Child Care Provider Madie Green Interviews Sen. Barack Obama

Madie Green’s reaction (May 2, 2007):

Today I experienced something I never thought I would.  For close to an hour, I talked to a candidate for president and asked him questions about the issues that matter most to me.

I’m a child care provider and a single mother of three sons, with custody of two grandchildren.  I’m passionate about children and ensuring that they’re given the tools they need to succeed in life. 

I asked Senator Obama for his ideas for supporting our youth and helping them to achieve their dreams.  And I told him about some of the challenges I’ve faced as a parent and through my work.  What was incredible to me was that he took the time to hear what I thought and to tell me what his ideas are.

Like many of the children I encounter every day, he faced challenges when he was growing up.  But he didn’t give up.  And now he’s a testament to what any person can do if they set their mind to it.

I told him that health care and retirement are big priorities for me and my family.  I also told him about why I’ve banded together with other child care workers for a voice on the job.   Together, we can ensure that our children receive the highest quality care and maybe even one day can run for president themselves.

I don’t know yet who I’ll be supporting in the presidential election. But I can tell you I’ll only vote for a candidate who spends time with working people like me.  If we’re going to create a real future for our kids, our next president has to know what life is like for the rest of us.

Madie Green lives in Maryland and has been a child care provider for more than 25 years.