Prayer really does have the power to move mountains. Fierce U.S. presidential rivals Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have hurled insults at each another throughout the campaign. But after sharing an intimate prayer on Thursday evening, Trump was so moved that he even praised Clinton afterwards.
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, who hosted the Al Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City on Thursday evening, appeared on Today Friday morning. He revealed that he asked the two candidates to join a group prayer before appearing before the crowd that night, and they agreed.
After praying, Dolan said Trump turned to Clinton and said, "You know, you are one tough and talented woman. This has been a good experience, this whole campaign, as tough as it was."
Clinton seemed to appreciate Trump's kind words because she responded by saying, "And Donald, whatever happens, we need to work together afterwards."
Dolan admitted that he was apprehensive about the evening because of the "iciness" between the two candidates, so he was glad they prayed first.
"Now you know, the nature of the Al Smith dinner, it's meant to be an evening of unity and friendship and joy and being the host of it for the diocese it's like a family dinner where you just hope that everything goes right," he said.
The audience booed Trump that evening when he made remarks about Clinton's faith and her treatment of the faith community. He accused her of "pretending" to like Catholics and for being a "corrupt" public official.
"Hillary is so corrupt she got kicked off the Watergate commission. How corrupt do you have to be to get kicked off the Watergate commission? Pretty corrupt," he said.
Dolan said those moments were pretty "awkward," and the audience's booing is a "good indicator" of what statements are acceptable and which ones have crossed the line.
"There were some awkward moments. Whenever you get into humour there can be a little awkwardness and a little anticipation," he said. "The audience has a good sensitivity... first of all, if something's funny. Secondly, if something's a bomb. And thirdly, if something's a little out of line."
But despite this unfortunate incident for Trump, Dolan said "there were some very touching moments" between the two candidates when they were out of the public eye.
