Now this is more like it. Sure, you’re not going to see a lot of jocularity and self-deprecation–or raising $4 million for charity rather than themselves–but the Al Smith Dinner, the white-tie gala and quadrennial campaign-free zone that was held last night in New York, showed how welcome such an event can be.

The Times coverage is very good, and has video clips, and at Whispers, Rocco posts video of each speech in full.

A good cause, a good moment in an otherwise angry campaign, and even some pretty good lines:

McCAIN: “Even in this room full of proud Manhattan Democrats, I can’t shake that feeling that some people here are pulling for me…I’m delighted to see you here tonight, Hillary,” he added, nodding to Senator Clinton.

OBAMA: “My middle name is actually Steve…Barack Steve Obama.”

And this: “It is often said that I share the politics of Alfred E Smith and the ears of Alfred E. Newman.”

Kind of what I was saying here–but without the ears part.

Alas. Now if only the Catholic Church could bring Catholics together…!