At a time when many people feel that American politics has hit rock bottom, a young man at a campaign rally Thursday for Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) offered a stirring reminder of how much good can still come from the excitement people feel for presidential candidates.
"I want to let you know, and let everyone here know why I'm supporting you, and why that support is unwavering," said the young man, who didn't give his name but said he drove all the way from Georgia to South Carolina to see Kasich.
"Over a year ago, a man who was like my second dad, he killed himself. And then a few months later, my parents got a divorce, and a few months later, my dad lost his job. I was in a pretty dark place for a long time, I was pretty depressed," he said, choking up as he spoke.
"But I found hope, I found it in the Lord, in my friends, and I've found it in my presidential candidate that I support. And I'd really appreciate one of those hugs you've been talking about."
As Kasich hugged the young man, the governor could be heard saying to him, "The Lord will give you strength, if you trust him. I promise you."
As the rest of the Republican field has collapsed into xenophobia and name-calling, Kasich has vowed to wage an uplifting campaign, and to offer voters a "big-tent" vision of conservatism and of the GOP.
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