Trump Jokes Abound At South Boston St. Patrick's Breakfast
BOSTON (CBS) -- President Donald Trump was the most popular target at the annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast, where Massachusetts politicians traded barbs and zingers Sunday morning.
One of Trump's most outspoken critics, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, couldn't help but take a jab at the Commander-in-Chief while she mentioned the Patriots' Super Bowl win.
Sen. Ed Markey took a swipe at the president's cabinet.
"St. Patrick was famous for driving the snakes out of Ireland," he said. "And unfortunately, they seem to have all landed jobs in the White House."
Even Mayor Marty Walsh got in on the act.
"I'm excited to be here this year, because I was actually supposed to visit Ireland for St. Patrick's Day," said Walsh. "But I had to cancel my trip, because I wasn't sure that Immigration would let me back in the country."
Immigration was another popular topic at the dinner. Mayor Walsh showed a video in which he parodied his earlier promise to let immigrants stay at Boston City Hall no matter their status, and Rep. Stephen Lynch even wrote a song about the City Hall refuge to the tune of "Be Our Guest."
"Be our guest, be our guest / Immigration is a mess / Grab your suitcase and some toothpaste / City Hall will do the rest," sang Rep. Lynch.
City Councilor Tito Jackson's challenge of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh for his job this year was a frequent topic of jokes.
In a pre-taped skit, Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, remarked that none of his Democratic friends were talking to him anymore due to his perceived unwillingness to denounce Donald Trump--until Councilor Jackson picked up the phone, and brought him a "Vote Tito" shirt.
"Hold that shirt, it's gonna be a collector's item some day," Mayor Walsh said.
The mayor found himself the target of roasters, but took it in stride.
"It was great. I thought the governor would be the middle of most of the jokes, but I got mine today. It's okay, it's St. Patrick's Day. You roll with the punches and have a good time," Mayor Walsh said.
Gov. Baker reminded everyone about Boston's particular March 17 history.
"I love the humor and the opportunity to poke fun at each other. But I should remind everybody that March 17, 1776 is Evacuation Day, which is a very important day in the history of the Revolutionary War," the governor said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
