Obama, McCain share laughs at dinner

Both candidates should be proud of their behavior at this event. They proved it is possible to be rivals, to hold opposing view points and to still wish each other well. It would be refreshing to see this attitude continued until the polls close on Nov. 4 (after which it is assumed it will take no special effort on their part to continue this behavior). I believe the American people would appreciate such restraint.

This is presidential behavior. I love my country, and respect it's citizens - even those of the opposing party.

That's awesome...I wish that kindness would last, because it's a great change of pace.

What a breath of fresh air to see both MCcain and Obama in a setting where the attacks were laughable! It was great! Obama 08

I am glad there can be humor between the candidates.

Every time there is a presidential election we are bombarded by the news media about two specific parties when actually there are several other parties running. The debates are nothing more than a dog and pony show that doesn't include any other parties than the "two". If you ask me, the election process is a shambles. There are clearly other choices than these two parties yet we are force fed b.s. by the news media about them both. The only change that we will ever get is if WE THE PEOPLE remove those in power and put in place a government that is by the people and for the people. This farce that we have now is clearly not that government that our Constitution describes.

Light hearted

I believe Obama and McCain are two very great men and very competative. Just so happens they are competing for the same job. I am glad they had an opportunity to show they can get along and have a good time.

What a wonderful thing to see! I am a supporter of Obama but not a McCain hater. Absolutely delightful. I was laughing right along with both of them.

This is really great. It shows the character of these two men. I have more respect for each now.

You are right his is presidential behavior.

Man that's funny. It's cool to see two rivals for the presidency can share a lauch at their own and each other's expense.

Well written article that proves the bias of reporting in this country. Word count summary of McCain's comments - 236. Word count summary of Obama's comments - 456. Number of times candidates names used:
Obama - 19, McCain - 12. I watched the program and felt McCain's comments were much more entertaining, however, he's not the media darling.

I thought it was great to see these two rivals poke fun at each other, themselves and the news media. I give Obama so much credit for raising the bar this election year. I think McCain is recognizing through Obama's example that it is possible to take the high road in American politics and give credit where credit is due. Winning an election shouldn't be the ultimate reward, but rather bringing our country together to feel our humanity again. I saw a glimpse of America's soul returning last night. Maybe there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel we have all been in these past 8 years. Thank you Barack and John!

You are correct, the word count balance was not there. However, the extra stuff about Obama was not actually positive. The author pointed out his shortcomings in the speech, but did not do the same for McCain. This certainly was a breath of fresh air. Imagine if the election was decided by who was the better comedian?

Bill Maher on Larry King expressed that it was unfair for Obama to bring up serious topics and get all political.
Honestly, I have to agree. I thought it was a inappropriate of Obama to get all serious like that at the end of his comedy stint. Not really fair to McCain... but when has politics ever been fair? I'm an undecided Independent...

It was indeed a great moment, but voters seem to be a bit too hasty to accept the notion that they are honorable men rather than ruthless candidates running for the president. Maybe that's what we all want to believe, but it simply is not true. McCain's despicable attacks, and his transformation from a straight-talker to a liar, are undeniable and unexplainable. And, as an Obama supporter and someone who has read both of his books, I can tell you that Obama has to be one of the most ruthless candidates to ever run for president.

Who cares about how well these two candidates can get along, and what kind of jokes they bring to a event full with millionaires and elitists. When is this election going to start getting serious? When are they going to start bringing details, and for gods sakes when is the media going to start actually conduct journalism??

That Obama can be respectful and lighthearted seems less of a surprise than the fact that McCain can. We have seen this side of Obama frequently on the campaign trail. If McCain and his staff had allowed us to see this side of him more frequently and consistently he would be much closer in the poles. Maybe even ahead. What a gift this election could be if McCain's likely loss spelled the end of Carl Rove's campaign style.

Hollywood and Washington are the same city, but with different actors.

I have to fully agree with Will. I watched the remarks of both men (twice), and found McCain's humor to be very self-deprecating. Obama stayed in character by using humor to almost always put down somebody else. McCain was very generous and sincere in his praise of Obama, but Obama had nothing similar prepared in return and -- it was clear -- had to ad lib his reluctant praise of McCain. Mcain was much funnier, and got far more applause. But the media, including this report, showed its outright biased by giving Obama's remarks far more coverage – and by indicating that you watched the event on MSNBC, “the world’s worst network.”

Perhaps we should let the fellas who wrote the respective candidates run for President. After all, at least we could look forward to some entertainment when they hold press-conferences to tell us the American Dream is dead and that our money is worthless. Neither 'party' is honest or represents OUR interests any longer - as if they've done so since the Founding Fathers, so, let's at least get a laugh out of the charade. Elect comics to office - and get something of value {a few belly laughs} out of it.

Why ar we still putting up with this crap from these guys? I am so tired of all ot it that I can't stand to hear another word of it. I turn off the sound when an ad comes on. The public needs to realize that what you do does not matter when it comes to next president. It only matters who the members of the states electoral college want to be president. Your vote does not matter unles there are provisions in the state's constitutions that state the members must vote for the person who wins the popular vote. If not, then they can vote for whomever they want and your vote means nothing, nil, nada, etc. All this politicing is well and good but guess what is going on behind the bright lights. The members of the states electoral college are the ones really being wooed and I wonder how much money is actully being spent to get the needed votes? Just a little thought for all you voters out there.

This is awesome. I am so proud of these two folks. I wish this extends to next two weeks. If we are able to project this kind of politics to rest of the world, and they follow us, a lot of conflicts can be avoided.

Please Will.....don't stop there. Which letters were used more than other letters. Did the democrat used better letters? Was the republican letters strung together better? Did you happen to notice was each candidates fork held in the correct hand?

I watched it last night and was laughing so hard with John McCain's jokes. He was a natural comic, his timing was ON. He kept eye contact, he wasn't mean or rude; he was having fun and totally being himself, laughing with what was being said. It was so refreshing to see this side of him. I really enjoyed it!!
Until, I saw BHO, and this was clearly not part of the intensive training he has been a part of. SO very obvious, he was very awkward, no eye contact with anyone for at least 5 minutes (gave me the impression he's uncomfortable with his constituents) hmmm?. He sure loved all the attention waiting his turn though, when the camera turned to him...et nauseaum; clearly an egocentric narcissist!!! Stange to watch, how the eloquence was gone. His true self and not the M.E. trained and brainwashed man, delivering a speech.
Sad, how decieved Obamanation is.
This beloved USA will be a very dark, oppressed terrorist ridden, socialistic society, if he becomes our next Pres.
OH GOD help us all!

Congratulations for your country! (I'm italian)

Congratulations for your country! (I'm italian)

I was very glad to see Senators McCain and Obama laughing together, and poking good natured fun at each other.

I have to disagree, though, that appearances like this give evidence of a person's character. Character is something that is always on display, whether millions are watching or no one is watching.

Unfortunately, we have been seeing McCain's and Obama's true character on display for the last 18 months. Two hours when each man was instructed to be on his best behavior is not evidence of character. It only demonstrates they can be civil to each other when they need to be.

The real test of character for both men will be how they behave today. Good character rises above ambition and drives a man to do what's right all the time, no matter whether he's ahead or behind.

Both men were funny and self-depreciating. Many of the comments so far reveal just how pathetic the rabid partisans of both sides have become. It was a ROAST, not a debate, for Gods sake. Lighten up and take a breath once in a while.

I have to fully agree with Will.
Posted by: Fred Whissel | October 17, 2008 9:56 AM

I see the "great" Americans are out in full force to bring America together. Bravo guys!

Man, even in this message board there has to be a few that try and spin this wonderful evening one way or the other and have to try and slam somebody. Theyboth got in their digs, both used self deprecating humor, both had nice things to say and both were very,very funny. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to both of them.

They both showed class but most importantly funny

A quick note for Tony re: "millionaires and elitists" in attendance last night.
Remember W's joke at this event 8 years ago?
"This is my base, the haves and the have mores."
This is a charity fundraiser. Who else can give buckets of cash to charity except millionaires?

No matter which man wins....I hope people like the following fade away or go away forever.

This beloved USA will be a very dark, oppressed terrorist ridden, socialistic society, if he becomes our next Pres.
OH GOD help us all!

Posted by: William B | October 17, 2008 10:02 AM

This country will be much better off without the hate these bozos bring.

why are you republicans so negative??? trying to cause the issues again. portraying obama negative. i think both john and barack are great people but i just prefer obamas policies.
lets try to be civil- come on people!

To achieve this level of politics where two opposing sides can sit down together and share a light moment a few days before the election is, in itself, democracy at its best; something unheard of in other struggling democracies around the world. My respect and admirations for you, Americans!

Socialism! There, I've Said It

By: David Limbaugh

In certain unscripted moments, Barack Obama has given us a glimpse of his socialist inclinations, but I wonder what percentage would vote for him if they truly understood the extent of his radicalism.

Yet the financial crisis has created a climate of fear and uncertainty and unleashed an unprecedented tolerance for large-scale government intervention, which is playing perfectly into Obama's hands. People are blaming this largely Democratic-spawned mess on Republicans because Bush is still president.

Maybe I'm being too much of an alarmist, but I'm worried for the first time in my life that the election of a presidential candidate could lead to a fundamental change in our system of government. Just listen to the comments of post-debate focus group members expressing a knowing willingness to accept Obama's socialism, such is their angst at the subprime mortgage mess.

Already some 38 percent of Americans do not pay income taxes, and Barack Obama wants to increase that percentage dramatically. How ironic that he and other Democrats pretend to be targeting their message to "working-class" people when many of their constituents aren't working. But such is class warfare that the upper-middle class and wealthy are demonized as not earning an honest living.

Both were funny, but one stayed true to his roots, and that was Obama by leaving and participating in an event with super liberals Springsteen and Billy Joel.

I've had it with the "celebrity" of the Democrat party and will be voting for McCain, a first for me. But then, I'm a union guy who can think for him/her self.

Very professional. I hope McCain looses.

(No matter which man wins....I hope people like the following fade away or go away forever.
This beloved USA will be a very dark, oppressed terrorist ridden, socialistic society, if he becomes our next Pres.
OH GOD help us all!

Posted by: William B | October 17, 2008 10:02 AM
This country will be much better off without the hate these bozos bring.)

Agreed. I watched both men and were laughing with them. I thought Obama was hilarious...he just had more of a "dry humor" delivery than McCain. I cannot believe that some readers just cannot lighten up.

I would also remind these negative nabobs that both men were at an event that raised $4 million for needy children.

Posted by: bill "Hussein" r. | October 17, 2008 10:01 AM

I noted that Obama's tablecloth had been laundered a full 36 minutes after McCain's, so was cleaner. Also, Obama's napkin was a full 3 millimeters longer IN BOTH DIRECTIONS than McCain's. While both were served the same dinner, Obama's total meal weighed .0005 grams more than McCain's, and McCain's sauce was a little on the lumpy side and could have used a little salt. CLEARLY it's a conspiracy. I'm shocked and OUTRAGED!!

I thought these comments were screened. If so, how did "kstu" have their totally irrelevant copy & pasted post approved? Quit whining and playing the pathetic victim card. It's very unbecoming.

I'm glad to see the candidates have some fun with this stuff. There are too many "kstu"s out there looking to the negatives and always wanting to bring up the worst in everything if it supports their agendas. This is a good break for the people who aren't seethingly partisan and who don't always try to look for the negatives in other people. I just wish there were more reasonable people involved in the political process rather than partisan hacks who are blinded by whatever letter a candidate has behind their name rather than what's good for the country.

kstu - Your post is worthless to this discussion.

To Anna, Please, you are either fooling your self or lying. Mr Obama's policies (under a Democratic congress) will spend as much money as the Bush administration - 'and' increase Big government. Do you really prefer that? - Admittedly, It won't be deficit spending, we will all just be paying more! Oh, and the event was just to raise some money.

As I say,we are not different at
all, just our ideas and thought
patterns,,,LET US PRAY....

So my guess is if McCain can sit down with Obama at the same table, then his ads about Obama that he’s some kind of terrorist, or not an American are just not true, and it shows that McCain doesn’t believe them ether. Yes it was refreshing to see both of them making jokes at each other and themselves, actually I think that there should have been a debate with this format. It would be much healthier for our democracy to see that candidates from both sides can get along, then maybe we could focus on the issues and not the personal attacks.

The video posted here skips the first six minutes of McCain's routine, the funniest part of the entire event where he rocks Bill Clinton and Joe the Plumber. See it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKj8Nx5tVTw

McCain wins this contest against Obama--he's now 1 for 4! Great job both candidates and God bless America.

This is hysterical. It really feels like its impossible to actually get to know either of the candidates when they put on such an obvious show.

Both McCain and Obama were very funny at the dinner, although,
I thought McCain's presentation was exceptional. So far, all the
conclusions by all the pundits are
totally based upon POLLS. Not a single actual vote
has been cast yet. Obama supporters gush at how
well their man has done in the debates, which proves
once again that Obama is a good debater and a good
speaker. It doesn't say anything about his character,
judgement, or what kind of a leader he would be.
I still would rather trust a man who would not sell out
his fellow prisoners, even during 5 years of torture,
than to trust a man who betrayed a 20 year friendship,
for personal ambition. And ... regarding this election,
until people actually vote ... it ain't over till it's over!

I felt that John the Senator was so much funnier.

Obama was awesome, really funny!! McCain had a few good ones too but he was rude at times, not funny at all in places. As far as being put in a padded cell as McCain said about Olbermann, that's where McCain and the entire Bush admin belong, in a padded cell, where they can't do any more damage to the American people!

Now Barack's campaign slips up again...tells truth...

http://njfrogman.blogspot.com/2008/10/barack-obamas-odd-campaign-admission.html

Wow McCain sometimes know how many houses he has. He gave answer talking about Joe the Plumber:
"What they don't know is that Joe the Plumber recently signed a very lucrative contract with a wealthy couple to handle all the work on all seven of their houses," McCain said, drawing laughter with the reference to his property holdings. (on http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/17/obama.mccain.dinner.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview)
O, just a moment this statement just gave answer on who send Joe the plumber to meet Obama and ask the question.

Terrific! A proud moment for America!

Democrats '08:
"that's where McCain and the entire Bush admin belong, in a padded cell"

Fairly typical Obama supporter mentality.

.

McCain definitely knows how to tell a joke. The right timing and the right hits are all there which shows the man's got that wisdom and talent. Somehow, Obama did not really know how to bring a house down.

Whatever points McCain may or may not have scored in the debates, the enduring image reproduced in most of England's broadsheets was that of Goofy, tongue lolling out.

And this was the guy who was going to whip Obama's "you know what"? Or lick "you know what"?!

Hey everyone,
I read Dai's Blog, looked again at yesterday's paper and sure enough:

http://friendfeed.s3.amazonaws.com/49faf3dd12e8b978757d6edc762a8ada7ba10c91

The poor old chap is obviously out of his depth when discussing serious matters. He should now remain focussed on jokes. He made a good start by his choice of running mate and his performance at the Al Smith Show burnishes the image of Comedian-in-Chief.