NEW YORK - The 74th Al Smith Dinner was held Thursday night at the Midtown Hilton.
The annual white-tie event raises money for Catholic charities and draws a number of big political names.
Comedian Martin Short was the master of ceremonies and he wasted no time getting in a dig at Mayor Bill de Blasio.
"Some of the most powerful people, elected officials in America are here tonight. Plus Bill de Blasio," Short said.
The mayor was in attendance, along with Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
The keynote speaker was former Defense Secretary James Mattis.
He joked about being called the world's most overrated general by Donald Trump.
"I'm honored to be considered that by Donald Trump because he also called Meryl Streep an overrated actress, so I guess I'm the Meryl Streep of generals," Mattis said.
The dinner is named for former Governor Al Smith who became the first Catholic to be nominated for president in 1928.