Amid the campaign fray last weekend, it was good to see both presidential candidates take a moment to acknowledge each other in separate appearances.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., felt the need to tone down some of his supporters at a town-hall event Friday in Minnesota. When a woman said: "I don't trust Obama. I have read about him. He's an Arab," Mr. McCain disagreed.

"No, ma'am. He's a decent, family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign is all about," he said.

At the same venue, the Republican received boos when he said about his opponent: "I have to tell you, he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States."

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., returned the favor at a rally in Philadelphia, Pa., Saturday, first telling the crowd that Mr. McCain had asked his backers to temper their attacks on him.

"I appreciated his reminder that we can disagree while still being respectful of each other," Mr. Obama told thousands of supporters at an outdoor rally.

Later in the day, in another part of the city, the Democrat said: "Sen. McCain has served this country with honor. He deserves our thanks for that."

Attacks continue on both sides and will not stop until Election Day. But it is good to see both candidates acknowledge the humanity, decency and even presidential qualities of each other.

It is a reminder to all of us that when the election is over, one of the candidates will emerge as president — of all Americans.