Though they were guest speakers at an annual benefit dinner Thursday in New York, rival U.S. presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump had few charitable things to say about each other a day after facing off in a rancorous debate.

“Here she is, pretending not to hate Catholics,” Republican nominee Trump said of his Democratic opponent, at the white-tie event hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of New York.

The barb drew gasps from some of the 1,500 guests at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. So did Trump’s charge that “Hillary is so corrupt.”   

Clinton dished, too. She took aim at Trump for judging women on appearance.

“People look at the Statue of Liberty and they see a proud symbol of our history as a nation of immigrants, a beacon of hope for people around the world,” she said. “Donald looks at the Statue of Liberty and sees a 4  – maybe a 5 if she loses the torch and the tablet and changes her hair.”

Groans arose from the audience in the ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.

‘Awkward’ chemistry

New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan, sitting between the two speakers, later charitably described their chemistry as “awkward,” the Associated Press reported.

The dinner memorializes Alfred E. Smith, a Democrat and former New York governor who, in 1928, became the first Roman Catholic presidential candidate. He’s remembered for working across political divisions and encouraging unity.

The archdiocese had billed the event, which raised $6 million to aid New York’s needy children, as an opportunity to hear the speakers’ “light humor and political savvy.” And there were plenty of light moments, characteristic of a political roast.

Trump spoke first, teasing that “many people tell me that modesty is perhaps my best quality. Even better than my temperament.”

He also joked about wife Melania’s speech to the Republican Party convention in July, which included verbatim parts of a speech Michelle Obama gave at the 2008 Democratic convention. Trump made light of the situation by blaming the resulting uproar on the media, a favorite target.

“The media is even more biased this year than ever before, ever,” he said. “You want the proof? Michelle Obama gives a speech and everyone loves it, it’s fantastic. … My wife Melania gives the exact same speech and people get on her case.​”

Trump knocked the media again, pointing out the heads of TV network and cable news chiefs and newspapers, and implying they were all part of Clinton’s campaign team.

Corrupt comment draws boos

Then Trump turned up the temperature of the political roast to searing. When he called Clinton “corrupt,” it brought jeering.

“We’ve learned so much from Wikileaks,” Trump said, referencing emails published after being stolen from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. One exchange mocked conservative Catholics. “For example, Hillary believes that it is vital to deceive the people by having one public policy and a totally different policy in private. For example, here she is tonight in public pretending not to hate Catholics.”

Clinton and Dolan looked uncomfortable.

Clinton jokes about health, speaking fees

Clinton opened her remarks by poking fun at her recent health concerns and her large speaking fees.

“This is such a special event that I took a break from my rigorous nap schedule to be here,” she said. “And as you’ve already heard, it’s a special treat for all of you, too, because usually I charge a lot for speeches like this.”

She jabbed Trump’s assertion at the Wednesday debate that he may not accept the results of the election and his repeated claims that the election may be “rigged.”

“Come to think of it, it’s amazing I’m up here after Donald. I didn’t think he’d be okay with a peaceful transition of power,” she said. “After listening to your speech I will also enjoy listening to (vice presidential candidate) Mike Pence deny that you ever gave it.”

Awkward moment

Clinton made several jokes about the lack of support Trump has received from members of the Republican Party and implied the party wasn’t helping either candidate financially.

“Every year, this dinner brings together a collection of sensible, committed mainstream Republicans, or as we now like to call them, Hillary supporters,” she said.

Common ground

Despite numerous testy moments, Clinton said she and Trump could find some common ground.

“Let’s come together, remember what unites us – and just rip on Ted Cruz,” she said.

After her remarks, Clinton and Trump shook hands, unlike after the previous night’s debate.
…