Ben Carson Caught Being Human

In fact, there are so many unknowns about how people learn that we should no longer use the word "dumb."

Yet we can still use the word "worst." The worst kid in class doesn't listen to the teacher, follow directions, finish assignments, complete homework or refrain from distracting classmates with misbehavior.

But Carson also fumbled. As a general rule, presidential candidates should not invite children to identify those classmates who struggle academically.

Why? Because this could be the first time in recorded history that a group of 10-year-olds are actually listening to an adult and do what they're told.

Sure enough. In this case, about a half-dozen kids pointed to one student.

That's the young man that the Manhattan literati is sure will wind up in therapy down the road, thanks to Carson. The boy's name was Seth, and -- according to reporters -- the candidate later sought him out and gave him a pep talk.

Putting his hand on Seth's shoulder, Carson told the boy: "You're gonna be a neurosurgeon, OK? But all you have to do to turn it around: Read."

He told the boy that, as a kid, he threw himself into books.

"It didn't take long before I knew more than all those people who said I was dumb," he said. "So you do that too, OK?"

Excellent prescription.

The two of them then posed for a picture together, which the Carson campaign quickly tweeted with a message from the candidate: "This young man will go on to do great things in life. Nice to meet you Seth!"

Good save. The exchange got off to a rocky start. But -- even though most of the media missed the best part of the story -- it turned into a sweet moment.

The New York liberals are right about one thing: Young Seth is likely to remember this encounter. It might just motivate him to do better in school. The rest of us should remember it, too. A politician was caught -- not being evasive, narcissistic, antagonistic or cruel. Just being human. That's been a rare occurrence in this election.

But here, it may have been just what the doctor ordered.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com.