In a visit to the White House, Tuesday, April 5, 2022, former President Obama capitivated the audience of reporters and government officials, who were delighted by the former president’s jokes.  He received a standing ovation on his visit to boost and support President’s Biden’s domestic agenda, and to celebrate his own major achievement, the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law 12 years ago. 

As the audience roared, at the podium Obama said, “Thank you, Vice President Biden.” 

Several journalists tweeted about Obama’s jokes. One reporter commented about how Obama brought laughter back to the East Room. 
Stephen Colbert joked that he hoped “they locked the doors to keep him in.”
Democrats have been struggling with public approval numbers due to the war in Europe, persistent global COVID variants, rising gas prices and inflation.  Democratic strategists are predicting heavy losses in the November mid-term elections.

It was Obama’s first visit to the White House in five years. 
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held Obama’s hand, then pulled it close and kissed it. Pelosi had played a major role had been instrumental in the passage of the Affordable Care Act. 
Former President Obama is still seen by many as an inspirational figure in the Democratic Party, and his visit brought some levity in difficult times.