Kids and Presidential Politics

I had my nine year old son and his friend in the van the other day as we drove to the first baseball practice of the season. Listening to their conversations is always a hoot. That night their talk turned to presidential politics. My son begged me not to vote for McCain, but he wasn't able to give me a reason. Both boys like Obama. They think it would be cool to have the first African American president. They don't like Hillary. My son said it was because of her big nose. His friend said that he didn't like her because she lies too much.

I suggested that external appearances shouldn't matter when selecting leaders, but character does matter a lot. My son agreed, recalling a tv show in which a kid got elected class president because he had good hair!

It amazes me how perceptive kids are and how, even in the arena of world events and politics, they are influenced by parents, peers and media.