Over the past few weeks I have been in several elementary classrooms. I love seeing the differences between grades and ages. The maturity levels, the way they express themselves, and the way the communicate with their peers. Each grade level has certain distinctions, its own personality. But something that has served as a constant has been the interest in the presidential campaign.

Of course, a large chunk of their understanding is incorrect or skewed. Nonetheless, it is wonderful to see. I know that their opinions are in large part a reflection of what they hear their parents and caregivers discussing. I try my best to act as a moderator, filling in the gaps. Of course, I do my best to remain impartial. I’m a democrat. I know who I’d like to see in the White House, but I keep my opinion guarded in the classroom. I also know that John McCain could very well be the 44th President. However, very few of the students that I encounter seem aware of this fact.

I live in New York. We’re a blue state. Not a surprise that students debate with each over “Hillary!” and “Obama!” Today there was even chanting in a fourth grade classroom, each child showing their support with full-on fist pumping. But what about McCain? I spent 20 minutes informing the students that either Clinton OR Obama would be in the race for presidency, and would be competing against McCain, the republican candidate. Most students seemed very confused by the new info.

What are the kiddies saying in your neck of the woods? How interested are your children in the race to the White House, and what are their schools doing to prepare them for the election?

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Okay, so I watched much of the Democratic debate last night. Not much to report unfortunately, besides Mike Gravel being bat-shit crazy, that was kinda entertaining. Nothing blew me away though, but I thought it was very interesting that when a reporter asked Edwards, Obama and Clinton about whether or not bringing gay awareness into the 2nd grade curriculum by reading a book about two princes getting married was appropriate, even the most liberal of the candidates kinda squirmed. Barack Obama managed to dodge the question with his masterful way of answering a question without really answering it with some mumbo jumbo about “fear”. John Edwards was open to it but then grappled with the idea of second graders being read the book in question when he responded, “Did you say second grade? Second grade might be a little tough.”

Hillary Clinton responded the most conservatively when she said that whether or not a child is read a book about gay couples should be left up to the discretion of the parents. Even though Mitt Romney has come out accusing the Democrats of being out of touch and supporting such controversial subject matters that defy “family values” by way of government mandate of gay subject matters into the curriculum — it isn’t entirely an honest or true attack. Republicans like to use this as a divisive issue, but from what I heard last night, I wonder how divisive it is. Could this be a non-partisan issue? Could it be that I actually agree with Hillary on something? (By the way, I’ll expect the same moral outrage directed at her that was thrown in my direction, right?)

Anyway, the way I see it, Hilary Clinton is the most moderate, followed by Barack Obama and John Edwards being the quintessential flaming liberal. I was impressed that Barack Obama said he wouldn’t take nuclear power off the table while Edwards said no way, that it was too dangerous.

Anybody else watch? It’s the first one I’ve watched because frankly, I’m getting Election 2008 overload and the election is still more than a year off! Although as long as Gravel is still in it, it’s more entertaining than anything else on prime time…

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