Bully Pulpit

Father Abe was working his congregation into a lather, whipping them into the frenzy with the possibilities that their first Black governor could engender. And he did it in front of his newest congregants -- Moses and Elizabeth. Afterwards, Abe and Moses had a big long handshake, for the benefit of the local media. Abe leaned in, speaking softly into Moses's ear.

"I'm glad you could join us today, Governor ... and I hope you've been keeping the well clean." Moses picked up on the code immediately.

"The well is clean, Father ... and ready for your blessing." Abe clapped Moses on the shoulder.

"Very good, very good, the Lord will appreciate that. And I hope you've found other wells worth blessing yourself."

"Oh, absolutely, Father. Two this afternoon, in fact."