In this file photo dated October 9, 2016 US Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (R) shakes hands with Ken Bone following the second presidential debate with Republican nominee Donald Trump (far R background) at Washington University in St. Lou
Washington: His red pullover, dark framed glasses and moustache are already on sale as a Halloween costume -- proof that Ken Bone has become a hero to those sick of the tawdry US election campaign.
As the mud flew at Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton's second presidential debate Sunday, the American everyman became an instant celebrity by calmly asking a question about energy policy.
Bone -- even his sturdy name has been a source of amusement on social media -- had been picked to represent undecided voters at the town hall-style debate in St Louis, Missouri.
His heft, poise and polite manner offered a brief but refreshing respite from the 90-minute slug-fest between the Republican and Democratic candidates.
Within minutes of the debate, Bone had become an internet meme, the man to interview and a sought-after panelist on after-action TV shows.
His fans call themselves the Boneheads.
"That's fantastic. I've been calling my family that for years," Bone exclaimed to Jimmy Kimmel on the comedian's late night TV show.
How does he explain the sensation he has caused?
"I think it's because I'm just kinda your typical Midwestern guy," Bone told The Washington Post.
"I try to be a friendly guy and shake hands and smile and all that. And to see me try to be that huggable, likeable guy in the middle of a really nasty and divisive debate, I think, stood out to a lot of people."
