This guy just asked Trump and Clinton the ultimate question

Snap.
 By 
Jenni Ryall
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

In an unexpected twist on Sunday night, the second presidential debate ended on the kindest possible terms.

Uncommitted voter and audience member, Karl Becker, stood up and took the microphone. Then he dropped a question no one could have predicted: "Would either of you name one positive thing that you respect in one another?"

After a smiley yet awkward mutual pause, Hillary took the stage first with all the "respect" she could muster up. Not much, it turns out.

"I respect his children. 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 respect that and think that is something that as a mother and a grandmother is very important to me," she said, while avoiding eye contact with Trump.

Trump thanked his enemy for the backhanded compliment, before throwing some fighting words Clinton's way.

"I will say about Hillary, she doesn't quit and doesn't give up. I respect that. I tell it like it is," he said. "She is a fighter. I disagree with much of what she is fighting for. I do disagree with her judgment in many cases, but she fights hard and doesn't quit or give up, but that is a good trait."

Thanks for the good times, Karl, you did us all proud.

BONUS: The candidates skip the pre-debate handshake

Mashable Image
Jenni Ryall

Jenni Ryall is Mashable's VP of Content Strategy. She spends her time launching cool, new things such as Mashable Deals and Mashable Reels. On the other days, she is developing strong partnerships with companies including Apple News, Flipboard, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Seth Meyers responds to Trump insulting CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins
Seth Meyers presents "Late Night" beside an image of Donald Trump.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now on sale for under $25
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 1-Month Subscription - USA - Digital Code - Stackable - Final Sale

Save 30% on the ultra-portable Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth speaker
close up of hands holding blue Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker


Buddy Guy and Miles Caton's 'Sinners' Tiny Desk Concert is pure blues magic
Miles Caton and Buddy Guy playing at NPR's Tiny Desk.

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

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

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

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