The Candidates Cook Up a Lovely Roast

Barack Obama and John McCain roasted each other (and others) at the Al Smith dinner, an established stop during presidential campaigns for years and years. Both candidates took shots at each other (and Bill Clinton, for some reason) and, all in all, a lot of it is pretty funny.

Here's McCain...



And here's Obama...



My analysis: McCain's delivery was stronger than Obama's, who continued to read off of his cards, and his jokes more biting and roast-like, and you could tell as McCain went on Obama wasn't finding the jabs quite as amusing. Obama employed more self-depricating humor which went over very well and closed very strong with incredibly kind words for McCain. Still, this was a roast and McCain came out on top in this head-to-head.

UPDATE: I got the videos off of YouTube, but I just happened to notice that McCain's was taken from FOX and Obama's from MSNBC...coincidence???

UPDATE 2: Michael Scherer of TIME's Swampland noted that McCain did say this later in the evening:

I don't want it getting out of this room, but my opponent is an impressive fellow in many ways. Political opponents can have a little trouble seeing the best in each other. But I've had a few glimpses of this man at his best and I admire his great skill, energy and determination. It's not for nothing, but he's inspired many folks in his own party and beyond. Senator Obama talks about making history and he's made quite a bit of it already. There was a time when the mere invitation of an African-American citizen to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage and an insult. Today is a world away from the cruelty and prideful bigotry of that time - and good riddance. I can't wish my opponent luck, but I do wish him well.