Obama gets once more chance to zing official Washington

The dinner Saturday night comes amid a fierce presidential campaign that should provide plenty of material for after-dinner remarks by Obama and this year's professional comic, TV host Larry Wilmore.

Republican front-runner Donald Trump, a regular in recent years, isn't expected to be among the host of Hollywood stars, athletes and government officials at the ballroom of the Washington Hilton.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama enjoys the opportunity to speak at the event, in part, because so many of the other speeches he gives deal with such serious topics, and this is the unique event that allows him to share some laughs about the political process and those who participate.