A Kinder, Gentler Campaign

This week's commentary is by 60 Minutes columnist Steve Hartman.

I wanted to find a kinder, gentler election that could rekindle my faith in the democratic process.

I settled on the student council elections at Lincoln Elementary in Mount Vernon, N.Y., where charming sixth graders Lucas Oliveira, Diogenes Gama and Nicole Vitielo were running for president.

I was tickled to learn the biggest issue in this campaign is lunch -– both the quality, or lack thereof, and quantity.

"Cookies last year, it was four for a dollar. Now it's only three," says Diogenes. "I don't know why."

"The lunches, that's just gross," says Nicole. "It's like, OK, it's gross. I need your vote."

They really are sweet little campaigners. But I also noticed this surprising tendency to go negative.

It's kind of scary what they pick up from the candidates on television. Even Lucas' service as a hall monitor has been called into question.

"All you have to do is wake up 7:30 in the morning and come here and open the door," says Diogenes.

The kids have also learned the art of the empty promise:

"I'll reduce the prices, water, snacks and everything."

"There's going to be lots and lots of days where you are going to get either free stuff or there's going to be lucky days."

"No homework on the weekends!"

The whole campaign had left a bad taste in my mouth, and not just from the nachos. But then, the votes came in.

The winner was Lucas, who went home after the election and wrote his acceptance speech. And here's where this story gets really good. In his speech, he talked about how disappointed he was with all the negativity. He apologized, and offered to share his presidency with the other two candidates.

Guess I found my kinder, gentler election after all.