The second presidential debate seemed to primarily focus on the candidates’ past transgressions. From Hillary Clinton’s misuse of her private email to Donald Trump’s recently released vulgar comments about touching women nonconsensually, the debate contained a lot of mudslinging. But there was one question during the debate that really captured us all. Karl Becker, an audience member from the debate, asked the final question of the night: Would either of you name one positive thing you respect in one another?
According to Fox News, Becker’s question drew the loudest applause and laughter from the crowd. And unlike some of the other questions of the night, this one actually got a straight answer from both of the candidates.
Clinton: “I respect his children”
Trump: “She doesn’t quit, she doesn’t give up” https://t.co/GbZ9QZfYdh #debate https://t.co/MIXJqw30PN
— CNN (@CNN) October 10, 2016
Clinton said that she respected Trump’s children. She continued, saying, “His children are incredibly able and devoted and I think that says a lot about Donald. I don’t agree with nearly anything else he says or does, but I do respect that. And I think that is something that as a mother and a grandmother is very important to me.”
Trump said that Clinton is a fighter who never gives up. “I tell it like it is. She’s a fighter, I disagree with much of what she’s fighting for, I do disagree with her judgment in many cases, but she does fight hard and she doesn’t quit and she doesn’t give up and I consider that to be a very good trait,” Trump said.
Even though Trump and Clinton did not share a handshake at the beginning of the debate, their final remarks left a good feeling in the air and lead both candidates to end the debate in a handshake.
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton end the #debate with a handshake. Updates and analysis: https://t.co/w7HDh4aJXv pic.twitter.com/VtDXQvPs0f
— CNN (@CNN) October 10, 2016
Through a campaign that has focused on negative rhetoric and has been so divisive, it was nice to finally be able to come together and focus on the good.