By Colby Itkowitz, The Washington Post
It came in the very last moments of an otherwise tense, awkward and often bitter 90 minutes, but the second presidential debate actually ended in a rare moment of civility.
The reward for viewers who made it through the Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton match was a small dose of positivity. It wasn’t quite an antidote to all the nastiness, but it was a refreshingly nice moment.
The first question of the debate was about how the rhetoric of this campaign has affected children. But it was the last question that could serve as a teaching moment for kids.
The candidates were asked by Karl Becker, an undecided voter, to name something they admired in the other. And they were able to do it.
Clinton commended Trump for raising devoted children. Trump praised Clinton for being a fighter who never gives up. Then the two shook hands, which they didn’t do before the debate began.
These two people loathe each other. That much was clear from watching their body language during the whole exchange. Still, even they were able to find something kind to say about the other.
Judging by Twitter, Becker’s effort was much appreciated:
https://twitter.com/dillonfarrell/status/785313585295568896
Maybe we should all write in
— Eric Englebardt (@unc8689)
thank you for bringing some humanity to tonight with your question!
— keester (@drewkeester)
It’s easy to fixate on people’s negative traits. There’s something in human nature that makes picking out flaws easier than virtues.
But what Clinton and Trump showed us Sunday night is that you really can find the good in everyone if you try.
Colby Itkowitz is the lead anchor of The Washington Post’s Inspired Life blog. Follow her on Twitter:
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