How this girl is handled will determine Nov. race

I'm talking about the one in pink.

(Image from Hillary's Flickr photo stream)

And that means showing our kids how to be gracious winners and losers.

More Below the fold..

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Before I go any further though:

I posted a diary Tuesday morning that I knew might be lost in the "results frenzy" Please give it another look HERE   I you just give even $2 for a woman who, in no small way, laid the ground work for our victory in Allen County IN .  
I think on any other day it might have made the rec list.
Thanks  
Mike

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As I was canvassing in Indiana, I came across a woman in her thirties who was a single mom living in an duplex type condo.  
When I asked her who she was voting for she said
"That's up to my 9 year old."  
Without missing a beat I said
"Awwl right! bring her out here and let me work on her!"
She laughed before reporting she was out riding her bike, and we continued the conversation something like this:

Woman: "I think I'm leaning toward him, but I'm taking her down there as sort of a civics lesson, and It would break her heart if I voted Obama."

Me:  "Well engaging in the process is really the most important thing, so that's great you're taking her down."

Woman:  "Yeah all the kids are really into this election they are talking about it at school and the kids are arguing taking sides. They have a big emotional investment in this election."

Me:  "I know, it's going to be historic any way it goes, and by the way.. She will have my support in November if she's the nominee.  There's too much at stake, and IMO I think we need to get on to defeating McCain sooner rather than later."

Woman:  "I hear ya.  I think most people feel that way, but there's a lot of little girls out there that are going to be heart broken.  I really like the guy, so I'll get over it, but a lot of people are going to feel like he denied them their dream....  I hope he can get those folks motivated come November."

(another Pic from Hillary's Flickr site)
We continued our friendly conversation about issues such as energy policy and the war for few minutes until her nine year old rolled up on her bike.

Me:  "Hi there!"

Girl : "Hello" she said a bit sheepishly looking at my clip board.

Me:   "I hear you're going to vote tomorrow."

Girl:  "yup"

Mother:  "He's from Barack Obama"

Girl:   "oh.." She said curling her lip.

Mother:  "She's been waiting for the Hillary people to come by, We got to see her at Head River park when she stopped here last week."

Me  :  "Cool, you got to see Senator Clinton?"

Girl : "yup"

Me :  "Guess I can't convince you to Vote for Senator Obama then huh?"

Girl   "Nope"

Me :    "How bout in November..  If he wins I mean?"

Girl:    "i-dun-know"

Mother :   "We'll vote for him."

At this point the girl shot her mother a confused glare, that told me she was unprepared for that reality, but I certainly was not going to be the one to break it to her.  

I took my leave graciously but I imagine for the first time that girl and her mother actually talked seriously about the prospect of Hillary Loosing.    To other kids her concession is going to come as a complete surprise.  

Our children will reflect our actions if the winners become braggarts and the losers are sour and un-accepting, those attitudes will be reflected in the school yard.  Let's prepare our kids for this win/loss  by teaching them how to be gracious and conciliatory in competition.  

Hillary Supporters:
Continue to fight if you like.  However, the fact remains this competition was planned and executed better by Senator Obama, and in a competition that's all that matters.   He will in all likely hood win.  And it will be fair and square.  There is nothing to complain about.

Barack Supporters:
Take a step back out of the face of Hillary folks and think about the emotional investment they put in.   Think about these little girls who dreamed of a Woman president. Celebrate, but do it with grace, and talk to your kids about how to reach out to Hillary supporters and congratulate them on a very close race.

After all until there is a Democrat with his or her hand on that bible taking the oath....
none of us has won anything.