Heroic audience member asks Clinton, Trump to say something nice about the other at end of debate

(Image credit: PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

published 10 October 2016

The final question of the second presidential debate probably wasn't covered in Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump's preparations. "My question to both of you is, regardless of the current rhetoric, would either of you name one positive thing that you respect in one another?" audience member Carl Becker asked.

Many viewers applauded the question, perhaps in part because it followed a tense hour and a half of interruptions, insults, and dirty digs.

Clinton answered first. "I respect his children," she said. "His children are incredibly able and devoted and I think that says a lot about Donald."

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Perhaps even more surprising, Trump had an answer, too. "I will say this about Hillary. She doesn't quit. She doesn't give up. I respect that. I tell it like it is. She's a fighter," he said.

Carl Becker for president, indeed. Watch the video, below. Jeva Lange

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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.