Obama And Romney Attend Annual Alfred E. Smith Dinner

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is poking fun at himself and at President Barack Obama, telling a white tie and gown crowd that, quote, “it’s nice to finally relax and wear what Ann and I wear around the house.” Romney on Thursday joked with the audience at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner in New York as Obama looked on. Through much of the evening, he sat just one chair down from the president. Only host Cardinal Timothy Dolan separated them. Romney playfully jabbed at Obama, saying both candidates have crucial people on whom they rely. As Romney put it, “I have my beautiful wife, Ann, he’s got Bill Clinton.”Mitt Romney, Barack Obama to trade jabs at Al Smith dinner The two presidential candidates took a break from the caustic criticism of the campaign trail to score political points with biting humor last night in New York City. President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney peeled off the stump Thursday to attend the annual Al Smith Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. During presidential election years, the event brings the candidates to the same stage to trade barbs and self-deprecating zingers as the race enter its final weeks. The white-tie affair raises millions for the Gov. Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation and is organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York to benefit needy children. More than 1,600 were scheduled to attend the dinner. The menu includes poached lobster tail and dark chocolate tropical fruit cadeau. Tickets start at $2,500.