Stand-up: Obama and Romney draw laughs at dinner

NEW YORK (AP) — President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney scored big laughs at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, an annual fundraiser at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel for Catholic charitable work that has drawn presidential candidates since World War II.

President Obama made fun of his name, politics and the presidential campaign in a freewheeling political romp where he's exchanging one-liners with rival Mitt Romney in a humorous break from the heated presidential contest.

Obama recalled his panned first debate, noting that millions who watched the second debate hadn't focused on the first debate. And he said that would include him.

Obama noted that Mitt is actually Romney's middle name. Pausing, he added with some longing: "Wish I could use my middle name."

It is Hussein.

Romney poked fun at himself and at President Obama, telling a white tie and gown crowd that, "it's nice to finally relax and wear what Ann and I wear around the house."

Through much of the evening, Romney 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."

Romney appeared at ease on the stage and spoke ahead of the president.

The following is a sampling of the best quips from their stand-up routines:

"I had a lot more energy in our second debate. I felt really well-rested after the nice long nap I had in first debate." - Obama, poking fun at his poor performance in the first nationally televised debate against 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.'" - Romney, riffing on conservative complaints that Obama wants to redistribute the wealth.

"In less than three weeks, voters in states like Ohio, Virginia and Florida will decide this incredibly important election. Which begs the question: What are we doing here?" - Obama, on spending valuable campaigning time in solidly Democratic New York.

"Find the biggest available straw man and then mercilessly attack him. Big Bird didn't see it coming. By the way, in the spirit of Sesame Street' tonight, the president's remarks tonight are brought to you by the letterO' and the number 16 trillion." - Romney, on how he prepares for debates, his own plan to defund public television and the national debt.

"Earlier today I went shopping at some stores in Midtown. I understand Gov. Romney went shopping for some stores in Midtown." - Obama, on Romney's vast wealth.

"President Obama and I are each very lucky to have one person who's always in our corner. Someone who we can lean on and is someone who is a comforting presence without whom we wouldn't be able to go another day. I have my beautiful wife, Ann, and he has Bill Clinton." - Romney, teasing about the former president's prominent role in Obama's campaign.

"After my foreign trip in 2008, I was attacked as a celebrity because I was so popular with our allies overseas. I have to say, I'm impressed by how well Gov. Romney has avoided that problem." - Obama, on Romney's trip to Europe and the Middle East last summer, which drew critical headlines.

"I've already seen early reports from tonight's dinner. Headline: `Obama embraced by Catholics. Romney dines with rich people.'" - Romney, on media bias against his candidacy.

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