My husband and I have never discussed politics with our son at great length. His multitude of questions have no simple answers from us grownups. We've talked with him about who the candidates are and where they are from. He's seen them on TV. That's about it. He's too young to know the issues.

The local League of Women Voters sponsored a mock election for elementary to high school students. I was quite surprised that first graders were included in this event. But the munchkin brought home the permission slip to participate. He said he wanted to vote. So I signed the thing and let him go, watching to see what happened.

The day of the big vote came. At dinner that night, we asked who he voted for. He said he and his best friend voted for Obama. When we asked why, he said "The other guy has white hair, which means he's old, and gonna die!" :)

I told my husband I was getting him "Just for Men" hair dye for Christmas!

If only the issues were as simple as the right wardrobe or your appearance on TV. I recall a rant that stand up comedian Dennis Miller did several years ago. He was talking about some candidates and why they failed in that particular election. Sorry, I can't remember who he was talking about specifically, but he did say one candidate (paraphrasing) committed the great unpardonable sin: He looked bad on television.

That, and my son's choice of president and why, made me wonder: what was it like "back in the day"? When candidates campaigned by train, plane, and automobile, and gave radio addresses to further their cause, due to the lack of television. It didn't matter how photogenic they were, because many people didn't see their faces unless it was on a poster somewhere.

And the number of people who might be able to answer that question are quickly disappearing. It would be a fascinating question to ask one of the elder generation, if you can find one lucid enough to speak to. I don't mean to overextend the generation gap or anything. I'm not looking for someone who caught a glimpse of Lincoln on the back of a train or some such nonsense. I'm just curious what political campaigns were like before TV became the primary vehicle for such campaigning. My sisters will love me for this one: They are too young to ask.

Have a great night, everyone!