The Al Smith Dinner, named for the former New York Governor who ran for President back in1928 and lost quite handily to Herbert Hoover has long been a place where politicians go to make fun of themselves and each other.
And this year was no exception:
“It is an honor to be here with Al Smith,” said Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaking at the 63rd annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner to benefit Catholic charities. “I obviously never knew your great grandfather, but from everything that Senator McCain has told me, the two of them had a great time together before prohibition. So, wonderful stories.”
So began Obama’s comedy monologue, which included a few good yuks, as did McCain’s.
McCain, the schtickier (and arguably, funnier) of the two candidates, spoke first at the dinner packed with V.I.P.’s that is traditionally the last side-by-side appearance of the two presidential candidates, as well as an opportunity for them to poke fun at each other and themselves.
The roast, which raised $3.9 million to help underprivileged children, is dedicated to the memory of former Democratic New York Gov. Al Smith, the first Catholic to win the presidential nomination of a major political party, who lost to Republican Herbert Hoover in 1928, 444 electoral votes to 87.
“I can’t shake that feeling that some people here are pulling for me,” McCain said, turning to the far side of the stage. “I’m delighted to see you here tonight, Hillary.”
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and all others in the crowd, guffawed.
Here’s the whole thing on video.
Part I:
Part II:
Part III:
Part IV:
H/T: Brendan Loy
