WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- President Barack Obama poked fun Saturday night at his chief of staff and ribbed Washington 's elite during a black-tie dinner at Alfalfa Club , a 93-year-old Washington social club . Colin Powell chats with other guests at the Alfalfa dinner in Washington on Saturday night . The first African-American president began by poking fun at the club 's historical roots . `` I know that many you are aware that this dinner began almost 100 years ago as a way to celebrate the birthday of General Robert E. Lee , '' Obama said , referring to the man who commanded the Confederate army during the Civil War . `` If he were here with us tonight , the general would be 202 years old . And very confused . '' The ceremony was closed to the media . But the White House released excerpts of the president 's remarks . The Alfalfa Club was started by four Southerners in Washington 's Willard Hotel in 1913 . Its sole purpose was an annual night out for the boys , and it took its name from a thirsty plant that sends its roots deep down looking for liquid refreshment . The club remained exclusively open to men until 1994 , when women were admitted as members . Arizona Sen. John McCain , whom Obama defeated for the presidency , and McCain 's running mate , Alaska Gov . Sarah Palin , also attended the event . Obama saved most of his ribbing for his chief of staff , Rahm Emmanuel , who has a reputation for being quick to anger . `` Now , this has n't been reported yet , but it was actually Rahm 's idea to do the swearing-in ceremony again , '' he said . `` Of course , for Rahm , every day is a swearing-in ceremony . '' On the president 's first full day in office , Chief Justice John Roberts re-administered the oath of office to Obama after they flubbed during the inauguration . Watch highlights of Obama 's second week as president » . Obama said that in his first weeks as president , he has had to `` engage in some of the toughest diplomacy of my life . '' `` And that was just to keep my BlackBerry , '' he said . `` I finally agreed to limit the number of people who could e-mail me . It 's a very exclusive list . How exclusive ? Everyone look at the person sitting on your left . Now look at the person sitting on your right . None of you have my e-mail address . ''
Obama pokes fun at D.C. power dinner hosted by once-exclusive club . At the annual Alfalfa dinner , Obama makes fun of his chief of staff 's potty mouth . Score: 6