Saline sixth-grader Matthew Palmerton eyes the White House
If Matthew Palmerton’s plan works out, President Barack Obama will have more than Sarah Palin or any other candidate impeding his re-election bid in 2012.
Matthew, a sixth-grader at Saline’s Heritage School, is circulating a petition to allow him to become a presidential candidate on the Michigan ballot.
Matthew Palmerton, 12, is circulating a petition to allow him to campaign for president.
He took inspiration from Dan Gutman’s 1996 novel “The Kid Who Ran for President,” which his teacher read aloud to his fifth-grade class.
“It was interesting that a kid actually ran for president and won,” Matthew said during his first campaign interview, which was conducted at the Pittsfield Township home of his parents, Bob and Mary Palmerton.Â
Matthew was soft-spoken and drummed his fingers against the arm of his chair while considering questions.
“I know it was a novel,” he added. “But I’d actually like to bring it to life.”
Matthew e-mailed Gutman to acknowledge the inspiration and ask for advice.
“I am running for the president of the U.S.,” he wrote. “I am 12 years old, which means I will be 15 when, and if, I run. I am currently getting the signatures I need. I have a First Lady, a Vice President and 3 campaign managers.”
“Good luck!” Gutman wrote back. “I hope you win! I'm glad my book inspired you.”
Reminded by his mother that the president must be 35 years old, Matthew replied, “Mom, you’ve got to think outside the box.”
He says he’s now seeking to amend Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States, which stipulates the president’s age requirement. (It also requires the president to have “been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.")
Matthew has contacted the New York Times and The Associated Press, seeking to publicize his campaign. So far his appeal has only been met with automatic responses, he said.
He also has crafted a campaign logo and created a video.
His slogan, “MRP & ME,” consists of his own initials and those of running mate Matthew Eby, a fellow student in Lucas Foster’s class at Heritage. Besides a veep, Matthew has picked out a chief of staff and two Secret Service agents for his administration.
As for his qualifications and experience, Matthew said he has helped in a bottle drive and is working toward a Boy Scouts’ Citizenship in the World merit badge. He belongs to Troop 457.
All-important national security credentials come from his having built a fort in the neighborhood and served as commander, instituting rules and regulations, according to Matthew’s father, Bob.
National transportation solutions are foreshadowed by the hitch Matthew built that allowed him to tow a trailer behind his bicycle.
“He was the talk of the neighborhood, always transporting things around—garbage, snow,” his father said.
Matthew said he’s still debating whether to run as an Independent or a Democrat. “Some people say Independent suits you,” he said.
Matthew receives tutelage from President Barack Obama at Madame Tussaud's wax museum, in New York City. Photo courtesy of the Palmerton family.
Matthew has a two siblings: a twin, Nicole, and an older sister, Sara, 14. Nicole shows some excitement about the campaign.
“I think the older sister pretty much ignores him,” said their father.
Matthew named John F. Kennedy as his favorite president “because he saved a person’s life” in the famous P.T. 109 incident during World War II. “And the fact that he was the first Catholic president” is of interest, even though Matthew isn’t Catholic.
At the time of this interview, Matthew said he had just heard about the tragic earthquake in Haiti “a couple of days ago” and was “devastated.” As President, he would have responded with helicopters that could bring supplies and make rescues, he said.
At his first state dinner in the White House, he would serve his father’s rigatoni in sauce with meatballs, followed by chocolate cake, “to celebrate that I won the election, if I do.”
He acknowledged the campaign has already encountered a setback: the prospective first lady he’d picked out from his class resigned to pursue other interests.
Ronald Ahrens is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
Matthew R. Palmerton
Thu, Mar 11, 2010 : 7 p.m.
sorry, it's actually WLBY 1290 am, with the Lucy Ann Lance show. it's too late to listen now, but i'll keep you all posted. Lucy is going to email me when she gets the interview posted on her website, www.lucyannlance.com, until then, i'll keep all of you posted. Thanks, Matthew Palmerton palmertm.whitehouse@gmail.com
Matthew R. Palmerton
Fri, Jan 29, 2010 : 10:31 p.m.
Hello America! like my story? Just to let all of you know I am getting interviewed AGAIN on the 13 of February, by WAAM Radio 1600 am (Ann Arbor Talk Radio am) at 8:45 am. it will be airing on the 13th, and again on Presidents day, which is the following Monday. Wish me good luck and tune in to WAAM 1600! Matthew Palmerton
Nathaniel
Fri, Jan 22, 2010 : 6:40 p.m.
This kid, a good friend of mine. I am his Secretary and you know what I say? I say HE CAN DO IT!!! I know Matthew pretty well and I know for one that when Matthew sets his eyes on something he NEVER gives up until he achives his goal. Even if he is 35 or older when he becomes President he is not going to just wake up one day and say, "I give up." He just won't do it he is willing to go all the way, to do anything he can to do this. And don't think he wants to do it because it is cool he wants to do it for US. And our country. He is tired of just standing by and watching as this country falls apart. He wants a say in it all he thinks himself, along with many other kids are just what this country needs. And i for one completely agree with him.
treetowncartel
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.
Might I suggest running on the Libertarian platform? I do believe the founding father's premised their action on the pursuit of life, LIBERTY and the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps he could start local in a grass roots sort of way, running for the school board. His addition would result in a subtraction of a current appointee, which most certainly would end up in the plus category.
deborah hendricks
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.
Matthew, you definitely have the initiative and drive to do what you dream. You will make a name for yourself whether in politics or business. Keep following your dream.
Skeb Bpow
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 1:42 p.m.
I'm a bit confused by this article. If this article is written in a serious tone,then are the people that have commented serious? You really believe this kid is more qualified than either President Obama or Sarah Palin because he built a fort in his neighborhood and collected cans? He's trying to get a Constitutional Amendment passed to allow him to run for president at the age of 15? And then he'll take on Chinese currency manipulation and a potentially nuclear Iran? I mean best of luck in all your future endeavors kid but you should enjoy being a kid. I hate to sound like the cynic who doesn't get it, but is this a joke?
TripleVSix
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.
Go for it, Master Palmerton. You are by far more qualified than our current President.
Jake C
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 11:02 a.m.
Yep, probably best to run as an independent these days.. Otherwise before even considering voting for you we'd need to know where you stand on abortion, flag lapel pins, gun control, hope, illegal immigration, change, government bailouts, unfinanced tax cuts, health care reform, organic gardening, support for Israel, preemptive foreign wars, Portuguese Water Dogs, and broccoli.. But hey, Matthew apparently has more foreign policy experience than Sarah Palin. Good luck!
stan
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 10:49 a.m.
He might want to call himself an independent. The Democrat label is incredibly toxic right now, after Scott Brown's wonderful win last night in Massachusetts!
jns131
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 10:16 a.m.
The constitution states you must be 35 to run. Good luck getting that to fly. Otherwise? Great video and keep your eyes on the stars.
Mr. Foster
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 9:22 a.m.
Matthew is such a creative young man. I have had the pleasure of working with Matthew this year as his sixth grade teacher. He has been working on this for quite some time, and his enthusiasm is contagious! Keep up the great work, Matthew. Team Funky Monkey supports you!
xmo
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
Since we need a better President, I think Mr. Palmerton has the experience and insight to lead this country.
catherine tolbert
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
That would be fun for a little while for you. It's a very heavy responsibility. And the person who takes that job has to take a lot of criticism. Good luck! And may I offer some advice? Check your spelling of the word "aerial".
Top Cat
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
It should be a requirement that any candidate running for President should earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge. Matthew is a great young man and when he wins, I hope he invites me to his first state dinner.
Amy
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 7:54 a.m.
Way to go Matthew! Your 5th grade teachers are proud of your big dreams and persistence. We can't wait to see all the wonderful ways you will make our world a better place! Continue dreaming, and more importantly, following your dreams!
Stephenb1707
Wed, Jan 20, 2010 : 6:15 a.m.
Matthew, I commend you on your goal. The best start would be to get a good education in finance and management. Then work at it for a few years to gain experience and how the world really works. Listen to your parents because they have lived thru good and bad. The USA needs good business men and women, not politicians who have done little else. Good luck and I will be watching for you.