H'w'd and D.C.

Posted: Tue., Feb. 5, 2008, 12:34pm PT

Ferguson to play White House gig

Comic set for Correspondents Dinner

Craig Ferguson

Ferguson

Craig Ferguson, CBS latenight yakker and newly minted U.S. citizen, revealed on his show Monday night that he's already reaping the benefits of his decision to embrace the red, white and blue by landing a coveted gig for comics as host of the White House Correspondents Dinner.

The annual bash celebrates D.C. and Hollywood star power alike. It's skedded for April 26 at the Washington Hilton.

Per custom, Ferguson will be expected to have some fun at the expense of both the president and the elite press corps that covers him. But not too much fun. People are still talking about Stephen Colbert's appearance at the 2006 gig that was either blisteringly funny or boorishly rude, depending on whom you ask.

In 2007, the White House Correspondents Assn. brought in impersonator Rich Little, whose inoffensive routine many thought stale.

On Monday's edition of his "Late Late Show," Ferguson, a native of Scotland, riffed on attending the event with his new U.S. passport: "I sit at the top table with the president and first lady right there. I am thinking, 'Does he know I can't be kicked out now?'"

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