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?

Bookmark to:
   

After pointless months of shuffling his feet and telling the media, “Gee, shucks, I just don’t know,” Illinois Senator Barack Obama has finally thrown his hat into the presidential ring. OK, sure, it’s not exactly official as it’s more of an announcement that he’s going to announce, but barring some sort of huge negative backlash (highly unlikely, but hey, even Jesus’ followers wound up turning on him), he’s definitely in the running. The official fund raising starts right about… NOW, and Hillary Clinton just wrote on her to-do list, “RAISE $50 MILLION MORE FOR CAMPAIGN FUND. Also, buy milk.” As a resident of Illinois, I’m just THRILLED that we got a good 2 out of 6 years of service from our junior senator before he ran off to campaign for higher office. I mean, really, what more could the people from the Land of Lincoln ask for?

Can someone explain to me the appeal of Barack Obama to be President? I mean, I clearly understand Obama’s appeal as a person, and even as a politician, but President? I don’t get it. I almost feel like a large number of liberals subconsciously want to vote for him because it would be really “cool” to vote for a minority. That way they can say, “See? We *told* you we were super-duper progressive!” But voting for Obama solely because of the color of his skin is clearly misguided, for obvious reasons. So, Obama fans, tell me why I should vote for him? And try to do so without invoking Bush’s name, if that’s possible. We saw how successful Kerry’s platform of “I’m not Bush” worked out.

Bookmark to: