Politics.. at a very young age.

I will start this post by telling you that I am not going to tell you who I'm voting for. The reason for this is simple... its a personal decision and there are some members of my family who have very STRONG opinions about politics. For example, when I was in college, the first time Bill Clinton ran for president, I voted for him. Then my parents called and asked who I was voting for... I told them, my dad had some sarcastic but logical comments/arguments... my mother hung up on me and didn't speak to me for 2 weeks. I could go off on this in so many directions.. but I won't it just gives context.
Isn't it a great country- we get the opportunity to VOTE and have a say instead of a dictatorship. Disagreement is healthy.

Anyway,in my own personal household, we haven't had any real discussions with Grace about politics- Ryan and I of course discuss things, but I don't recall her being around any of those discussions. We don't make a regular practice of indoctrinating our children over the dinner table ( not yet atleast). So, as this very exciting political season has started heating up, Grace, being the every close observer of all things, has started to make some comments of her own. Its amazing how insightful children can be.

About a month ago, she asked me who I was voting for- at that time I really was somewhat undecided- or really had not 100% committed, so I took that time to share that, that I was analyzing different options, both candidates etc. Then she said, "If I could vote, I'd vote for Obama." I said, "Ok, but why, why are you choosing him over McCain?" She said, well, I think he's a nicer person ( could this be from all the TV ads?) and I like his name better."

Sadly, a friend commented, that most people will use these similar decision techniques to cast their real vote.

Then, about a week ago, politics came up again in the car ride home from school. Grace said, " Mom, have you finally decided who you're voting for?" I didn't really answer, I'm still carefully analyzing my ballot- its not the president, its all the measures that are taking some time.

I said, "not quite yet" .
Grace: "Well, has dad voted yet?"
me: Yes, I believe he has already filled out his mail in ballot.
Grace: "Who did he vote for?"
Me: "I'm not sure, you can discuss it with him though".

This child is amazing in her persistence, atleast she has some excitement about the democratic process ( more than a large chunk of our country)

Then, 2 days ago, she said,
Grace: " mom if I could vote I'd for sure vote for Obama".
me: Oh- and how are you making that choice, what did you consider?"
Grace: (didn't answer the question directly- just like a politician)
"We took at poll in our classroom today"
me: "Mrs Halverson did? "
Grace: No, she didn't just Kyler- he started it.
"All but 2 people said they'd vote for Obama. The two people who were voting for McCain were X and X. But, they're first graders, so they may just not know."

"Then we asked Mrs. Halverson who she was voting for, and she said that it was a personal decision, and that she hadn't voted yet, but she will" ( good answer teacher!)

* From this, can you already see a budding lobbyist here?

Then, last night:
Grace: Mom, how do you get to run for president in an election?"
Me: (I then went through a very simplified version of the primaries, and the general election process- explaining the 2 main parties, but also giving voice to Independents)

Grace: "Mom, did you know, if you win and get to be President, you get to live in the White House and you can bring your pets."

then, a few seconds later,

Grace: "Mom do they have maids and cooks a the White House?"

me: I truthfully answered, but the question scared me a bit. I then went into a discussion of how expensive a campaign was, how people are funded, and the job of the President in the White House.

Then, Grace said this...
"mom, I wish Dad would run for President so we could live in the White House".

Now, there is nothing wrong with the above statement, except that out of the 2 adults in this family I WOULD BE THE ONE TO RUN FOR OFFICE!- I was saddened that she didn't see a woman runnign for president at this point. I made a point to myself to talk to her about woman's options, potential and all that that entails.

I didn't say anything, but I just knew that I've got to talk to her more about this... after all, I'm the one who is President of the State Speech and Hearing Association, I've served on that board for years, I'm on the licensing board for the state, and I've worked on various commmittees at many levels- including the PTA at her school.

Fascinating perspective of politics from a 7 year old. And to think her ideas were picked up by advertising, some discussion and osmosis really....