The Correspondents' Dinner is a rich tradition in Washington; an opportunity for the press to chide the President and the President to return the favor.  It's always been a great way for folks who, by the nature of their jobs and responsibilities, are often adversaries to "poke a little fun" at each other.   If you've watched them, they are very, very entertaining.  President Obama, for example, has a great skill and fantastic timing in comedy.  He was also a great sport receiving the tradition "roast" at the event.  

I'm not in the least surprised that Trump won't attend.  Big egos and thin skin, the willingness to "dish it out" and the inability to "take it" don't fit very well with the format of the Correspondents' Dinner.  Gary Crum