It's a long way from watching then-candidate Bill Clinton innocently play that insufferable saxophone on "The Arsenio Hall Show" in 1992. And who can deny Bob Dole, Clinton's 1996 opponent, was more likeable as a parody of Bob Dole than as Bob Dole himself?
When Obama and McCain recently met at the Waldorf-Astoria to raise money for deprived children, they took time off from the campaign to crack jokes.
"There are signs of hope, even in the most unexpected places, even in this room full of proud Manhattan Democrats," said McCain. "I can't shake that feeling that some people here are pulling for me. I'm delighted to see you here tonight, Hillary!"
When offering levity, McCain has been at his best this campaign. Such moments can inject politics with humility and humanity.
Recently, my editor good-naturedly challenged me to write a single positive column about this horrid campaign. Well, here it is: Be thankful that it isn't always so dreadfully serious.
Not to mention, it all will be over soon enough.