Jay, CJ, and I are standing in the kitchen just before I leave to teach my night class when CJ says matter-of-factly, “Obama is running for President.”
Which might not seem like such a profound statement to you, but let me tell you… it is. At least coming from CJ.
“Wow,” I say, “You must be learning about the election at school.”
CJ nods smugly. ”I am.” Then he adds proudly, “I’m voting tomorrow.”
Jay and I look at each other. ”Reeeally?” I say, “who are you going to vote for?”
CJ thinks about it for a minute then says, “Obama.”
Jay raises his eyebrows at me and I stifle a giggle. He’s voting for Obama.
Of course you and I both know that CJ is not voting for Obama based on Obama’s perspective on foreign policy or because of his health care plan or even for his general charisma and charm. The bottom line is that, when it comes to the 5-year old demographic, Obama is a catchy name and that’s what matters.
Still… there’s something about standing in the kitchen with our little son and having a conversation about the presidential election and voting that feels EPIC.
This morning as I walk CJ to his elementary school– which is also a polling place– I can’t help but notice the people pouring in to vote, and coming out with “I voted” stickers. That’s the downside of absentee ballots — you don’t get a sticker.
A woman is standing outside the school in a raincoat holding an Obama/Biden sign. I feel a rush of emotion as I pass her. Her face is eager, her cheeks flushed.
No matter who you’re voting for, I don’t think you can dismiss the feeling of excitement in the air. The buzz of energy. The feeling that change is coming and that we’re a part of it and that is good.
For all its problems, I do love this country.
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xo Jen
November 4, 2008 at 12:18 pm
It is exciting; you’re right. We don’t have any of that buzz out here, though. Our county went strictly to absentee ballots. And as convenient as they are, there is definitely something to be said about physically going to the polls to vote.
Hillary – The Queen I Am Nots last blog post..Aloha Friday #54
November 4, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I am outraged!
I voted today in person and I did not get a sticker.
But seriously, I feel it is so important to vote and my daughter is only 2 and this is the second time she has come with us to vote. And obviously she doesn’t get it now, but she will.
Coma Girls last blog post..Vote!
November 4, 2008 at 12:59 pm
It’s amazing how much this election is sweeping up not only registered voters but even the little ones! Both of my children are excited about voting in their school’s “mock election”. Really?! I never did this in elementary school!
Of course both of my kids are going to vote Obama. And I think it’s because of the same reason as your little one…President Obama sounds cooler. kids.
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November 4, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Both A and V are voting in mock elections and I think it’s very interesting. We had a similar moment at dinner last night. V is supposed to watch election results and color in a map of the states red or blue (this is 3rd grade). She showed us an example map based on recent polls. We asked her if she knew what the purple states were. She said very confidently “oh yes, those are battleground states.” Seriously, when I was 8 years old, I don’t think I even knew the words Democrat and Republican.
November 4, 2008 at 3:01 pm
My 5 year old is pretty interested too. It’s awesome.
And your post gave me goosebumps!
All Adithers last blog post..King of the world
November 4, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I so miss my sticker – serious downside to voting absentee but I did enjoy filling out my ballot on the couch.
Go Obama!
Kathleens last blog post..Vote!
November 4, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I missed my sticker too – my county is all vote by mail. They should send you a sticker with your ballot or something. Ha.
Rachaels last blog post..Hallelujah!
November 5, 2008 at 6:28 am
I had the choice to vote early, but felt it would be anticlimatic to do so, what an opportunity to teach the children about voting when you have 2 hours to stand in line and talk about it.
On a side note-my son (who is also a CJ and is 11) was very upset I was not voting in the local uncontested elections. I left the space blank. He was convinced I should write in Chuck Norris (yes, he would make a great county treasurer). I asked what qualified him to have that position? He stated, “Mom, he can strangle a person with a cordless telephone-he can do anything”
I had to stifle giggles, and still not write in Chuck Norris.
November 6, 2008 at 6:38 am
Great to see such a large number of people voted.
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November 7, 2008 at 9:52 am
You wrote exactly what I’ve been thinking. Most kids would vote for Obama because he has such a cool sounding name and you can make up great rhyming sounds with it.
Oh and @TracyB – I’m dying over here with that Chuck Norris story :-)
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