Even though we're still over fourteen months away from electing a new President, potential candidates are busy traveling across America, glad-handing possible voters. The candidates are trying to appeal to the common man and there's no better way to do so than showing you're a family man or woman. Certain candidates are turning up for photo ops with their children on their arms, which begs the question: is the campaign trail an appropriate place for young children?
There are five candidates on the campaign trail with young children: Sam Brownback, Christopher J. Dodd, John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Fred D. Thompson. Obama has kept his children's campaign appearances at a minimum this summer and states his that his children will return to Chicago when school is back in session . At the other end of the spectrum, Edwards has taken his children out of school and they travel with him everywhere, along with his wife, Elizabeth Edwards, and a tutor.
I can see both sides of the debate. I would want my kids with me as much as possible. But at the same time, I wouldn't want them living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle from the back of a tour bus. Sure, you're exposing them to people, places, and cultures they wouldn't normally experience, but you're also robbing them of their childhood. So where do you draw the line?
If you were running for President, would you take your kids on the campaign trail? If so, how often?
