Bernie Sanders says he admires Trump's hair color and his habit of getting up early

Presidential hopeful Sanders told a youth forum that he respected several of his Republican colleagues in the Senate.

UPDATED MAR 25, 2020

Vermont Senator and 2020 Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders, on September 22, acknowledged at least two traits he "admires" in President Donald Trump. Sanders, who was speaking at a youth forum at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, was asked by a student to name one "genuine thing" he admires about Trump. The students reportedly asked the question in the interest of smoothing political divisiveness.

Sanders, in response, mimed being punched in the gut, but proceeded with his answer, saying he liked Trump's hair. "His hair, I’m really impressed by the color of his hair," he quipped at first.

Sanders continued, saying he respects several of his Republican colleagues in the Senate, and explained that it is not unusual for them to sit down for lunch together. Sanders said that they don't "hate each other" and just held opposing viewpoints, according to the Huffpost.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during a town hall at the Fort Museum on May 4, 2019 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Sanders has been campaigning in the state of Iowa for the past several days. (Getty Images)

The Democrat, during his speech, however, denounced Trump, calling him a racist, sexist, homophobe, xenophobe, and a religious bigot. The lawmaker added that he would do anything to tackle that kind of behavior.

Although Sanders's response was greeted by a round of applause by the audience, the moderator of the event continued to press him to name just one "single thing" he could say that he admires in the president.

The Vermont Senator then replied saying he respects people who get up early in the morning and stated Trump's habit of getting up early and tweeting.

"He gets up at 3 o’clock in the morning to tweet. So I’m impressed by people who get up at 3 o’clock in the morning," Sanders said.

The Iowa event also features other 2020 presidential hopefuls, including Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Andrew Yang, former Rep. Joe Sestak, and businessman Tom Steyer.

Sanders is one of the frontrunners in the 2020 Democratic field, with former Vice President Joe Biden in the lead with 28.8%, Warren in second place at 18.3%, followed by Sanders at 16.5%.