The inspiration for this piece came when my five-year-old daughter, Lily, decided she wanted to dress as Hillary Clinton for Halloween. My partner, Jamie, and I embraced her choice, donning Secret Service attire to accompany her on our neighborhood rounds. I even went so far as to shave for the occasion.
Initially, I didn’t intend to share this moment with anyone outside our family. While I’ve built a modest following through whimsical family snapshots on social media, this image, much like 99% of my personal photography, was meant to be a private keepsake—a fun way to commemorate a significant moment in Lily’s childhood.
Lily’s interest in Hillary Clinton sparked several months ago when her preschool class learned that no woman had ever been elected to the highest office in our country. I later discovered that her entire class—both girls and boys—was bewildered by this realization. That day, Lily came home with a singular question: “Daddy, who are you going to vote for?”
With the primary just two weeks away, I was caught off guard. Jamie and I had never discussed the election with Lily, but her excitement prompted my response. “Who do you think I should vote for?”
“Hillary! Hillary Clinton! Please!” she urged.
“Why her?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“Because she’ll be the first Girl President! You have to vote for her!”
“Alright, we’ll see,” I replied, impressed by my daughter’s idealistic view.
In that moment, I envied her straightforward perspective. It was clear she hadn’t been influenced by the negativity often surrounding political discourse. She seemed blissfully unaware of controversies like Hillary’s past decisions or the critiques that have followed her for decades.
Five-year-olds often voice their discontent over perceived unfairness, yet Lily’s understanding of fairness was pure and unclouded by cynicism. I often wonder how she will react when she encounters the harsh realities of the world. Will she grow jaded or will she advocate for those less fortunate? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s refreshing to see the world through her innocent eyes.
Beyond my envy, I felt immense pride. Lily had learned a harsh truth about American history, yet instead of despair, she chose to act. Her enthusiasm has remained unwavering; she’s questioned family members about their voting choices, passionately advocating for the first “Girl President.” At a dinner with some of Jamie’s colleagues, Lily even engaged a guest in conversation about the election, undeterred by my caution.
As a political independent residing in a state where Democratic primaries often dictate outcomes, I found myself reflecting on my own voting decisions. A few weeks later, on primary day, Lily spotted my “I Voted” sticker and eagerly asked how I had cast my ballot.
“Who do you think I voted for?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Hillary?” she guessed, her excitement palpable.
I nodded, and she wrapped her arms around me in a heartfelt embrace. “Thank you! I just know she’s going to win!”
In that moment, I recognized that not only was I proud of my vote, but also that perhaps Lily’s simplistic view of the election was the right lens through which to approach this challenging time. Her unwavering support has been a bright spot amidst a tumultuous political landscape.
I created the image of Lily as Hillary with the intention of keeping it within our family, but after sharing it with friends, I noticed it brought smiles and laughter. In a world flooded with negativity, perhaps a joyful moment like ours could offer a glimmer of hope.
Yet, I hesitated to share it publicly, fearing the backlash that often accompanies political discourse today. It’s disheartening how some individuals attack differing viewpoints, including those of children. I wanted to protect our family from such vitriol.
I discussed the potential impact of sharing our story with Lily, explaining that while some might rejoice, others could respond harshly. “Why would they do that?” she asked, perplexed. “That’s just mean.”
After some reflection, she replied, “Who cares? I want people to see it.”
Her fearless attitude inspires me and rekindles my hope. This election season, I am wholeheartedly with her.
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In summary, my daughter’s unwavering enthusiasm for Hillary Clinton has not only brought joy to our family but also serves as a reminder of the importance of hope and innocence in the face of adversity.