One donkey and one elephant in the family

In the car, I had a little political discussion with my toddlers after we dropped off a neighbor to complete her early polling. Sage asked where our neighbor was going, and I tried to explain voting to her (again). I told Sage that there were two men [the preschool version] that are trying to convince people they can be the best president of the United States, and we have to say them which one we want by voting.

In an effort to provide more information without introducing concepts such as deficits and entitlements, I told Sage that one of the guys has white skin and white hair and looks like her Grandpa Williams and is named McCain. I told her the other has darker skin, like her friends at preschool (except he’s not Latin…shh!), and his name is Obama.

Based on the wealth of information I had provided her, I figured my 4-year-old was now empowered to make an informed decision. Or at least an amusing one. “So who do you think we should vote for, Sage?” I asked.

“The Cain” she replied without hesitating--clearly forgetting everything we've ever taught her about the book of Genesis.

I was pretty sure I had skewed Sage’s vote in McCain’s favor by commenting on his resemblance to her grandpa, or that she subconsciously must be associating him with McDonald’s. So I asked why she chose McCain. The matter-of-fact response: “Because I like his name better.” To which Eliza piped up, “I like Obama.”

So, I guess we’re officially split down the middle.