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He served as President of the White House Correspondents' Association in 2005–06, and most notably, hired Stephen Colbert as the evening's guest comedian. Colbert's performance was praised by some but attacked by many as having crossed the line. He was mentioned in Colbert's book, I am America (And So Can You!). Also during his presidency, Smith oversaw the renovations of the White House Press Corps facilities, including the White House Press Briefing Office.
In September 2011, he was attacked for his transcription of President Obama's speech at a Congressional Black Caucus awards dinner by some critics who said leaving off the "g" in the words "complaining," "grumbling" and "crying" was racist. Smith said he accurately reflected Obama's choice to speak this way to a black audience.
Nathan Andrew Wilson Was that Supposed to be Funny? A Rhetorical Analysis of Politics, 2008 Page 118 "Though he was invited to give the address by Mark Smith, Associated Press reporter and then-president of the White House Correspondents' Association, though many in the press were apparently fans of his show, and though Colbert ..."
