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Transcript of
Barack Obama's Comedy Roast at Al Smith Dinner
By Daniel Kurtzman
By the way, John, I'm just curious, is Fox News included in the media?
Because I'm always hearing about this love, just curious.
Then at one of these campaign rallies, someone in the crowd started
yelling, No-Bama, announcing to everyone in the room that I shouldn't
be the Democratic nominee because there were far more qualified
candidates.
I really wish Joe Biden hadn't done that.
But at least we've moved past the days when the main criticism coming
from the McCain campaign was that I'm some celebrity. I have to admit
that really hurt. I got so angry about it I punched the paparazzi in
the face on my way out of Spago's.
I'm serious. I even spilled my Soy Chai Latte all over my shih tzu. It
was really embarrassing.
But in all seriousness, I'm so glad that I could make it tonight, and
I'm honored to be among such wonderful public servants. I want to
especially say a word of thanks to Senator McCain. We are in the midst
of a tough battle right now, and American politics at the presidential
level is always tough. But I've said before, and I think it bears
repeating, that there are very few of us who have served this country
with the same dedication and honor and distinction as Senator McCain.
And I'm glad to be sharing this space with him tonight, as I am during
the course of this nomination.
And before I close, I'd like to recognize one such servant who is not
with us tonight, but who was mentioned earlier, and that's our good
friend, Tim Russert. I know that Luke and Maureen are here.
And I know Tim enjoyed these dinners very much. And I also know how
much he would have enjoyed covering this election. And I know that John
and I would have been quaking in our boots preparing for our
appearances on "Meet the Press."
And his absence is not just a personal loss for so many who knew him
and loved him, but a profound loss for the country, and we continue to
miss him very much.
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.
Scripture says God creates us for works of service. We are blessed to
have so many organizations like this one and the Catholic Diocese that
perform these acts of God every day.
But each of us also has that responsibility. Each of us has that
obligation, especially now. No matter who we are or what we do, what I
believe each of us in this room asks for and hopes for and prays for
enough strength and wisdom to do good and to seek justice and play our
small part in building a more hopeful and compassionate worlds for the
generations that will follow.
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." Thank you so much, everybody. God bless you.
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