Youngsters quiz candidates
In July, The Washington Post’s KidsPost asked their readers what questions they would like the presidential candidates to answer. They received lots of terrific questions. Now, just in time for the political conventions, here are the candidates’ answers.
Q: What are your favorite TV shows?
Robin, 11, Orange, Va.
JOHN MCCAIN , Republican senator from Arizona: I nearly got kicked out of the Naval Academy for having a TV in my room, but now the only problem is running for president doesn’t leave much time for watching television. When my wife, Cindy, and I do have time, we love to watch “Seinfeld” reruns.
BARACK OBAMA , Democratic senator from Illinois: My favorite TV show is probably “SportsCenter” on ESPN. … When I’m home with Sasha and Malia (his daughters, who are 7 and 10), we’re more likely to be watching “Bear in the Big Blue House” or “SpongeBob (SquarePants).” But truth is, we don’t like to watch too much TV.
Q: It seems kind of weird that me and my mom get to … hang around all summer, while all the kids in Iraq and Afghanistan have to be in a war, even though they didn’t do anything. … What will you do to help all the moms and kids in Iraq and Afghanistan after the war is over?
Kelly Lynn, 6, Annandale, Va.
OBAMA : You’re absolutely right that children and families are often victims of war, and that’s why we need to be very, very careful when we decide to fight a war. …
In Afghanistan, the best way for us to help kids and their families is to make sure that their communities are kept safe from the spreading violence and that their country doesn’t fall back under the strict and repressive rule of the Taliban. To make sure that doesn’t happen, I will send in additional American troops and offer greater assistance … including assistance that helps Afghan children go to school.
MCCAIN : One of the most important things we’re doing in Iraq and Afghanistan is making a better, safer future for the children there. The next generation of Iraqis and (Afghans) would never have been able to enjoy freedom and prosperity as long as Saddam Hussein and the Taliban remained in power. But thanks to the hard work of our troops and our allies, more kids, especially girls, in those countries are able to go to good schools and do many of the things we take for granted in America.
Q: When you are president, do you think you will have a pet in the White House?
Anna Clare, 7, Kensington, Md.
OBAMA : When I started running for president, Michelle and I promised Malia and Sasha that they could get a dog when we move into the White House – and they’re holding me to that promise! Malia has been doing a lot of research into dog breeds just to make sure she’s ready.
MCCCAIN: If I am elected president, I will definitely have pets in the White House. At home in Arizona, we have 21 pets: Sam, an English springer spaniel; Coco, a mutt; Oreo, a black and white cat; three parakeets; 13 saltwater fish; and the newest additions: Lucy and Desi, teacup Yorkshire terriers. If I am elected president, they’ll all get to move to Washington.
Q: Since global warming is such a big issue now, what would you do to lower the use of (items) not being recycled in the United States?
Kendall, 10, Washington, D.C.
MCCAIN : I believe greater awareness of climate change and its potential effect on our children will lead to more responsible stewardship of our environment. Recycling is one of many ways in which Americans can help.
OBAMA: We’ll invest in clean energy sources, and we’ll commit to getting more of our electricity from sources like wind and solar (power) and cut the amount of greenhouse gases we produce.
You’re right that recycling more and using less Styrofoam and paper are important, and there are other steps you can take, too, like carpooling with your friends on the way to school or turning the lights off when you leave the room.
Q: When you get up in the morning, what are you thinking?
Jennifer, 11, Aldie, Va.
OBAMA : The first thing I think about in the morning is how much I love my family and how blessed I am to be able to share my life with them.
MCCAIN: I fly to different cities every day. … So I tend to wake up somewhere new every morning. When I get up, I’m usually thinking about what I have to do that day because the campaign trail is so busy.
Q: I think kids should be trusted to vote because they do pay attention. What are you going to do about kids not being able to vote?
Andrew, 7, Vienna, Va.
MCCAIN : I hope kids pay attention to politics because the more they learn about the process, the more they can make a difference when they grow up. And even though kids have to wait until they’re 18 to vote, there’s no law against kids telling their parents who to vote for – especially if it’s me.
OBAMA: I’m glad you’re paying attention, Andrew, and, like you, my daughters would like to have a bigger say in what happens in their world – but I don’t plan to ask Congress to lower the voting age. The good news is that there are many ways that young people like you can make a difference, whether it’s writing letters to your representatives or talking to your parents, teachers and friends about the issues that matter to you.