Adventure boy just watched the final presidential debate tonight.  He was flipping through the TiVo list and said “Oh!  The debate!” and selected it.  Am I alone in thinking that this is supposed to be unusual behavior for an 11-year-old?

     I’m amazed at how knowledgeable he is on political issues, beyond just knowing what the issues are , but recognizing when a candidate “breaks ranks” with the party line and platform, for instance.

     Also, recognizing spin when he sees it, as in the candidate re-interpreting the opponent’s statements in an unflattering light, or re-framing the question to make it easier to answer.

     Whatever else this teacher will teach them this year, he has inspired an interest, passion and acumen for politics that is nothing short of amazing.

     Adventure Boy observed that “Dubya” did much better on this last debate than the others, but that Kerry still seemed “cooler”…which I asked about and he clarified it as meaning calmer and more self-possessed.  Adventure Boy liked some of Bush’s answers, but over-all he gives this one to Kerry.

     I tried to leave him alone while he watched…I was in the room, but folding clothes and tried to keep my comments to myself, which I was not always successful doing.

     He’s expressed an interest in the third party candidates as well, and I taped a NOW with Bill Moyers where they interview the Green, Independent, Constitution and Libertarian candidates.

     He figures he’ll take a look at that another day as his brain is full right now.  No doubt.

     Bunny Boy also watched a significant portion of the debate, taking occasional breaks to play with the dog or whatever.

     He seemed to enjoy it as well…weird.  I would not have expected that of a seven-year- old.  He confined his observations to analysis of their facial expressions and body language…and he was so cute.

     He’d say stuff like “That question made him sweat.”

     I’d say “He doesn’t look like he’s sweating.”

     Bunny Boy would say “No, you know what I mean.  He’s nervous.”

     When I pictured being a mom, I saw myself doing martial arts with the kids, flying kites, playing catch or tennis, days at the beach, baking cookies…and I do all that too…

…but I never imagined I’d be snuggled on the couch with my 11 and 7 year-olds munching on popcorn, folding laundry, and listening to them un-spin political rhetoric for fun.

     I hope you all will forgive me my self-congratulatory tone.  Just right now this minute, I am in awe of my kids.  They’re just so darn…smart and savvy.