Educational Media Reviews Online

As most adults who have children or work with children know, kids see things differently than grownups do. In this film, children appear in front of a camera, either singly or in pairs, to discuss the highest political office. It is a diverse group, both in gender and race. Their ages seem to be between six and nine.

The use of graphics provides contrast with these interviews and informs the audience of what the next section will be about. Animated sequences illustrate what some of the children are expressing: a dream, a boy in a wheelchair who becomes president, the president reciting the oath of office, and a sequence in which all of the presidents appear in order.

In addition to imagining what it would be like to be president, as the title indicates, the children talk about the significance of Obama as president, how girls can be president, and how a Jewish or Muslim person could become president, as well as more mundane concerns such as how someone becomes a president, voting, the age of presidents, how the president must be born in America, how one prepares to be president, and what qualities make a good president. Because of the age of the participants, some comments are silly, but others show seriousness and thoughtfulness. The varying levels of silliness and sophistication may be frustrating for some adult viewers. Those who think the film is too “precious” will find it overlong, while those of the “kids say the cutest things” mindset will think it is not long enough.

The subject of the film, and the age of the children appearing in it make this a film for younger viewers. Teachers could use it as a supplement to discussions on the presidency and government in the elementary grades. College students in education courses may want to view it for insight into how children think. Public libraries may consider purchasing for children or for families who enjoy a humorous take on a subject of importance to our country.