Veto ‘bad stuff’

Those yearning to be elected president start campaigning earlier and earlier these days.

So maybe it’s only slightly crazy to ask grade-schoolers what they would do if they were commander in chief.

In honor of Presidents Day, that’s just what the Today section did.

First-graders at Spokane’s Whitman Elementary School and second-graders at Atlas Elementary in Hayden, Idaho, answered that question.

A student named Danielle proposed a comprehensive package of reforms. “Kick all the bad guys out of America,” she said. “I’d let people who are poor go the dentist, doctor, restaurant and hotels for free.”

A kid named Coby pushed a two-pronged agenda: “Make a rule that you couldn’t smoke and you couldn’t push people off their snowboards.”

Josh suggested a bold social-services outreach gesture: “If they had nothing and there was a storm, I’d let them come to the White House.”

Admittedly, that’s outside-the-box thinking. But another of Josh’s ideas sounds more familiar: “I would tell the truth.”

Sure. That’s what they all say.

Allie said, “I would give money to the poor.”

Lexi declared that she would give them shoes.

And Kendra said, “I would give freedom to everybody.”

Maybe Lexi and Kendra could work together so that Americans could receive freedom and shoes.

Now some of these children might sound like starry-eyed dreamers. But when asked what she would do as president, a girl named Hannah demonstrated that she knows a bit about the world of adults.

“I would go to meetings,” she said.

Justice, who, with a name like that, probably ought to aspire to a high court appointment, understands part of what the presidency would require: “Tell people what to do.”

Rylee’s administration would embrace sweeping regulatory reform. Well, maybe: “I would tell everybody they can do whatever they want except bad stuff.”

OK, Rylee. Just don’t expect any soft-money contributions from the fat cats at Bad Stuff Inc.

D.J. hinted that what America needs is an inspirational leader who can bring us together. “Make everybody like a big family.”

Would a big dysfunctional family count?

Keyonna would first focus on personal concerns that certain lobbyists might be eager to address. “I would buy a mansion and a limo and get a dog and a cat.”

Hello, Poochgate.

Austin would insist on “a big swimming pool.”

But an issues-oriented kid named A.J. is already thinking in terms of landmark legislation. “Change the rules so there are no poor cities.”

Soon after taking the oath of office, Miles would use his executive power to tilt the scales in one particular relationship. “I would make my sister my slave.”

That would almost certainly generate a court challenge, though his controversial stand might poll well with special-interest groups traditionally hostile to feminist causes.

Atyzha’s role model is either Santa Claus or a pork-dispensing congressman. “Give everybody presents.”

Unafraid of inside-the-beltway gridlock, Mason would send a strong message with a law and order initiative. “I would say you cannot shoot or you will be arrested for two years.”

Of course, even grade school students understand that health care measures need to be part of the big picture.

“Put good medicine out really cheap,” said Michael.

That might turn out to be easier said than done.

Same goes for Tyler’s far-reaching entitlements program. “Mail the homeless people a lot of money.”

President Jamie would reflect respect for lessons learned in elementary school. “I would teach the people how to read.”

Ditto for Jonny. “I would give every school extra PE.”

Kiya would strive to be a visible head of state. “Fly in the jet to make sure that people were OK. I would go visit the hospital to help babies.”

But Jacob would delve into the always tricky realm of gender relations. “Make all new rules that girls should not kick boys.”

Of course, you just know that would really tick off the powerful, entrenched boy-kicking lobby.

President Trevor, perhaps in a bid to court religious voters, would issue proclamations from on high. “People shall not beat people up.”

Amen.

Paige, however, focused on both the perks of the office and an expansive concept of patronage. “Have a limo and a jet and give everybody a job.”

What would you do if you were president?

Shelby apparently would not be overly concerned about being re-elected for a second term. “I would act royal.”

Somebody call an image consultant.

The kids didn’t offer specifics about how they would pay for some of their bold plans. But hey, real politicians are often sketchy about that, too.

Still, you can’t say these children lack vision.

“People that didn’t have houses, I’d give them houses,” said Lenora.

Yes, the policy details could pose some challenges.

But who knows. Maybe a few years from now, voters will seek above all a sincere standard-bearer with a big heart.

If so, we just might have a few future candidates in our midst right now.