Presidential Q-and-A, Part IV

Coach Kathy Kemper’s interviews with the leading presidential contenders — of which the following is Part IV — took place in March of 2008. The interviews were conducted in person and via e-mail and hand-written responses by Kemper in collaboration with Institute for Education interns Alex Burness and Kelsey Valentine.

What do you feel you bring to the table that the other candidates do not?

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.): I believe the Democrats are very lucky to have two strong candidates running in this primary. I also believe the choice facing voters comes down to who offers real solutions for the real problems we face in America. My policies — from building an economy that works for everyone, to ending the war in Iraq , to declaring energy independence and creating millions of green-collar jobs — will make all of our hopes and dreams into a reality for people across America.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.): I have respect for both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama, but my conservative record and service to our country makes me most qualified to lead as commander in chief.

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.): Over my two decades in public service, I’ve shown that I can bring people together who don’t always agree, and that I’m not afraid to tell people what they need to hear instead of just what they want to hear. And I think that in order to solve the challenges we’re facing today, we need a leader who can bridge our differences and be honest with us about the choices we face.

How many grandchildren would you like?

Clinton: The health and happiness of my family is the most important thing to me — on the campaign trail and off — so, whatever makes Chelsea happy.

McCain: I already have four grandchildren who I am very proud of.

Will you send your children to Washington International School, where educating for responsible and effective world citizenship is the mission?

Obama: That’s a decision Michelle and I will have to make if we are fortunate enough to move into the White House next January.

Kathy Kemper is founder and CEO of the Institute for Education, a nonprofit foundation that recognizes and promotes leadership locally, nationally and in the world community.