"Sixth, Clinton rightly insisted that we all need to agree on the imperatives of decency and civility, and to work harder to achieve both agreement and — as George Weigel once reminded us — disagreement on matters of public policy."

In our increasingly acrimonious society, the Al Smith dinner provides the one place where both candidates were expected to come together  and treat each other civilly and respectfully.  A little light hearted fun, some not too harsh but humorous acknowledgment of the political differences and poking at one's opponent is fine and expected.  

Cardinal Dolan did a service to this country in this years election in reminding us of that - the importance of and the need for civility.  Because the Cardinal attends the dinner, his presence reminds everyone of the Christian call to recognize we all all God's children, made in his image.

The Al Smith dinner is not a venue for pushing esoteric Catholic causes but it is a chance to demonstrate Christianity in action