by Jill Zuckman

Derry, N.H. – It was the kind of back and forth that makes a campaign moment to remember.

Sen. John McCain, who has a penchant for calling on young people at town hall meetings, asked Allie Nault, a 10-year-old Red Star baton twirler, if she'd like to ask a question.

"My teacher today said we would have class elections and I was getting very excited. I said, 'Mom, I'm going to vote for John McCain. She said, 'ok.' I didn't even know this was here, I was just practicing in the gym next door," Allie said to laughs at the Derry Opera House where voters had come to scrutinize the candidate. "I'm really happy to be here and to see Joe Lieberman, he's one of my role models," she added.

"Give her a hug," a member of the audience shouted out.

McCain asked Allie if she wanted to say something else.

"Yes, I did. Who's your role model," she asked McCain.

As McCain began answering the question, mentioning his father and grandfather, Allie walked up to the stage and hugged Lieberman. Then she turned to McCain who hugged her, too.

"Allie, what are you doing the next couple of days?" asked McCain, who regularly suggests that friendly audience members join him at future town hall meetings.