Talking Politics

Conversation I just had with my 5 year old Annie:
(My t.v. was on and Barack Obama just finished his speech on primetime)

Annie - There's a boy in my class who is REALLY smart and he said that his family is voting for Barack Obama and John McCain. Who are they again?
Me - They are the two men running for president.
Annie - What does that mean?
Me - Well, they go around the country talking about why they would do a good job and try to get people to vote for them. You know President Bush?
Annie - Yes.
Me - Well, his turn is almost over and it's time to pick someone else. In a few days everyone is going to go vote and whoever gets the most votes will be President of the United States.
Annie - What if it's YOU!!!
Me - It won't be. I'm not on the list.
Annie - But, what if you ARE??
Me - No honey, I won't be. Those (pointing to a t.v. commercial) are the two men running.
Annie - But, do you have to go anywhere when you do the president's job?
Me - Yes, the president has to travel all over the world.
Annie - You mean YOU would have to go to UTAH??
Me - The president travels all over the country to do his work.
Annie - Would you have to go where Grandma Kathy lives??
Me - REALLY honey, I'm not running for president.
Annie - Okay. I'm voting for Barack Obama.
Ruthie (My 3 year old who had been listening) - Well that's okay. I'm voting for "John BcCain."

(This discussion will have to be continued at bedtime, because even after our conversation was over I could still see doubt on her face -the thought that in 6 days her entire world might be turned upside down when her mother is elected President of the United States.)