Even though kids can't vote, they have a big stake in this election. The candidates are competing by describing their plans for issues that affect us directly, especially education and health care. So kids should pay attention to how the process works.
Republican Mitt Romney told me that he believes the No Child Left Behind law affecting schools is flawed, but has the right goal: making schools accountable. Barack Obama responds that the government does not give teachers the resources that they needóincluding fair payóto get their job done. John McCain told TFK that his plan to make health care more affordable for families will ensure that kids are better off under his leadership. And Hillary Clinton has created the American Health Choices Plan to provide health coverage for all Americans. She helped to create the Children's Health Insurance Program when she was First Lady.
What can you do? Before the contests in other states, get informed. Ask questions, talk to your parents, find short articles about the candidates and read them! Learn more about the issues that will affect your life. And remember: John Edwards, Mitt Romney and the others have plenty of time to catch up before February 5 Super Tuesday when more than 20 states vote. Those contests will make the picture much clearer for Election 2008.