President Obama and Mitt Romney traded jokes tonight at the white-tie Alfred Smith Dinner in New York City, held by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York to raise money for needy children. The media let us know before the first presidential debate that there would be no “zingers” in Denver, but the barbs were flying tonight.
Who are these guys checking me out at the Al Smith dinner? Yeeesh! http://t.co/YHcZk2dJ
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) October 19, 2012
Obama was first to speak and took a good number of shots at himself.
Pres Obama: "I had more energy in second debate. Well rested after nice long nap I had in first debate." #alsmith
— Jessica Yellin (@JessicaYellin) October 19, 2012
Obama: in a few weeks this election will be decided by voters in Ohio, VA, and Florida, which begs the question What are we doing here?
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 19, 2012
Obama says New Yorkers "have a big choice to make" — "which one of us you want holding up traffic for the next 4 yrs" #motorcadehumor
— Michael Falcone (@michaelpfalcone) October 19, 2012
Obama apologizes to Chris Matthews for 1st debate. "Four years ago I gave him a thrill up his leg, this time around I gave him a stroke."
— Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) October 19, 2012
Obama on first debate: I learned there are worst things that can happen to you on your anniversary than forgetting to buy a gift
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 19, 2012
Obama: "Earlier, I went shopping AT stores in midtown. I understand Gov. Romney went shopping FOR stores in midtown."
— Roger Simon (@politicoroger) October 19, 2012
Obama: "Mitt is his middle name. I wish I could use my middle name." #goodone
— Drew Cline (@DrewHampshire) October 19, 2012
http://twitter.com/jonathanwald/statuses/259104030213668864
Romney, again proving not to be the emotionless straw man we’ve been sold by the media, had plenty of zingers of his own.
RT @streitfeldcnn: Romney quips headline out of Al Smith dinner will be: Obama embraced by Catholics. Romney dines with rich people. @TheMRC
— Greg Mueller (@gregmcrc) October 19, 2012
Romney joked after last jobs report Obama re-thinking campaign slogan: "You're better off now than you were four WEEKS ago"
— Ed Henry (@edhenry) October 19, 2012
Romney said he wished President had brought Biden along: "He'll laugh at everything" #malarkey
— Ed Henry (@edhenry) October 19, 2012
"And by the way the President's remarks tonight are brought to you by the letter "O" and the # 16 trillion" haha#AlSmithDinner #MittRomney
— Dale Stauffenecker (@stuffyd13) October 19, 2012
See for yourself:
Reporters on the scene seemed genuinely pleased to see humor interjected into what has been a contentious race, but the president’s fans were not amused by what they saw as mean-spirited jibes.
https://twitter.com/NancyWonderful/status/259111090498199552
Mitt Romney really doesn't respect Obama. His jokes were intended to sting.
— Port City 73 (@frankthebrown) October 19, 2012
No wonder #Romney can't get positive likeability numbers. No humility, just attack jokes. #alSmithDinner
— NoniATX ? (@NoniATX) October 19, 2012
#AlSmithDinner Struck by how most of @BarackObama jokes are self-deprecating while Romney made Obama the butt of his. #justsayin #debate
— Maturish Gambino (@deedeececil) October 19, 2012
https://twitter.com/JMillhouse/status/259112315268521984
@maddow I cannot believe you though Romney was so funny. I actually thought his jokes toward Pres. Obama were pretty mean.
— Gwen Oden (@GwenOden1) October 19, 2012
At The Smith Dinner Romney had 8 jokes aimed at Prez delivered by Romney w/sarcasm. What's wrong w/Romney he's full of hate for the Prez!
— sheilamonge (@Auxi13Sheila) October 19, 2012
Tough crowd. Anyone have a theory why?
Romney's remarks at the Al Smith Dinner seemed so barbed because we've had 4 years of being told we can't tell jokes at Obama's expense.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) October 19, 2012
Could we please have an entertainment professional weigh in?
Romney hit it out of the park at the Al Smith dinner. A must see for all of you. You will be so proud you support him.
— Chuck Woolery (@chuckwoolery) October 19, 2012