That’s a picture you don’t see every day.
Just two days after a fierce contest which saw President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney get heated on the debate stage, the two men gathered in New York to poke a little fun at themselves and each other at the annual Al Smith Dinner, a tradition that raises money for Catholic charities. Historically, it’s always been a venue for candidates and Presidents to let off some steam, and last night both candidates clearly enjoyed themselves. Case in point:
President Obama: “Earlier today I went shopping at some stores in Midtown, I understand Governor Romney went shopping for some stores in Midtown.”
Governor Romney: “As President Obama surveys the Waldorf banquet room with everyone in white tie and finery, you have to wonder what he’s thinking. ‘So little time. So much to redistribute.’”
Besides the zings at one another, the two men called themselves out, too.
President Obama: “This is the third time that Gov. Romney and I have met recently. As some of you may have noticed, I had a lot more energy in our second debate. I felt really well-rested after the nice, long nap I had in the first debate.”
Governor Romney: “Usually when I get invited to gatherings like this, usually it’s just to be the designated driver.”
Of course, the Al Smith dinner was a rare exception in a campaign that has often been bitter and personal. With 18 days to go until the election, both men are out of white tie and back on the trail today. We’ll pull more highlights and break down the polls and the strategy when we join you at noon ET on NOW.
PANEL
Jonathan Chait, New York Magazine (@jonathanchait)
Andrew Ross Sorkin, CNBC Co-host, “Squawk Box”/The New York Times (@andrewrsorkin)
Ben Smith, Editor-in-Chief, BuzzFeed (@buzzfeedben) GUESTS Luke Russert, NBC News (@lukerussert) BULLPEN Chris Hayes, msnbc Host, “UP” (@chrislhayes) Melissa Harris-Perry, msnbc Host, “Melissa Harris-Perry” (@mharrisperry)
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