The word rancorous keeps failing to live up to the mean-spirited stand-off between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Americans have been deflated and frustrated by the level of rhetoric, with large numbers saying they’ll vote against a certain candidate without quite mustering enthusiasm for the other.
In debate No. 2 one question for the candidates sought to give the American people a break from the vitriol. Candidates always answer the question they want to hear, not what’s asked. But this question was so simple they had to answer it — and it required a positive spin, which has been in very short supply. Candidates: can you tell us something you respect about your opponent?
Trump: “I will say this about Hillary: she doesn’t give up, she doesn’t quit.”
Clinton: “I respect his children. His children are incredibly able and I think that says a lot about Donald.”
