ST. LOUIS — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump went toe-to-toe in the presidential debate but ended the event by trading compliments.
The fierce opponents made nice in response to a question from an audience member at the town hall-style debate: “Can either one of you name one positive thing that you respect in each other?”
The question sparked laughter in the room where Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump had engaged in a spirited dual that opened with the two candidates skipping the traditional handshake.
“I respect his children,” said Mrs. Clinton, the Democratic nominee. “His children are incredibly able and devoted, and I think that says a lot about Donald.”
Several of Mr. Trump’s children have played major roles in his campaign.
“I don’t agree with nearly anything else he says but I do respect that and I think that is something as a mother and a grandmother that is very important to me,” said the former secretary of state.
Mr. Trump, the Republican nominee, said that he admired his opponents fighting spirit.
“I’ll say this about Hillary, she doesn’t quit. She doesn’t give up. I respect that. I tell it like it is,” said the New York billionaire.
“She’s a fighter,” he said. “I disagree with much of what she is fighting for. I do disagree with her judgement in many cases. But she does fight hard and she doesn’t quit and she doesn’t give up and I consider that to be a very good trait.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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