Peanut on Obama

Posted on 06. Nov, 2008 by Karen in Family and Friends, Inspiration, Politics

On election night we all gathered over at my sister’s to watch the poll results come in.  My 4 year old niece, the “Peanut” was thrilled with the company, the festive atmosphere and the party spread of food.  Oh — and the fact that she was allowed to stay up long past her bedtime. 

You see, my sister and I remembered that night in our childhood when our parents let us stay up all night to watch John F. Kennedy become president.  Funny, we’ve talked about that night often lately.  It’s etched on our memories. 

We wanted Peanut to have the same special memories of Obama being elected president.  Even though the results weren’t in yet when we gathered together, we all sensed it was just a matter of time.  And Peanut had to be part of it.

Shortly before Obama’s victory was announced, I was in the kitchen with Peanut explaining to her why this was all so important.  As I tried to set the stage for her in a way a four year old could comprehend, I gave her a short list of the reasons that Obama was the man we all wanted to see elected.  I ended with telling her that it was also very exciting that he would be the first Black man ever to be elected President of the United States.

Peanut smiled at that point in an indulgent and patient way.  She tilted her head, threw up her hands in slight exasperation with me and said:

Ti-Ti (that’s what she calls me), Barack Obama isn’t black — he’s brown!

I had to laugh!!  Peanut gets it.  Color is just color.  It’s not what defines you or makes you qualified or not for any job — even president.  Yet another life lesson from Peanut –

Out of the mouth of babes. 

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5 Responses to “Peanut on Obama”

  1. Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)

    06. Nov, 2008

    I only made it ’til about 9:30. I wish I’d stayed up later… :/

  2. Wendy

    06. Nov, 2008

    Yep, that is too precious. And I can just imagine the Peanut saying that with a priceless expression!

  3. Karen

    06. Nov, 2008

    Rebecca–you needed our “team” to keep you awake. We actually told Peanut she couldn’t go to sleep. The poor little thing lasted through our initial celebration before she crashed.

    Wendy–you know the expression! She’s so animated and wise for a little kid.

    Karen

  4. hannah friedman

    08. Nov, 2008

    Your niece sounds like a lovely kid! Thanks for the thoughtful comment on my blog- I enjoy your stuff quite a lot and I hope you keep in touch.

    All my best,
    Hannah Friedman

  5. Parker

    12. Nov, 2008

    Thanks for sharing this story. I absolutely love hearing how many people have involved children in the election this year. I would like to talk about how much this has allowed us to teach them, but I think they have been the better teachers, by allowing us to hear the honest, innocent observations.

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