"I remember the face, but not the name," he said.

"I want you to know that I'm working on your campaign." He answered: "Thank you. Senate Youth Program, right?" And he was gone.

The next time I saw Mondale he was standing in front of a television camera at the 1972 National Democratic Convention. McGovern had locked up the nomination, and Humphrey had his arm around "Fritz" recommending him as a future leader of national stature to Walter Cronkite and the nation. As Humphrey spoke, Mondale stood there quietly, somber and earnest.

Throughout the next four years I carefully followed Mondale's voting record and career as a senator. When he announced his decision not to seek the presidency in 1976 I was disappointed but respected his priorities. This past April, while visiting Minneapolis for a job interview, I saw him in the Leamington Hotel downtown. He was greeting florists on their way to a convention in one of the ballrooms. He was in the center of the hotel lobby, smiling, still chewing gum.

I waited my turn, then...

"Senator, you probably don't remember me but four years ago I spent a day with you as a delegate to the U.S. Senate Youth Program," I said.

"Oh, yeah, that Hearst thing. That's a good program. What're you doing now?"

"I graduate from Harvard in June."

"Good for you. Then what?"

I almost said "good question," but instead... "I'm not sure, I hope to work for Senator Frank Church's campaign."

"Yes, he's a good man."

"Unless...are you going to run for President, Senator?"

"Who me? Oh, God, oh no, oh God no!" He was slightly amused.

"There's a leadership vacuum in this country, sir." I volunteered.

"Yes, I know, isn't it terrible?"