Ken Bone, Man in Red ‘Christmas Sweater' at Presidential Debate, Talks Twitter Fame

In a debate filled with accusations and insults, America found hope in one 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 DFW 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."

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.

https://twitter.com/TheKenBone/status/785310234160029696

"I take it all in stride," Bone told NBC DFW of the attention. "I'm just glad so many people are paying attention to the political process, even if their favorite part of the political process is a ridiculous Christmas sweater."

Bone added 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.

Contact Us