Clinton and Trump were actually sort of nice to each other at the Al Smith dinner

The candidates traded jabs from behind the podium at the dinner just as they did from behind podiums at the most recent debate, but this time, for a hot second, 2016 seemed almost like a normal election.
 By 
Colin Daileda
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If you look at the picture above, you'll notice Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump doing something they haven't done at the last two debates.

They shook hands at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York on Thursday, the first public embrace since the debate in September.

It says a lot about this election that so much attention is paid to whether the two presidential nominees shake hands when they meet. But that's where we are in an election in which Trump has constantly called Clinton a "criminal" and Clinton (as well as others) has dubbed him the most dangerous candidate ever to run for the White House.


You May Also Like

The Al Smith dinner is meant to break those kind of tensions, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who sat between the two candidates, told Today.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

He even said they had a few kind words for each other.

"'You are one tough and talented woman,'" Trump told Clinton, according to Dolan. "'This has been a good experience, this whole campaign, as tough as it's been.'"

Clinton then told Trump that "whatever happens, we need to work together afterward," according to Dolan.

They traded jabs from behind the podium at the dinner just as they did at the most recent debate. But this time, for a hot second, 2016 almost seemed like a normal election.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Mashable Image
Colin Daileda

Colin is Mashable's US & World Reporter. He previously interned at Foreign Policy magazine and The American Prospect. Colin is a graduate from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. When he's not at Mashable, you can most likely find him eating or playing some kind of sport.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

AdultFriendFinder profiles: 3 tips to sort legit from fake
By Jack Dawes
AFF logo on phone

How AI Will Smith eats spaghetti in 2026
Will Smith attends Apple Original Films' "Emancipation" Los Angeles premiere at Regency Village Theatre



Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!