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Debate Questioner Kenneth Bone Becomes Internet Star

ST. LOUIS (KDKA) - "America can do better that what we have seen tonight. This was just disgraceful."

That's how CBS commentator Bob Schieffer summed up the second presidential debate. But there was a bright moment, when a St. Louis coal plant worker stood to ask a question.

"What steps will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs, while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly, and minimizing job loss for America's fossil plant workers?"

The winner of the presidential debate? Kenneth Bone by CBS News on YouTube

With those words, and his "Everyman" appearance, Kenneth Bone soared to national prominence on social media.

"He seemed like a very honest man," said a passerby in Market Square.

"He seems pretty real," another added.

The now famous red sweater he wore wasn't his first choice.

US-VOTE-DEBATE
US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 9, 2016. / AFP / POOL / JIM BOURG (Photo credit should read JIM BOURG/AFP/Getty Images)

"I had a really nice olive suit that I love a great deal, and my mother would have been very proud to have me wear on television," he explained. "But apparently I've gained about thirty pounds, and when I went to get into my car the morning of the debate, I split the seat of my pants down the middle. So the red sweater is plan B."

Suddenly, the same sweater is being promoted by GQ. And would you believe, Ken Bone socks?

It was clear that the man from St. Louis was the real winner Sunday night.

Candidates Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump Hold Second Presidential Debate At Washington University
ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 09: Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) speaks as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump listens during the town hall debate at Washington University on October 9, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri. This is the second of three presidential debates scheduled prior to the November 8th election. (Photo by Rick Wilking-Pool/Getty Images)

Bone also says the red sweater is actually sold out on Amazon already.

You can bet the Ken Bone Halloween costume is going to be very popular this year.

It didn't take long for a sock company to even make a pair of Kenneth Bone socks.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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