Night of the New Media

In case you didn't get enough of that fabulous comedy duo, Obama & McCain, they were headliners last night at the Al Smith white-tie fundraiser dinner in New York City. A larf a minute folks. They broadcast it conveniently on Larry King Live and you can see it, of course, on YouTube. (My God, how BORING was the last election, before we had YouTube?) McCain went first, with far better jabs than you typically see from him these days. This McCain was relaxed, unflustered, funny. "Maverick I can do but messiah is above my paygrade." After watching it, I can't help feeling sorry for a nanosecond for the man. If he'd shown THIS kind of graciousness and good humor earlier on, we might not necessarily be celebrating [cautiously!] Obama's inroads into Ohio.

"I don't want it getting out of this room, but my opponent is an impressive fellow in many ways," McCain said. "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."

Obama went next with some good lines interspersed with nervous chuckles. "Many of you know that I got my name from my father. 'Barack' is Swahili for 'That one.' I got my middle name from somebody who obviously didn't realize I would run for president." Still, as Eric points out, though comedy is clearly not Obama's metier, he still manages to conclude his speech by putting the whole dinner, what the actual fundraiser is for and campaign into a larger perspective.

You know, the fact that each October, in the closing weeks of a hard-fought campaign, people of all political persuasions can come to this dinner and share a meal and honor the work of this foundation underscores the reality that no matter what differences or divisions or arguments we're having right now, we ultimately belong to something bigger and more lasting than a political party. We belong to a community. We share a country. We are all children of God.

And in this country, there are millions of fellow citizens, our brothers and sisters, who need us very much, especially now. We are being battered by a very serious economic storm, and for many Americans it's only deepened the quiet storms they've been struggling through for years. Beyond the walls of this hotel, on the streets of one of the greatest cities in the wealthiest nation on earth, there are men and women and children who have fallen on hard times and hard luck, who can't find work, or even a job that pays enough to keep a roof over their heads. Some are hanging on just by a thread...

Before Al Smith was a candidate who made history, he was a man who made a difference, a man who fought for many years to give Americans nothing more than a fair shake and a chance to succeed. And he touched the lives of hundreds of thousands -- of millions as a result. Simply put, he helped people. That's a distinction we can all aspire to, that we can all achieve, young or old, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican or independent. And I have no doubt that if we come together at this moment of crisis with this goal in mind, America will meet this challenge and weather this storm, and, in the words of Al Smith, "walk once more in eternal sunshine."

West Wing fans might remember an episode from the last season of the series title "The Al Smith Dinner." In it, the Republican candidate considers condemning a negative 527 ad against his opponent because he feels the ad opens the door to negative campaigning. Ahhh, for a fake Republican candidate.

Before the Al Smith dinner, McCain was a busy bee, with a scheduled appearance on, yes, Dave Letterman's show. The Caucus reports that plane delays almost caused McCain to almost MISS his appointment with Destiny...er...Dave AGAIN. Only an emergency airlift by helicopter to NY saved the day. Because to diss Dave again would be...not good. So he got to the taping ontime. HuffPo reports that "The band played the Who's 'I Can't Explain' as McCain walked onstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater. After he sat down, Letterman asked, 'Can you stay?' 'Depends on how bad it gets,' McCain answered."

I have to give McCain credit, he was walking into the lion's den, because Dave is still not quite over it. He fired off a bunch of excellent starters, including pointed questions about why the heck did you bail on me, on Palin's qualifications ( "I didn't know her well at all."), and how Obama's association with Ayers is different from McCain's association with Gordon Liddy (Thanks to Dina for sending along this timely reminder on the facts about Obama-Ayers association). Once again, I gotta ask, why is that the comedy shows, the variety shows are where we get the candidates' feet held to the fire?

Other little media tidbits:

• Apparently McCain and Palin have decided that this is the way to win the election and bring back good will from men.Palin's slated to appear on Saturday Night Live this week. No word on whether Tina Fey will be there....
• And Senator Blinkin' makes a guest appearance in the latest Obama ad.
• Katie Couric strikes again, this time with a question for each candidate about infidelity.
• Feeling bored? Play Palin as President, a new java game. It's a terrific time-waster, if a little disturbing.