My daughters encounter the 2016 presidential election, part 5

Remember how Leila's goal has been to become the first female president of the U.S.? She came home from school yesterday and announced that she was 100% certain that Hillary Clinton was going to win the November election. Therefore, she would need to find a new goal. To that end, Leila asked me if I could turn her into a "Black girl." She said that if she couldn't be the first "girl president," then she wanted to be the first African American woman to be president. (Ah Shirley Chisholm, where are you now?)

My dear daughter, if you get an owie on your knee and need someone to kiss it better, daddy can do that. If you need someone to teach you what a gerund is, daddy can do that. But if you need someone to transform you into an African American kid, that is one thing daddy cannot do.

A little fatherly advice, if I may: It would be more realistic for you to try to become the first female president with Mexican heritage. Yeah, I know it's a stretch, since we are talking about your second great grandfather, who migrated north into Texas from Mexico in 1903. But "Leila Topham, part of the Reconquista since 1903" would look great on a campaign button.

Now, dear child, set aside your political ambitions for the moment and keep practicing the solo you will be singing in your school's talent show in just over a week. One thing at a time, kiddo, one thing at a time.

My daughters encounter the 2016 presidential election, part 3

When I picked Leila up from school today, she immediately started in on politics again, continuing this morning's conversation (see earlier post for context). She told me the kids talked about politics all day. She said some of her classmates' fathers think Trump is great, but others do not. She said the kids whose parents do not support Trump kept referring to him as "Tronald Dump." Leila thought this was funny, given the slang meaning of the word "dump."

Then Leila switched to discussing the Democrat candidates. She said she opposes Hillary Clinton solely because Hillary is currently the biggest threat to her dream of becoming the first "girl president," as Leila phrased it. Then Leila wanted to know how soon she could run for president. She was appalled when I said not until the year 2044. She decided my math was off and set out to double-check it. She came up with 2028 as the correct year. Turns out, she thought she could run for president after she turned 18. When I told her the magic number was 35, it ruined her day. She thought it was dumb of the Framers of the Constitution to pick such a ridiculously advanced age as the minimum requirement.

This kid entertains me.

My daughters encounter the 2016 presidential election, part 1

Dear Hillary Clinton,

My seven-year-old daughter Leila has, over the last several weeks, repeatedly expressed a strong desire to become the first female president of the United States. To that end, I respectfully request that you withdraw your candidacy from the current election and allow my darling daughter to chase her dreams She will be eligible to run for office as early as the 2044 presidential election. Assuming she is elected and then serves for two terms, you could resume your presidential campaign in time for the 2052 election. At that time, you will be 105 years old. You've waited this long, surely a few more years won't hurt?

Sincerely,

a doting father

*Important note to Facebook friends: This post's intent is lighthearted. The post is not meant to be interpreted as a political statement or to stir up politically charged controversy. Please do not be offended by this post. And for the love of all that is holy, please do not write argumentative or nasty comments below. I repeat: I am simply trying to be silly -- though Leila is totally serious in her desire to become the first female president of the U.S.