It’s no secret that I love big political families. My fascination with the Kennedys started when I was in early elementary school. The idea of that sprawling white house on the Cape with all those smart, sun-kissed good looking people and active kids running around, sailing and playing football–it just sounds hectic and messy and fun and loud and awesome. The Bush family has never held quite the same allure, but sometime in the last 5 years or so, I have started really liking Jenna Bush Hager. I didn’t want to…it just happened. A clip here or there of her on the Today Show, or a short news article about her, that’s how it started. Over time, there was no denying it–she is genuine and funny and self-deprecating and did I mention funny? People can criticize all they want about how she got where she did because there are two former presidents in her family. And that may be true. But you can’t fake your way into funny.

So when I heard she and her much more private twin sister wrote a book, I was a little excited. When I heard they were coming to DC as part of their book tour for Sisters First, I was IN. Tickets–bought. Calendar–blocked out. Yay.

Then Mike mentioned that he was in Chicago that week for work. I was going to bail on the entire event, because who brings a baby to a book tour event?? It isn’t quite as bad as this situation from Sweet Home Alabama, but it’s pretty close.

Caroline, however, is an exceptionally well-behaved baby. And if she happened to act up, I could simply leave. No harm done, right?

As it turned out, Caroline was good as gold. And the event was wonderful. Jenna and Barbara make an exceptional team. Barbara is more reserved–I’d say Jenna did 80% of the talking. But when Barbara did tell some stories, they were heartfelt and well-described.

The best part of the night (for me anyway) came when Jenna was telling a story about her daughters–Mila, 4, and Poppy, 2. Apparently, one day in the car, Mila had said, “Poppy could rule the world!” To which Jenna had replied, “She sure could…she could even be PRESIDENT!”

Right then, Caroline let out a very audible, adorable coo. Just one. And Jenna exclaimed, “Ohh, is that a baby??” To which moderator Frank Bruni (of the New York Times) replied, “that’s Poppy’s potential presidential opponent.” Everyone laughed and turned to look. I had Caroline give a little wave 🙂

I’d like to think though that thse two girls of ours would team up and share the ticket…Election 2076, perhaps?? The future is female.