Through the Eyes of Children, a Look Back at the 2016 Election
Funny and Thoughtful Insights
Photo by Bill Smith
It’s getting very close to election day and some local kids are decidedly not among the undecided. “Hillary Clinton is running against “wrong” Donald Trump,” jibed Melissa. But they don’t see it in all rights like their elders.
Maria understands double-speak like a seasoned political player. “She does a lot of talking,” said the fifth grader of Clinton. “Yada Yada Yada, I promise to do this, and that, and she doesn’t always make a difference.”
Of course, the young girl's insights aren’t any reason to believe she is lacking in her support of Secretary Clinton. “She’s not planning on raising taxes for the poor and lowering them on the rich,” asserted Maria.
The lesser of two evils isn’t really in her lexicon either. Maria is very concerned about the many unsettling things Donald Trump has said and fears immigration policy will literally send some of her Hispanic friends up a the wall.
Robert, on the other hand, views the proposal with a little more nuance. “A wall will help keep our country safe and let people enter in a way that is more safe for them,” said the third grader.
However, Robert is no stranger to a little wonk when needed. “We’ve already have seen Hillary Clinton as a senator and all that. So she already knows a lot about politics,” the boy assured.
On the economy, Robert also gives Trump his due. “He knows about business so he can help other businesses stay a thing,” said the elementary School student.
That said, Robert still isn’t ready to cast his lot. “It will be a hard choice,” he declared.
Mark sounds similarly divided. “Hillary Clinton stole like a thousand dollars, and Donald Trump kicked a girl or something,” he swung from his heals.
But Mark has no problem delineating among the lesser. “He never listens to anyone,” the youngster threw his support.
Trump’s hat in the ring nonetheless, Cindy has picked it up to show her support. “I have his Make America Great hat,” Cindy said. “I’m friends with Bill O’Reilly’s daughter. She met him, gave her a hat and gave it to me.”
Maybe a little superficial for such an important choice but Cindy understands what most kids don’t when it comes to their choice. “My parents like Donald Trump. That’s why I support him,” she freely admitted.
Cindy also didn’t get bogged down in the whole boy-girl dynamic. “It doesn’t really matter if it’s a man or a woman running,” she said. “We just need to choose the best one.”
Still, it’s almost unavoidable to consider the possibilities since we finally have a choice. “We’re smart, beautiful, confident, loud - well I’m loud,” Maria digressed. And before going full tongue and check, “full of sugar and spice and everything nice,” she added.
Puppy dog tails, Miguel stood ready to counter. “Boys are strong and take risks, which could make our country safer,” said the fourth grader.
Forty-four men so far, Henry thinks its time. “We should take the chance, because we’ve only had boys for president,” he reasoned.
He used biology to make his case. “Girls mature faster than boys,” Henry asserted.
But Henry was simply timing the beat. “I think Donald Trump is still maturing,” he deadpanned.
Henry then changed course by staying positive. “She’s fair, respects people and never stops trying,” said the fifth grader.
Once again ahead of the curve, Henry took a cue from the adults and exercised a little savvy to conclude his case. “Those are Donald Trump’s words," the boy was definitely paying attention to the debate.”
Hopefully, the rest of us can say the same.
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