Thoughts on Politics – from the peanut gallery

Lately a lot of my nights have been spent watching political speeches.  As a producer on a national television program following the political rhetoric is a job requirement. I went into the news business to be a witness to history and have attended conventions during the last two Presidential election cycles.  I attended two debates this year – one in Boulder and the other in Las Vegas.  But tonight I sat home watching with my new witnesses to history – Callum and Alexa.   I really want my children to understand what is happening in our country and how important this election is so for all of these important nights I make them popcorn (which they mix with peanuts) and keep them up late to watch.
The pearls of wisdom that come out of them are worth waking up to bleary eyed kids the next morning.  I wanted to share these tidbits to bring a bit of levity to this crazy election cycle.  (Please note: this is not an endorsement of any candidate.  This is just what my kiddos said while watching a variety of 2016 political events):

First Presidential Debate Trump vs. Clinton
For this debate we picked candidates.  Alexa picked Trump “because he has silly hair and it makes me laugh.”  Callum picked Hillary “because she has gold earrings and I like gold.”   Callum also said he liked Hillary’s necklace and Alexa pointed out Hillary’s lipgloss, asking “why does it never come off?”

Callum asked me what “way of life means” which had me stumbling to explain how we all live vastly different lives in this great country.

My favorite quotes from the night came from Alexa who said, “Donald Trump doesn’t suck his thumb or use a stuffed animal.” and “Mommy, they are talking together” which I think pretty much sums up the first Presidential debate between Trump and Clinton.

At the end of the night the kids had resorted to playing their own version of the debate – rock-em-sock-em – and asking why there was no winner on the big screen.

When I asked what they learned Callum said, “That you have to say nice things about America.”  So I think I will take that as a win.

Here are some of their previous comments on 2016 political events:

Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“Mommy he said optimism which is kind of like Optimus Prime.”

Trump’s New Hampshire Victory speech:
Callum – “This guy could be our President?”
Mommy – “Do you want to be President someday?”
Callum – “Yes, I would give a great speech.  In my speech I will say – thank you everybody.  I am going to give you all a Valentine.”

John Kasich’s speech:
Callum – “He’s from Colorado?”
Mommy – “No, he is from Ohio.”
Callum – “Oh when somebody says Colorado I am going to vote for him.”

Melania Trump’s RNC Speech:
“Donald Trump’s wife says he likes everyone but he doesn’t really like everyone so she is lying”

Obama’s speech at the 2016 DNC:
“I have longer hair than he does.”
Callum commenting on the wall – “I would just climb that wall.  Instead of a wall I would build a house for all the Democrats to live in – are there a lot of Democrats?”
After Obama’s comments on gun control he said: “When I grow up I want to be a cowboy but without guns.”

On Chelsea Clinton’s 2016 DNC speech:
“Why is she so pretty?”  “Is this real or not?  Is she saying real stuff?”

On Hillary Clinton’s DNC speech:
“That place is big.  Can I give a speech there?  Maybe when I am five?”

During the conventions Callum even drew pictures of the candidates in case you wondered what they look like.  He really relished the the words he heard mostly because it meant he was staying up past bedtime watching TV.

I always think you can learn a lot from kids.  Their minds are still free of conjecture.  They have not yet been jaded.  Their curiosity is refreshing and the things that come out of their mouths always make me think.  Often I cannot even answer their questions but I am hoping to get better at finding those answers and teaching them about the world around them.  Somehow I don’t think I will ever satisfy their insatiable curiosity.