, an executive called the control room and said that I had to stop saying that.  So that was fun. Although I am pretty sure I did not get invited. This year I was not invited. 

Enten: I enjoy when presidents can make fun of themselves. I know the presidents have a team of writers, but we're all humans after all. I think not taking ourselves too seriously when the circumstances allow is something that is just great. 

Coates: You all know I have a ready laugh that can't wait to burst out--my favorite moments are always the friendly roasts that ensure we don't take ourselves too seriously! 

What should viewers expect this year? 

Berman: Mayhem. 

Sidner: This is my first time doing the show, so even I don’t know what to expect – except that we will learn a little and laugh a lot. We need comic relief. 

Enten: This year we're obviously bringing back the red carpet special. That means more time to have more fun. The WHCD is a one-of-a-type event because it brings out entertainers who try to be serious and more serious journalists who like to have a good time. What I hope for are some brief moments of humanity where we realize it's okay to have fun sometimes. 

Coates: Now, more than ever, we need to remember the important role of the first amendment and the free press.  We will honor that mission and bring you the levity and good time needed in the right places. 

What are you most looking forward to? 

Berman: I think this year everyone is excited to see Colin Jost. He is genuinely A-list talent. Along with Sara Sidner.  Additionally, with the President’s age being in the spotlight, I am focused on how he will choose to address it. 

Sidner: The roasting of the President.

Enten: The truth is that I, as of this writing, don't know who will be at the event. Like, I secretly hope the guy who wrote the Full House theme song (Jesse Frederick) will be there. Maybe someone from the Buffalo Bills can somehow make an appearance? A guy can have his hopes. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to having a good time. I am not a DC guy through and through. I am not someone who is a big Hollywood fanatic through and through. My guess is that most of our viewers aren't either, so hopefully they can see the event through the eyes of someone who is like them. 

Coates: You know Harry and I can't resist shenanigans! I am also looking forward to seeing a unified press that sets aside the perception of our differences and comes together to celebrate our collective mission! And of course--the fashion! 

🎬 A CNN Flashdoc on Max

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