Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Presidency, Explained


I picked Plato up from school yesterday, which he absolutely loves (so do I). He was bouncy and chatty, telling me all about his day. The highlight of his day was helping his class spell the word "VOTE" with red and blue plastic cups pushed through the holes of a chain-link fence separating their schoolyard from the street.
As we drove by and he proudly showed me his handiwork, he asked, "Mom, are you going to vote?" I told him that of course I would. He replied, "Who are you going to vote for?"

I explained that I hadn't quite decided yet, that I was still listening to the candidates talk and discuss important issues.

Plato informed me that if he were voting, he would vote for Obama. I asked him why. He rolled his eyes and said, "Moooommm! Don't ask me WHY!"

"Well, Plato, you don't just vote for someone because everyone you know is. You vote based on what you think of the candidates. Do you know who else is running besides Obama?" (I was figuring he just liked saying "Barack Obama." It does kind of roll off the tongue...)

"Uhm, John McCain?"

"Yes! Good job, Plato. You've been paying attention!" (as if he has any choice)

Plato thought a moment. ""Well... I would vote for Barack Obama because he talks smarter.

Aannnddd, he LOOKS smarter, too."

"Well. That's a MUCH better reason."

Plato is quiet, mulling something over. Finally he declares, "Mom? I would never want to be president."

"Really? Why not?"

"I think you have to take too many tests, and you probably get really tired."










I agreed, figuring he was talking about the rough campaign schedule and debates.

"Mom? When you run for president do you have to: (pumps arms wildly and pants) RUN for president?"

I stifle a guffaw. Barely. "No, honey, it's just a phrase. Everyone wants to get to the White House, so it's like a race, so they say you're RUNning for office. You don't actually have to run."

"Good, 'cause that didn't make any sense to me."

8 comments:

Monnik said...

I knew I liked that kid of yours. Voting for Obama because he talks smarter. Yep. That sums it up nicely.

I love how your pictures of Obama are all flattering where the pictures of McSame aren't.

You sure you're undecided on this one? :)

JaneyV said...

Plato is one clever dude. The smarter candidate would get my vote too.

Obama looks better in a suit too.

Have you ever thought that it might be a lot less stressful for everyone if the candidates actually did have to run a race to get to the White House.

I think Obama and Joe would humiliate the opposition if that were the case!

Travis Erwin said...

Maybe we should vote for the candidate that runs the fastest or maybe they could duke it out in the boxing ring. it would be more entertaining than the debates.

Jess said...

LOL! Where oh where did you find such horrible pictures of McCain?
Poor guy looks like he's falling apart.

Mom In Scrubs said...

Frankly, all, it's darn tough to find a very flattering picture of Mc Cain, unless it was taken about 20 years ago. And Obama is Mr. Photogenic-GQ-Man. So it wasn't too hard to illustrate Plato's point!

Jess said...

LOL!

Seriously though, this campaign has added 10 years to the guy. It's just sad, really. He can't possibly look like he's up for the job next to Obama.

That's what republicans get for nominating a guy who farts dust.

Whirlochre said...

I've only just realised the photos next to those of Obama looking dapper aren't part of some dual-post recipe for pizza dough.

Carolann said...

Well, this is just hilarious! Plato has to be the deepest-thinking and smartest 7 year old I know. What a treasure! Thanks for sharing the wealth.