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As I write, Barack Obama is leading John McCain. Things may change. But, if Obama wins, he'll be bringing two young daughters into the White House. Something that hasn't happened in a long time.

Will there be a Children's Inaugural Ball? And, if so, who will be invited? I think JK Rowling should be there. Apparently the Obamas are big fans of Harry Potter.

If you were planning a party for children, who would be invited, what music would be played, what theme would it have? What food would be served?

There must be loads of DC children 6 to 16 who'd like to kick up there heels in January and meet some people they'd actually love to meet and not just some photo ops with politicians.

Any thoughts?

I doubt that they would have a celebrity affair for the kids - they are too young to really enjoy being on their best behaviour for one. I think that Barack and Michelle will try to give the kids as normal a life as security will allow.

As the children of Obama, they need to go on stage a little bit, but they will probably go to school with the Washington bunch, have sleep overs and go to birthday parties.

I'd like a series of "award parties" to be given for children who were recognized for helping out in the Obama campaign, making phone calls, passing out flyers and getting petitions signed - all that sort of thing. The Obama children could go on a summer tour (so as not to interfere with school and getting adjusted to life at the White House), at certain amusement-type parks around the country and meet the kids who helped get their Dad voted in. They could have a good time as kids, doing things kids like to do, giving the Obama girls a list of activities from which they choose the venue in each scheduled "stop".

This way, it could keep them in touch with what the real issues affecting kids are nationwide, rather than limiting their perspectives to life in DC.

First, can we agree this should be a fun thread...???

No matter who wins,...

1) There are going to be a huge number of young people in DC for the Inauguration. Every state sends 2-3 bands for the Parade. Those kids deserve something for marching in the absolute dead of winter. Yes, there should be some form of dance.

2) There are some young party faithful, in both parties, who are working. They should be given a chance to have some fun too.

3) As far as the tweens and under 10s, yes, even they should have a party ... maybe one huge sleepover???

I'm waiting to see who will be invited to march in the Inaugural Parade out of Missouri. Lord willing, Marching Mizzou will make the trip.

This post has been edited by JohannMdlAmerica: 02 October 2008 - 07:49 AM

Well, if kids could vote, Obama would win by a landslide.

My daughter's social studies class took a straw poll. Obama 24, McCain 0. And this is one of those Pittsburgh suburbs that traditionally votes Republican.


Oo, that sounds like fun. I want to go, too!

This post has been edited by Arianhrod: 02 October 2008 - 09:15 AM

Well, it's a hypothetical simply because Obama will have the youngest family in the White House since JFK. (I believe Amy Carter was 9 in 1976 and she wasn't at any formal functions after she brought a book to a state dinner and made a point of reading when the grownups got all talky.)

The Inauguration is typically dotted with parties. And I don't think these parties are seen as political events. Of course, high school and college marching bands do come and probably do party down. But what about those younger children? The pre-teen crowd.

I'm sure the day must require tons of daycare and babysitting. I really think it would be nice to have something for kids similar to the launch of HBP or DH. The afternoon and early evening need to be filled or there'll be some very restless kids. And they know something big is happening and they won't want to be left out.

I can't recall events from every Inauguration, but I remember that there are usually several balls, each with a theme. I can certainly imagine a children's ball with some readings, some songs, and some fun food. Hey, I heard The Muppet Show is making a comeback, perhaps Kermit & Ms Piggy could MC the event.

A giant sleeperover sounds pretty cool. I just thought it would be nice if the day were inclusive for children and that their festivities could be exciting enough that parents might actually might join in before heading out for that late night shindig.

I think not, Sir. Look at the guest lists. If Inaugural balls are not payoffs to the faithful and well heeled, few events are!

What about an old fashioned hay ride with their friends complete with hot chocolate and marshmellows and tobagganing. It would be very easy for security to surround the "farm" for a day and keep reporters out.

I think that the kids need to have fun but in ways where there are no reporters or cameras. I think that this is my hesitation over a ball. Though a school dance would be nice.

Even if Sasha and the other one get to meet Hannah Montana and JKR and Robert Munsch (who lives in the riding of Guelph and supporting TK), Tom King (who is running in the riding of Guelph), Lorne Cardinal (from Corner Gas and supports TK), Kiefer Sutherland (whose mother is supporting TK), former Much Music Host Avi Lewis (father and wife supporting TK) - it won't be as nice as it sounds because Sasha and her sister's every movement will be scrutinized.

Short stints in the spotlight are OK, but the children's privacy needs to be protected as well.

When Queen Elizabeth came to Winnipeg she got to meet Nia Vardalos (my Big Fat Greek Wedding) because we found out that she liked the movie. But it was a closed dinner with Politicians and a few guests. Even so, it was not like anyone (including the guest of honour) could get away with belching or scratching itchy areas.

I would like the Obama girls to have fun in a way where it doesn't matter if they belch or not - isn't that what we would want for all our kids?

Okay! Obama has promised Sasha and Malia a puppy for their new home ~ the White House!

Now, I want to know what TLC is doing about a Harry Potter-theme Inaugural Ball. Come on, guys! These girls aren't gonna want to hang out with those oldsters. And it seems Biden has quite an army of grandkids there.

I'm sure TLC is the one capable of pulling this off. And I'm sure they could get a little help from WB and Scholastic. How about a game of Quidditch on the White House lawn? Treats courtesy of Honeydukes. Loot bags provided by WWW. And butterbeer and pumpkin juice for all.

How about some Wizard Rock to dance to? Guest appearances by Dan, Emma and Rupert. Costumes, wands, ice sculptures!

Okay, TLC, get to it. I think it was prophetic that Melissa should appear on the front page of USAToday on Election Day.

(I wonder if the girls will name that puppy Fang?)

I think that was very sweet.

We will find out soon enough.

Hope that it is a mixed breed dog because those are the friendliest - and it would send the right message (and example) not to have a designer dog.