After the hugs, we know who's getting our vote

What would you say if I told you I had lunch with a future contender for president of the United States?

It really happened.

And I got not one, but two hugs out of the deal.

My wife and I were having lunch at Steak 'n Shake. The place was packed, and we knew it might take a while for our order to arrive. So, we do what we've been doing for years. We borrowed a ballpoint pen from our accommodating waitress and played hangman on the back of the paper place mats.

I was nearly doomed when a young voice announced: "Hello, Mr. Sullivan, I'm Gabe."

I knew instantly who the fellow standing next to me was. And before I could say a word he wrapped me in a hug.

This was not a wishy-washy hug. This was the real thing.

Gabe informed me he is now in the fourth grade. I remember when Gabe was born. I worked for several years with his proud father, and I got updates from time to time as Gabe started walking, talking, going to school.

I would see Gabe from time to time, and even though I these occasions were rare, he always treated me like an old friend. Well, I am old. And I sure like being Gabe's friend.

After the bear hug, Gabe pointed across the crowded restaurant to where his parents were seated in a booth. They waved. We waved.

I told Gabe he had grown so much since the last time I had seen him. Fourth graders do that, you know.

Gabe said it was good to see me and held out his right hand for a shake. I shook. It was, like the hug, the real thing.

As he walked away, I said to my wife, "I'm going to vote for that young man to be president someday."

She said: "I am, too -- and I didn't even get a hug."

We resumed our game of hangman, and I narrowly escaped the noose. Our food arrived.

We had finished eating and were letting the food settle a bit when I suddenly was scrunched in another hug. Gabe and his parents were leaving the restaurant and stopped by on the way out.

I motioned toward my wife, indicating she was, so far, hugless. That issue was quickly resolved. Gabe gave here a warm embrace, even though I'm not sure they had ever met before.

Handshakes all around, and Gabe was gone.

We were left with nothing but beaming grins on our faces. We couldn't think of a better dessert than the hugs we had just experienced.

Now, here's why I think Gabe will someday be a candidate for president of the United States.

I truly believe that Americans, as fickle as they seem to be right now about the presidential nominating process, will someday see the light and restore some sense to our electoral process. It will take a combination of stamina from the electorate and willingness on the part of trustworthy candidates to seek the highest office in the land.

I give you Exhibit A: Young Gabe, who is headed in the right direction -- not just to be president, but to be a good American for the rest of his life.

Do you want to know why Gabe is the future of America? Well, you probably already know. He has parents who not only love him (and his two older brothers, also fantastic specimens of good parenting), but also care enormously about the values that are instilled in his young mind, values that talk the talk and demonstrate good behavior and manners and seeing the best in everyone.

In other words, Gabe is our uncorrupted future. It seems to me we -- adults -- have a responsibility to build on Gabe's solid foundation and ensure that when he's ready to be president he has the support of sensible voters who can cast their votes with pride.

Oh, how I wish I could say the same thing about this coming Tuesday's presidential primary here in Missouri.

I noticed in the sample ballot printed in the newspaper that we have a choice, regardless of which party's ballot we select, to vote for "Uncommitted" in Tuesday's primary. Honest to goodness, given the turmoil of this year's campaigning, is it possible "Uncommitted" (isn't that the same as "None of the above"?) might earn the most votes?

Here's what makes this year's politics bearable: It's the future represented by Gabe and so many others in his generation who are well grounded at home, at school, at church and, yes, at Steak 'n Shake.

Gabe, thank you for the hugs. Thank you for reminding us that goodness is a treasure that costs so little.

And thank you, Gabe's parents. You have every right to be proud of your three sons.

Joe Sullivan is the retired editor of the Southeast Missourian.