There's no way that it might occur to him that applause has another name. It's called "acknowledgment."

When people are clapping and cheering for you what do you do? Well, you could run around and make a fool of yourself, like Stephen Colbert, you can mock-scold the applause, like Jon Stewart, or you can recognize that these people have busted their asses for you and you are in a close relationship with them.

When you are in close relationship with someone, invariably, you acknowledge them...for their contribution, for their participation, for their humanity, whatever.
I would like to acknowledge Hillary for recognizing this, whether instinctively or developed, and acting on it.

I am no great Hillary fan, but I would be f**king thrilled to be acknowledged by her for some value she perceived!