11 surreal moments from the second presidential debate
Somehow, this is real life

The second debate of the 2016 presidential election was like no other in American history. Republican Donald Trump, backed into a corner after the release of tapes containing his lewd comments about women, was fighting to save his candidacy, drag down Democrat Hillary Clinton, and woo undecided voters all at once. How successful he was — well, that's up to you to decide. But to paraphrase Trump himself, it certainly was interesting.
In fact, it still doesn't even quite feel real. Here are the top 11 pinch-me-am-I-dreaming-or-having-a-nightmare moments from the debate.
1. Clinton and Trump didn't shake hands before the debate.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It almost looked like they were going to go for it ... but nope.
2. Everyone inexplicably became obsessed with audience member Ken Bone.
They particularly liked his red sweater.
3. Trump had a meltdown over the moderators cutting him off.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Not being the only one who gets to talk is rough.
4. Trump threw his running mate under the bus.
That'll be an awkward phone call.
5. Trump, trying to talk about Russia, just ended up saying "Russia" over and over again.
To be fair, he slipped in a line about how "great" his balance sheet is, too.
6. Trump accused Clinton of having "tremendous hatred in her heart."
And Clinton's expression in the background was priceless.
7. Clinton couldn't really say anything positive about Trump.
I respect his ... children?
8. Trump said "of course" he doesn't pay federal income taxes.
Duh.
9. Trump loomed over Clinton's shoulder throughout the debate.
Just ... sit down.
10. The undecided voters reacting to Trump were priceless.
We've all been there.
11. Trump said if he was in charge, Clinton would be in jail.
You can't make this stuff up.
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Trump's Ukraine about-face puts GOP hawks in the hot seat
IN THE SPOTLIGHT The president's pro-Russia pivot has alienated allies, emboldened adversaries, and placed members of his party in an uncomfortable position
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Is method acting falling out of fashion?
Talking Points The divisive technique has its detractors, though it has also wrought quite a few Oscar-winning performances
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
'There is a lot riding on the deal for both sides'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK Published
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
1 of 6 'Trump Train' drivers liable in Biden bus blockade
Speed Read Only one of the accused was found liable in the case concerning the deliberate slowing of a 2020 Biden campaign bus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published