Commander-in-cheek tweaks his comic timing

President Barack Obama, right with comic Keegan-Michael Key, who plays the President's "anger translator". Photo / AP

US President Barack Obama took a few humorous shots at the 2016 presidential field - and a few at his own image - in his annual comic turn at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Obama likened former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign to Americans' lingering uncertainty about the economy.

"I had a friend making millions of dollars a year. Now she's living in a van in Iowa."

He said: "I look so old that [Republican leader of the House of Representatives] John Boehner has already invited [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to speak at my funeral."

The President introduced "Luther", his "anger translator" " played by Keegan-Michael Key of the comedy duo Key and Peele.

While Obama made his characteristically relaxed pronouncements, "Luther" offered a less mellow translation.

"In our fast changing world, traditions like the White House Correspondents' Dinner are important," said Obama, translated by Luther as: "I mean really what is this dinner? And why am I required to go to it?"