Outside the campaign

To get away from the usual rhetoric, I would like to introduce to you the candidates, unadulterated and in their purest forms, from the Alfred E. Smith dinner, in which the honorees are encouraged to comment on themselves, their campaigns, and each other in a most irreverent manner.

Indeed, the occasion has evolved into something of an opportunity for speakers - particularly ones whose mien is typically quite serious - to show, through quips and slightly irreverent humor, that they can poke fun at a political issue, an opponent, or themselves.

Without further ado, I present to you Senator John McCain.



And then, Senator Barack Obama.