In a debate filled with accusations and insults, America found hope in one Belleville, Illinois man: Ken Bone.
With the help of a red "Christmas" sweater, black-framed glasses and a disposable camera, Ken was propelled to social media fame during the second presidential debate Sunday night.
"It was a surreal experience," he told NBC 5's affiliate station in Dallas Monday morning by phone.
Bone was one of eight audience members who posed questions to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton at the town hall debate. His question focused on energy policy, an issue close to his community.
"I work in coal fired electricity and it's a big concern where I live in southern Illinois, the St. Louis metro area," he said. We have a lot of coal workers in power and coal mining and the perception is we're putting money ahead of the environment, and that's not true."
And when it was his turn to speak in front of the candidates, America noticed. A parody account soon surfaced alongside a Facebook fan group, which quickly earned thousands of likes.
Ken Bone rides off into the sunset #debate #kenbone pic.twitter.com/4BjaI985zr
— Matt (@Matt_Campbe) October 10, 2016
#KenBone the real MVP of #debate
— Ellie Mirmazaheri (@ellie_mir) October 10, 2016
33% confidence
33% calming demeanor
33% huggability
1% power stache pic.twitter.com/4PhkIEzUnD
You vs. the man she told you not to worry about #KenBone pic.twitter.com/2Da9M3abf8
— corey sollie (@coreysollie) October 10, 2016
Your Ken Bone Halloween costume kit pic.twitter.com/pRLy43C5Zh
— Brian Ries (@moneyries) October 10, 2016
Game respects game. #KenBone https://t.co/gCGE1bfsDN
— Rob Fox III (@RobFoxThree) October 10, 2016
I think this man shouldn't be asking questions when he's clearly the answer. #kenbone #kennethbone pic.twitter.com/fWwzyFDiee
— Sam Cahn (@therunnersam) October 10, 2016
Kid: Grandpa who was the most famous person of 2016
— David Kousgaard (@David_Kousgaard) October 10, 2016
Me: that would be #KenBone
K: what did he do
M: made us forget our troubles#debate
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"I take it all in stride," Bone told NBC DFW of the attention. "I'm just glad many people are paying attention to the political process, even if their favorite part of the political process is a ridiculous Christmas sweater."
Bone said that he planned to reserve his decision on who to vote for until after the final debate on Oct. 19 "because anything will happen."
"Secretary Clinton I thought had a very impressive performance," he said. "I was leaning more towards Trump before but the whole experience has left me I think with more of an open mind."
So, what's next for Bone? A photo shoot with that red power sweater, apparently.
"I am sure that I will have it back on at some point today," he said. "Even if its just for my grandmother to take my picture."
Snap away, sir.