Obama's punch lines: Rahm and the fly

by Mark Silva

The president's day, as we said this morning, started with a prayer -- and a pledge that he is "committed'' to immigration reform -- at a Hispanic prayer breakfast today, and it ends with some jokes this evening at the Radio and TV correspondents' dinner.

The White House has shared a few of the scripted laugh lines for tonight's dinner. Among the butts of his humor: White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, the very TV and radio community he is addressing and that fly he swatted in the East Room.

"In Egypt, we had the opportunity to tour the pyramids,'' the president plans to say of his recent trip to Cairo. "And by now I'm sure you've all seen the pictures of Rahm on that camel.

"I admit, I was a little nervous about the whole situation. I said at the time, "This is a wild animal known to bite, kick, and spit....

"And who knows what the camel could do?...

"Of course, most of my attention has been focused back home,'' Obama will say. "As you know, we've been working around the clock on to repair our major financial institutions and our auto companies. But you probably wouldn't understand the concept of troubled industries, working as you do in radio and television...

"One problem we're trying to solve is the high cost of health care in America,'' the president plans to say. "And I'm pleased that in our quest to reform the health care 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.''

It could be a long night.