Romney, Obama joke at annual NYC dinner - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

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."

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

Obama yuks it up with Romney

President Barack Obama is making 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.

The president spoke Thursday night at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a Catholic charity fundraiser that attracts top New York luminaries from politics, the media and finance

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.

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