Kids portray candidates in debate

Westwood Elementary School was the location of a presidential debate last Wednesday. Four Wellington High School seniors from Todd Hodkey's government class took on the roles of the presidential and vice presidential candidates and competed in a debate in front of the Westwood third grade students.

The Republican candidates were represented by Steve Simonson as John McCain and Molly Kulp as Sarah Palin. The Democratic ticket was portrayed by Jerry Herman as Barack Obama and Danny Ward as Joe Biden.

Under the direction of Dianne Clawson, Westwood third grade social studies teacher, the third graders wrote questions for the candidates that were asked at the debate. The third grade students were recognized when their questions were used.

Drew Geyer asked, "What is the first thing you will do if elected?"

Barack Obama answered, "I will change how things have been running under President Bush."

John McCain responded, "My plans will greatly, greatly increase the economy and many other aspects of the United States of America."

Jessica Storrow asked the candidates what they did for fun.

Joe Biden replied, "I like attending baseball games."

Sarah Palin said, "I like fishing, spending time with my family, and watching my husband do pro snow mobile racing."

Lillian Haynes asked, "Will you make a new room in the White House?"

Senator Obama answered, "The White House has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms so I will not add another room."

Senator McCain added, "I agree with Obama that there are enough rooms in the White House. That's the only thing we agree on."

The third grade students also wanted to know how the candidates did in math when they were in school.

Governor Palin responded, "Pretty decent, I made it through college."

Senator McCain said, "I was a fighter pilot and fighter pilots are good at math."

Senator Biden answered, "I can multiply and divide very large numbers."

Senator Obama replied, "I studied at Harvard so I'm very educated in math."

After the debate, students in Clawson's class commented on what they learned from the debate.

The students at Westwood Elementary were looking forward to their own presidential election which was held Monday. The third grade students worked to make sure every kindergarten through third grade student and staff member was registered to vote in the school election.