Before Saturday, the routine at the many White House Correspondents’ Association dinners I’ve attended since 2000 has been the same. It’s “nerd prom” weekend in D.C. Before the dinner itself, journalists attend pre-parties wearing black tie. Then we file into the ballroom and chit-chat with friends, colleagues and others as we all find our tables. Inside the Hilton ballroom, there’s the announcement of the vice president.