Politics Through the Eyes of a Toddler

While watching the VP debate tonight, I tried to explain it to the girls:
J: What's that, Mommy?
Me: Well, we in America need to pick a new president. That's kind of like King David in your Bible story. He'll be our new leader.
J: (interrupting) Where is the present?
Me: No, president. Not present.
J: (disappointed) Oh.
Me: Anyway, we need to pick a new president and this man and woman both want to help the president, so they are talking about which one will be better to help the president.
(Pause while candidates are scrutinized closely by three-year-old twins)

A: Where is the present?
Me: PRESIDENT. There's no present.
A: Where is the president?
Me: He's in Washington D.C. where Papi is.
A's eyes got wide over that. Now she thinks Papi knows the president. Or maybe she thinks Papi got a present since he had a b-day while he was gone. Or maybe she thinks Papi's bringing her a present. Or maybe she thinks Papi's bringing her a president. Or all of the above....

J: (after watching very seriously and intently for about 15 minutes) Mommy, what are they doing?
(I thought it humorous that it was not obvious by this time.)
Me: They're arguing.
J: Oh.
(Long pause.)

J: What are they going to do when they get done arguing?
Me: They'll shake hands.
J: Oh.
A: What will they do when they get done shaking hands?
Me: They'll leave.
J: Oh, to drive to their house?
Me: No, not exactly.
(Fortunately, that was apparently all they could think of to ask. After all, you have to admit, it wasn't really all that exciting.)

Discussion question: Where exactly do political candidates go after they leave a debate?