The Kid Who Ran for President

Lane buys ten minutes of halftime during Monday night football the day before the election to air a recording of Judson’s speech. As promised, Judson reads it word for word. The speech has him admit to breaking into the locker and stealing the term paper, as well as renaming his parakeet. Lastly, Judson admits that he received as a gift, named the dog Chester, and plans to keep the dog, no matter what.

Afterward, Judson asks Lane about the dog portion of the speech, and Lane admits he borrowed it from a speech Richard Nixon gave when he was running for vice president. Judson is appalled that he stole Nixon’s speech. With a wicked grin, Lane responds that he “changed a word or two” (139).

On Election Day, Judson wakes up feeling sick to his stomach. According to the polls, his speech helped his ratings, but the race is too close to call. Judson is nervous the whole day, and watching people vote gives him a new appreciation for the election process.

Judson watches the news with Lane and his parents as the polls close and votes are counted. While they wait, Lane explains the Electoral College and how it doesn’t always accurately reflect the popular vote.