NEW YORK (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is poking fun at himself and at President Barack Obama, telling a white tie and gown crowd that, quote, "it's nice to finally relax and wear what Ann and I wear around the house."

Romney on Thursday joked with the audience at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner in New York as Obama looked on. Through much of the evening, he sat just one chair down from the president. Only host Cardinal Timothy Dolan separated them.

Romney playfully jabbed at Obama, saying both candidates have crucial people on whom they rely. As Romney put it, "I have my beautiful wife, Ann, he's got Bill Clinton."

Romney appeared at ease on the stage and spoke ahead of the president.