Obama and Romney set aside differences for charity dinner

Published on 20/10/2012 00:00

Barack Obama and Mitt Romney set aside their differences on Thursday night at a New York charity dinner.

The Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation dinner is an annual event organised by the city’s Catholic archdiocese. The occasion provided a light-hearted interlude in a presidential contest which has become increasingly bitter.

Addressing the elegantly dressed crowd, Republican challenger Mr Romney, a multi-millionaire, said: “It’s nice to finally relax and wear what [wife] Ann and I wear around the house.” Of president Obama, Mr Romney said: “You have to wonder what he’s thinking. So little time, so much to redistribute.”

Mr Obama followed, noting his poor performance in the first TV debate but also chiding Mr Romney for his wealth. “Earlier today, I went shopping at some stores in Midtown,” he said. “I understand Governor Romney went shopping for some stores in Midtown.”

The two are level in the polls just over two weeks away from the 6 November election.