Hillary Clinton Shakes Bernie Sanders Hand After He Steers Debate Away From Emails

Hillary Clinton shook Bernie Sanders’ hand during the first Democratic primary debate of the season after he suggested that no one wanted to hear anything further about her email scandal.

Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders Shake Hands

Anderson Cooper, who was moderating the debate for CNN, took a moment Tuesday night to point out the ongoing scandal regarding Clinton’s private email server. “What does it say about your ability to handle far more challenging crises as president?” Cooper asked.

Clinton offered her practiced response, claiming that she’s taken responsibility for the mistake and that while it wasn’t the right choice to use her personal email, it had been permissible. She also capitalized on Kevin McCarthy‘s gaffe last month in which he all but admitted that the latest investigation was a GOP witch hunt. Clinton then pivoted to the arguably more pressing matters of affordable college and lowering the costs of prescription drugs.

When Cooper gave Sanders the floor to respond to what Clinton had said, the Vermont senator took a less than politic route, opting to agree with Clinton. “I think that the Secretary is right,” Sanders said. “And that is that the American people are sick and tired of hearing about ya damn emails.”

“Enough about the emails. Let’s talk about the real issues facing America!” Sanders concluded, inspiring the audience to give him a standing ovation – and for Clinton to reach from her podium to shake the senator’s hand.

Though Sanders’ remarks felt like the last word on the subject, Anderson also polled Lincoln Chafee on the matter of Clinton’s emails. “Credibility is an issue,” Chafee said, adding, “I think we need someone that has the best in ethical standards as our next president.”

Cooper, as per the rules, then asked Clinton if she wanted to respond to Chaffe. Her answer? “No.”