President Obama pokes fun at himself at annual Alfalfa Club dinner

President Barack Obama spoke at Saturday night's Alfalfa Club dinner in Washington poking fun at himself and fellow leaders.

The annual black-tie banquet is an exclusive gathering of many of Washington's business and political elite.

"You've heard it from the pundits:  'Obama is cloistered in the White House.' 'He's aloof.' 'He's in the bubble.' He's not connecting,'" said Obama. "And that’s why one of my big goals this year was to get out and be among every day, ordinary Americans -- like the men and women of the Alfalfa Club."

The president, who broke into song at a recent fundraiser in New York City, also joked about his singing. "At least my harshest critics can agree... I have a promising future as an Al Green impersonator," he said.

Obama also earned laughs at the expensive of Republican rivals, highlighting rumors of tensions between House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.).

"Speaker Boehner, it is good to see you at the head table. I know how badly Eric Cantor wanted your seat," he said. 

"John, I want you to know:  I am eager to work with members of Congress to be entertaining tonight. But if Congress is unwilling to cooperate, I will be funny without them," he added.

The president has been pressuring congressional leaders to adopt many of his proposals to boost job growth and has cautioned them that he will implement efforts on his own without their cooperation.

President Obama last spoke at the dinner in 2009. He was accompanied this year by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Other guests included former President George H.W. Bush and his son former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who met with Obama at the White House before the event.

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