By: Jake Thompson
Updated: November 8, 2016
Originally Published: November 8, 2016
The spark for this article came from my 5-year-old daughter, Lily, who insisted on dressing as a female presidential candidate for Halloween. My partner, Sarah, and I decided to embrace her enthusiasm by donning outfits resembling Secret Service agents as we accompanied her trick-or-treating. I even shaved my beard for the occasion!
Initially, I hadn’t planned to share this moment publicly. As someone who has built a modest online presence through staged family photos, this particular snapshot was meant to be a private keepsake—a joyful way to commemorate a significant moment in Lily’s life.
Lily’s admiration for the candidate began several months ago when she and her classmates discovered that no woman had ever held the nation’s highest office. I later learned that her entire class—both girls and boys—were perplexed by this fact; they had never considered it a possibility. Lily came home that day with a determined look in her eyes: “Daddy, Daddy! Who are you voting for?”
With the primary just two weeks away, I was momentarily taken aback. My partner and I hadn’t discussed the election with her, yet she was eager for my answer regarding a race I hadn’t fully decided on.
“Ummm, who do you think I should vote for?” I asked.
“Vote for the girl! The first Girl President! Please!” she pleaded.
“Okay, we’ll see,” I replied, using my usual dad response.
I felt a pang of envy for my daughter’s uncomplicated perspective on the election. Clearly, she hadn’t been influenced by the negativity that often permeates social media. She seemed blissfully unaware of the candidate’s past controversies, including her decisions regarding war, Wall Street, and emails.
Five-year-olds, at least the ones I know, often express frustration over perceived unfairness in life—usually over trivial matters like dessert choices or clothing. I often wonder how Lily will react when she learns about the true inequalities that exist in the world. Will she become cynical, using the unfairness of the system to justify her own setbacks? Or will she recognize her privileges while empathizing with those from different backgrounds? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s refreshing to view life through the eyes of a child who remains insulated from the harshness many adults face today.
Along with my envy, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in Lily’s response to a troubling aspect of American history. Instead of being disheartened, she took action, motivated by a desire to correct what she saw as wrong. Her enthusiasm for the prospect of a female president has remained unshaken over the months. She has asked her grandparents about their voting choices and has even engaged in discussions about the election with anyone who would listen. At a dinner event with some of Sarah’s colleagues, she boldly approached a guest to talk about the election, undeterred by my warning that the crowd might be resistant to her enthusiasm.
I identify as politically independent, but I live in a state where the Democratic primary often determines the outcome of significant elections. On the day of the primary, when Lily spotted my “I Voted” sticker, she eagerly asked how I had cast my vote.
“Who do you think I voted for?” I replied, raising an eyebrow.
“Did you vote for the girl?” she asked, eyes wide with hope.
I nodded, and she leapt into my arms, exclaiming, “Thank you, Daddy! I know she’s going to win!”
In that moment, I realized that I was proud of my vote, and Lily’s innocent optimism was a much-needed reminder to approach this election with hope. Her unwavering support has been a bright spot in what has been an exhausting and often disheartening political climate.
I created the photo intending it to be a cherished family memory. However, after sharing it with a few friends, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone seemed to appreciate this simple yet uplifting perspective amid the negativity surrounding the election. In a time filled with harsh critiques and unkind commentary, it felt important to share something that could bring a smile to others.
Yet, I harbored fears about posting it publicly. In today’s hyper-political climate, too many people resort to trolling and harassment against those with differing views, and the thought of our family facing such negativity was daunting.
When I discussed this with Lily, she asked, “Why would they do that? That’s just mean.”
I explained that some people are being unkind when they disagree with others. After a moment of contemplation, I asked if she wanted to share the photo, even with the potential for negative comments.
“Who cares?” was her fearless response. “I want people to see it!”
Her courage and determination inspire me. This election season, I’m wholeheartedly with her.
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In summary, my daughter’s candid support for a female candidate offers a refreshing perspective on a troubling political landscape. Her innocent enthusiasm reminds us to embrace hope even amidst negativity.