Eric Schultz, a senior aide to then-President Barack Obama, delivered the line with a perfect deadpan. The delivery, including the glance toward reporters, summed up the Obama administration’s view about hobnobbing with Congress.

“On Thursday, the president and first lady will attend the Congressional Ball at the White House,” Schultz said on Dec. 2, pausing for a second before delivering the punchline — “one of our favorites.” Reporters gathered in the White House briefing room responded with a combination of knowing chuckles, groans and hoots.

It conjured up a scene from the 2013 White House Correspondents’ Dinner when Obama revealed his feelings about socializing with lawmakers.

“Some folks still think I don’t spend enough time with Congress,” Obama joked at the annual gala. “‘Why don’t you have a drink with Mitch McConnell?’ they ask. Really? Why don’t ‘you’ get a drink with Mitch McConnell?”