President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney faced each other for a second time this week as they shared the stage at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner in New York Thursday and, basically, went in on each other – as is the event’s tradition. [Scroll down to watch.]
They also got a chance to poke fun at themselves.
Sporting tuxedos at the elaborate event, a traditional election-year stop for presidential candidates, the two took the podium at the Waldorf Astoria for a night of comedic relief with less than three weeks to go in the already-bitter race.
Standing before a sea of elegantly dressed guests at the white-tie function, Romney quipped: “A campaign can require a lot of wardrobe changes. Blue jeans in the morning, perhaps. Suit for a lunch fundraiser. Sport coat for dinner. But it’s nice to finally relax and to wear what Ann and I wear around the house.”
On the heels of a contentious debate Tuesday night, Romney noted he and the president enjoyed “chatting pleasantly” at dinner.
“I credit that of course to the cardinal,” he said of American Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who sat with the two men. “It’s taken New York’s highest spiritual authority to get us back on our best behavior.”
Romney went on to deliver a series of zingers about the president and his policies.
The GOP presidential nominee said he wouldn’t be surprised to hear Obama mention the better-than-expected September jobs report.
“He knows how to seize a moment, this president, and already has a compelling new campaign slogan: You’re better off now than you were four weeks ago,” he said.
After several jabs at Obama, Romney took aim at a politician’s favorite target: the press.
“I’ve already seen reports from tonight’s dinner. Headline: Obama embraced by Catholics, Romney dines with rich people,” he said, to laughter.
Romney closed his remarks on a serious note and offered praise for his opponent.
“Our president has had some very fine and gracious moments. Don’t tell him I said so, but our 44th president has many gifts and a beautiful family that would make any man proud,” he said. “In our country you can oppose someone in politics and make a confident case against their policies without an ill will. And that’s how it is for me.”
Then it was the president’s turn.
Read more at EurWeb
