The only nice thing Scott Jensen has to say about Tim Walz: His smile.

It’s that moment when the sparring politicians are invited to let their guard down a bit and, well, say something nice about each other.

In Minnesota’s televised debate between Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat and Republican challenger Scott Jensen, the moment came nearly halfway into the hourlong debate inside a Rochester TV studio, when Caitlin Alexander, an anchor at KTTC, asked the following:

“Other than thanking them for being willing to serve in office, what is one nice thing you can say about your opponent?”

The question first went to Jensen, who paused for 5 seconds, then said, “I’ve thought about this question.”

Then he paused another 2 seconds, drew a breath, and said:

“I think Tim Walz is an affable individual who … (2-second pause) … has a wonderful smile.”

The answer hung in the air for 4 seconds before moderator Dan Wolfe cautiously redirected the question to Walz.

Walz responded in his characteristically word-dense delivery — but also kept his response terse:

“I think Scott has shown a great affinity as he talks about his family, talks about how important that is to him. That’s always a pretty good indicator for (where) someone’s heart’s at. I myself always appreciate that, when someone puts their family first.”

Neither man used close to his allotted 30 seconds to answer.

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