Politics with a 2nd grader

We were at dinner the other night and Sean asked me, "Mom, what's the big deal about Barack Obama?"  

I looked up surprised, because there had been zero political talk in our house since November 4th. I replied, "He is going to be our next President."  

Then Sean says, "Yeah I know that! But we have a President now and we have had lots of other Presidents. Why is Barack Obama such a big deal?" 

I said, "Barack Obama is also our country's first African-American President. Which is a really BIG deal with our country's history."  

Sean says, "WHAT? He's from Africa? How can he be our President if he is from Africa?"  

I say, "He is African-American. Which is the correct way to refer to a black person's heritage in this country."  

Then Sean replies with the kicker, "Barack Obama is black?"  

I had to laugh, but that comment did make me hopeful, that by the time Sean is old enough to vote, race will no longer be an issue in politics.