Alfred E Smith Dinner 2016: Trump And Clinton's Best Jokes From The Event

The annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, held at the Astoria Waldorf in New York City, saw the two United States presidential candidates — Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton — come together and appreciate the light-hearted humor the event is synonymous with.

While both sides had a lot to say, the Republican particularly had a tough time with toning down his vicious attacks that have made headlines during the presidential debates as he struggled with the self deprecating humor that are a common occurrence at the dinner. Clinton, on the other hand, refrained from making any outright accusations as the candidates gently roasted each other.

Donald Trump’s Hits And Misses

“We have proven that we can actually be civil to each other. Hillary accidentally bumped into me, and she very civilly said ‘Pardon me,'” the Republican nominee joked. “And I very politely replied, ‘Let me talk to you about that after I get into office.'”

“Michelle Obama gives a speech and everyone loves it, it’s fantastic. They think she’s absolutely great,” Trump said, referring to allegations of plagiarism leveled at his wife’s Convention speech: “My wife, Melania, gives the same exact speech and people get on her case and I don’t get it!”

“This is the first time ever, ever, that Hillary is sitting down, speaking to major corporate leaders and not getting paid for it,” he took a dig at his democratic rival, but was booed by the audience instead.

“Hillary is so corrupt she got kicked off the Watergate commission. How corrupt do you have to be to get kicked off the Watergate commission?” he asked a not very pleased audience.

“Here she is tonight, in public, pretending not to hate Catholics,” he said, causing more boos before adding, “You’ll notice Hillary’s not laughing. That’s because she knows the jokes and all the jokes were given to her before the dinner by Donna Brazile.”

Hillary Clinton’s Hits And Misses

The Democratic nominee resorted to the pattern followed by previous presidential nominees with friendly jabs at her rival and a few self deprecating jokes, mostly about her sky-rocketing speaking fees and love for napping: “ I took a break from my rigorous nap schedule to be here,” adding, “Usually, I charge a lot for speeches like this.”

“I have now stood next to Donald more times than any of his campaign managers,” Clinton joked. “I have respect for Kellyanne Conway, she’s worked day and night and because she’s a contractor he’s probably not going to pay her.”

“People look at the Statue of Liberty and they see a proud symbol…a beacon of hope for people around the world,” the Democrat said, then changing to Trump’s track record with women: “Donald looks at the Statue of Liberty and sees a four. Maybe a five if she loses the torch and tablet and changes her hair.”