McCain, Obama trade jokes, salutes

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NEW YORK, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Political rancor got the night off Thursday as Barack Obama and John McCain roasted then toasted each other at the annual Al Smith Dinner in New York.

The Democratic and Republican presidential nominees poked fun at each other and themselves during the black-tie dinner named in honor of the four-term New York governor, the New York Post reported Friday.

McCain began the comedic offering by announcing he was replacing his entire team of advisers with one man "Joe the Plumber," referring to Joe Wurzelbacher of Ohio, who gained notoriety during the candidates' debate Wednesday.

Obama commented on the dinner's location was at the Waldorf-Astoria, saying, "I hear from the doorstep, you can see all the way to the Russian Tea Room," zinging GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's boast that she can see Russia from Alaska.

The two turned serious, though, congratulating each other for a well-fought campaign.

"There was a time when a mere invitation of an African-American citizen to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage and an insult," said McCain, adding, "I can't wish my opponent luck, but I do wish him well."

Said Obama, "There are very few of us that have served this country with the same dedication and honor and distinction as Senator McCain."

The dinner raised $4 million for the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, which supports the underprivileged in New York.