Leo learns about politics

So, I spend a fair amount of time trying to explain the upcoming Presidential election to my kids. I tell them that some people in the country are voting for Barak Obama for President, and others are voting for John McCain. I patiently respond to Imp #1's many rapid-fire questions about each candidate -- where he lives, who he works for, what his job is, whether he is a "good guy" or a "bad guy" (think Spiderman vs. The Green Goblin) -- which usually devolves into more philosophical questions -- why is Spiderman a "good guy"? Why is Captain Hook a "bad guy"? Why are bad guys bad? Will they ever become good?

Then, he usually remembers that we were talking politics and asks who I am going to vote for. I tell him that I am voting for Obama, but that when he gets old enough, he can vote for whomever he chooses, and that is what is so great about this country. But, then I usually point out the myriad of reasons why I think Obama is so much better than McCain. I was never totally sure that #1 really got it until recently.

How did I figure out his true comprehension for my Obama passion? Well, other than asking deep, philosophical questions about good guys and bad guys, Leo spends much of his time inviting and uninviting us to his birthday. Usually the conversation goes something like:

"Momma, can I have a lollipop?"

"Not before dinner, #1."

"You are not invited to my birthday!"

or

"Daddy, will you push me on the swing?"

"Of course. Hop on."

"Oh, Daddy, you're my best friend. You can come to my birthday party."

You get the picture. To #1, being invited or uninvited to his birthday party is the ultimate of all compliments.

Anyway, the other day, I apparently did something that displeased #1:

#1: "Momma, can I watch a show?"

Me: "Are you dressed yet?"

#1: "No."

Me: "Have you brushed your teeth yet?"

#1: "No."

Me: "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

#1: "No."

Me: "Then, no show."

[Long pause.]

#1, taking my face between his hands, says very slowly and deliberately, as if to be sure that I will not miss a word: "Momma, I am not voting for Barak Obama!"

Ouch.