--SUPERS --
Thursday
New York


Mitt Romney
(R) Presidential Candidate

President Barack Obama

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Barack Obama and Mitt Romney took a break from campaigning Thursday night to attend the annual Alfred E Smith Memorial Dinner.
They showed off their comedic skills at the black tie fundraiser that is a traditional stop for presidential candidates.
Ed Payne has the story.

--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS --
THE CHARITY EVENT HOSTED BY THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK GIVES THE CANDIDATES A CHANCE TO HAVE SOME FUN AND GET A FEW LAUGHS. THEY TOOK TURNS POKING FUN AT THEMSELVES.
A campaign can require a lot of wardrobe changes. Blue jeans in the morning perhaps, suit for a lunch fund-raiser, sport coat for dinner but it is nice to finally relax and to wear what ann and i wear around the house.
This is the third time Gov Romney and I have met recently. Lot more energy in second debate, nice long nap in the first debate. Although it turns out millions of Am's focused on second debate who didn't focus in on first, I happen to be one of them.
AND, THEY GAVE EACH OTHER A FEW GOOD HUMORED ZINGERS.
After my foreign trip in 2008, I was attacked as a celebrity because I was so popular with our allies overseas. I'm impressed with how well Gov Romney has avoided that problem.
Don't be surprised if the president mentions this evening the monthly jobs report where there was a slight improvement in the numbers. He knows how to seize the moment, this president. He already has a compelling new campaign slogan. You are better off now than you were four weeks ago.
ROMNEY JABBED AT THE MEDIA.
And i have already seen early reports from tonight's dinner. Headline, obama embraced by Catholics. Romney dines with rich people.
AND OBAMA TALKED ABOUT A CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT.
Getting to that time when folks are making up their minds. Honey Boo Boo endorsed me. Big relief.
OVER THE YEARS, THE AL SMITH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION HAS RAISED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR HEALTHCARE CAUSES.
I'M ED PAYNE REPORTING.
--SUGGESTED TAG--
Now, it's back to work for both candidates. They will be campaigning and preparing for their third and final debate.
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