Meet the 14-year-old running for governor of Vermont

Ethan Sonneborn can't even vote, but he can legally run for governor of Vermont. So he did, setting off one of the most interesting races of the 2018 midterm election Subscribe to The Washington Post on KZbin: bit.ly/2qiJ4dy
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[@WashingtonPost]

Would you vote for a 14-year-old gubernatorial candidate?

[@mrswendy841]

Well my concern would be, what about is schooling? How is he going to juggle school and being a governor? When is he going to find time to do that and be the governor of a state and handle all those responsibilities. Just because Trump is a big child himself has become president doesn't mean we need more children in the office. But if this kid is smart enough and has the good sense about him and he thinks he can do it fine let him run!!

[@WashingtonPost]

Good point, Wendy!

[@clayg5739]

Never

[@wendyalexander5342]

No. He's too young wait til he graduates. Hell change over time.

[@annieparker4857]

Washington Post no let that child stay in school.sense trump got in anyone think they can run for anything.this is ridiculous.

[@DerToasti]

he got 8% of the primary vote, apparently.

[@wilbertjamodovar323]

If the law says he can run for office... Best luck!!!! Old people discriminating this young soul democratic right to run for office really shows one thing: they are afraid he might win.

[@indymarrow8050]

WILBERT ALMODOVAR He needs a policy.

[@paulbasaur]

Actually they just don't want Christine Hallquist to win so gotta give some media to a 14 y.o.

[@Badle-fw6fw]

Oh god no! I AM afraid he might win. What if he is elected? With no more than 14 years of age his experience will be limited. He’ll obviously be qualified a bit later but yes, you should be afraid. If children run the country just remember that there is an adult out there that is more qualified. I’m sure this kid is very intelligent... probably more naturally intelligent than me. But I’d say that we should just wait a bit longer before we go electing any children.

[@mrJohnDesiderio]

You’re out of your mind

[@mattsmith3904]

Old people? I'm 26 and I don't support him because he is a child and I fear for his safety. Being a politician carries risks just as working in a factory carries risks. As a politician you can get shot. As a politician you can have your life ruined. As a politician you can be blackballed from society for a single mistake. Why in the world do people think that it is SAFE for a child to be a politician. Are people seriously going to enable this young boy to potentially ruin his life?

[@bozo7769]

*Protect him from roy moore*

[@indymarrow8050]

ricky spanish What for? Oh I see, you don't like Roy Moore so you make him gay. Deep left bigotry and homophobia.

[@Yondaime751]

Sonny Tuft bigotry? Homophobia? weird could have sworn Roy Moore had relations with a 16 year old but

[@indymarrow8050]

Top5DeadorAlive I don't know how old she was and the guy lost. And apparently Roy isn't in prison. I love trapping liberals in their own guilt and defensiveness.

[@Yondaime751]

Sonny Tuft Harvey Weinstein isn’t in prison either and yes she was 16 at the time and he was at least 26

[@indymarrow8050]

Top5DeadorAlive he isn't even being charged with anything you moron. Btw--what does this have to do with homophobia?

[@tydanieloh]

Okay, nobody’s gonna mention Ice Town???????

[@PurportedSwine1912]

This is immediately what I thought of

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

"The greatest teacher, failure is!" - Yoda

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

Also, just because somebody is older, it doesn't autimatically mean he's more qualified. Look at Trump for reference. If you disagree, you're likely an ageist.

[@jimmyjames6318]

@@atlasmonkeyleon And just how is President Trump not leading the country? The only ones still crying are the DemocRats. Low unemployment, strong trade sanctions, a booming economy, the list goes on...

[@Buzz-ez5bt]

This is insane. He can't even sign a contract. This has to be a joke.

[@Allegiancy]

Doesn’t matter, the law allows him.

[@Lightbarer6]

I can’t watch this with a str8 face.

[@thelordismyshepherd05]

This kid will be a president 1 day mark my words.

[@saint6563]

Isa Tabora OK

[@EschMan1234]

Maybe he should worry about his Algebra 1 homework first.

[@twilightqueen221]

Honestly it makes me so happy to see that younger people care so much and understand so much about whats happening in the world around them. Props for him for stepping up to speak his mind and not being afraid of what others think of him.

[@theamerican2103]

You do realize animals can run for office and many have actually won mayor and almost once Senate

[@Locsmth]

I'm proud of him. Stop telling kids to reach for the heavens, and not mean it.

[@tulw2728]

Don't be a KS kid. In any case, keep trying, you will succeed sooner or later. By now, age is your worst and strongest opponent. Reality bites, but you have your foot in it's mouth. Don't ever give up. Later gator. Be well. Be yourself.

[@genocidejoe]

American politics is a joke 🤣🤣🤣

[@LuneSaavedra]

an american here, yeah i definitely agree lmao

[@genocidejoe]

Odd Fellowmy, mybrother come move 2 Sweden your are gonna love it here,

[@genocidejoe]

SAVAGE SEVEN, you can stay where you are,

[@ThoseCaliKidzz]

Sweden Democrats are gonna win lol sucks for you

[@genocidejoe]

World Observer, first of all am Swedish Citizens, second the Swedish election system is nothing like the american system, sinces i guess you are from us of idiots let me tell you one thing, i rather vote 4 Sverige demokraterna then Donald trump, cuz that would have been embarrasing

[@ShangDi_became_Jesus]

Amazing, im rootin for ya!

[@devinluna8862]

Once again the Simpson's predicted something else its like the episode when Ralph runs for office

[@rosecolouredglasses]

Things kids do to pad their college application resumes... but realistically he's already won a lot

[@TheLightSideReactions]

At 14, he's too young to govern with his head rather than with his heart. I know -- I was his age once and I remember I was the same way.

[@Emsram]

K Lauer I think that’s a fine conclusion to reach based on his statements throughout the video, but I don’t think it’s fair to assume that just based on his age. I know a lot of kids his age who are more capable of rational thought and a lot less reactionary than the people we have in office now. The point is, in the same way you shouldn’t assume something about someone based on their race or gender, you shouldn’t assume something about someone based on their age.

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

Emerson Thank you!

[@otavio8566]

He behaves more like an adult than trump does

[@youwill4588]

Otavio He seems smarter than Trump too.

[@amaledward2147]

you will Tell me that when he makes Billions and become the POTUS

[@BigtimeAL]

You seem as sharp as a bowling ball.

[@julesPal100]

U promised to move to Canada you lied

[@JesseJames-or3kr]

@@amaledward2147 45 was handed the money to him. This kids working his way up dummy

[@servantofaeie1569]

Well this sparks hope for me

[@RB-yk9vs]

My hats of to him for wanting to run for the governors office, but the reality is he just has not lived long enough and does not have the experience , knowledge to run for for this office. Another thing he can't drive, pay taxes, he is not even old enough to vote just to name a few. Grow up first and then run and I will support you! There are hard decisions that a child is not capable of making and should not be allowed to make like signing a death warrant to execute a prisoner. I cannot even believe his parents would entertain the idea. For Pete's sake he cant even vote , why would someone vote for him besides his friends and playground buddies.

[@cooltool3278]

He reminds me of Gideon Gleeful from Gravity Falls. Hopefully, he won't act like him if ever given any sort of power. XD

[@norbe4859]

Lol

[@PennTankerGuy]

Even if he isn't going to win, it's still a big wake-up call to the entire nation. The youth is getting more and more involved in politics, and it's obvious that they're not going to sit down and be quiet like they've been told for generations. Change is coming.

[@miguelbarajas9892]

Hey, if Trump became president anything is possible

[@RB-yk9vs]

Miguel Barajas Trump was of age, stupid comparison on your part.

[@podsmpsg1]

Where are his parents?!. He's not even old enough to drive or vote.

[@SquidCena]

Why cant a 14 year old drive a car but a 14 year old can be a govenor???

[@Wesley22619]

oh wow.

[@pjc0324]

Go get em kid, good for you

[@GAIUSJAKE]

Im gonna fix san Francisco with thus knowledge.

[@stevekyle2477]

If he is running how would he study

[@muhamedmuratovic7160]

You now,...... You now.... You now 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@redlostsouls]

depeding on your political views and if I lived in your state I would vote for the most qualified canidate and if it happened to be a 14 year old then so be it who knows the kid could change the world

[@Russianfeels529]

Probably still knows more about economics than Bernie Sanders

[@saucyx4]

That’s crazy is vote for bro

[@rasul407]

What's the running age?

[@goreds9631]

This is just beyond belief.

[@happydays0220]

How do you get on the ballet?

[@KingZorLink21]

You file for it

[@rolandserna7805]

Vermont is such a weird state.

[@muhamedmuratovic7160]

Hey, Lets Play Gouverneur

[@nml9374]

If he can survive one of the state's prisons for a weekend without pissing in his pants I'd be surprised...

[@tinkywinky5586]

Anyone else think of Pitt the Younger in Blackadder???

[@alexs9930]

Is that a Bernie 2020 sticker I saw 👀👀👀

[@jayatissa6028]

Never judge a book by it's cover. Who knows, Ethan may be the next governor. He speaks like a grown up man. Will you give him a chance?

[@RB-yk9vs]

jaya tissa nope sure won't

[@kaneo3243]

Why is he so much in a hurry? Is this a joke?

[@thomasmichelsohn867]

You go Ethan! Don't let the republicans stop you.

[@JuneWrld209]

OH! I’m going to make sure I stop him with my right wing conservative agendas!!

[@CrashXD]

I’m not voting for him. I’m voting deez nuts

[@thenewsspodcast2251]

Did he win?.

[@janpretorius3296]

Wellspoken, but please be safe from political pedophiles!

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

WTH? Do you even know what that word means?

[@williamandrews7505]

My dog will be running next

[@tashilhamu4510]

Future Dinosaur lol

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

I'm sorry, but that's not funny.

[@dontletthemtakeourmaymays4690]

Like not even mayor first?

[@theodorwaldenel6469]

1:00 red t-shirt guy should switch diet with to be governor (for a period) than they can switch to ball cap guy's diet, assuming their BMR and physical activity is roughly the same.

[@lightning13clair29]

Its a nice thought but he's better off in school let's be honest no one is gonna take a kid seriously for governor the odds of him winning is low but I give him credit for trying to run tho

[@TheLightSideReactions]

He needs to slow down when he talks. Particularly with his lisp, it's difficult to understand what he's saying when he talks too fast.

[@bascal133]

American politics has really become a circus, the fact that he’s a serious candidate is scary unless he’s a legit genius.

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

How is that scary? I think he's much more qualified than a lot of America's politicians who are currently in office. Of course, that doesn't say much, but still....

[@dkdkxoskssskdowiaksso358]

Leon K How is he more qualified. He talks like a normal 14 year old has exhibited superior intelligence.

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

Dkdkxoskss Skdowiaksso Just look at the current U.S. government, for example, and you will see what I mean by "more qualified" (or perhaps you won’t).

[@MrBumbaclyde]

Vote for pedro

[@erinbrady9444]

ice town costs ice clown his town crown

[@humera121]

How can a minor whose considered an infant in the eyes of the law, who is not eligible to vote nor be able to sign a contract, run for a serious position like the governor? Perhaps Dan Gutman knew what's coming when he wrote " The Kid Who Ran for President " in 1996.

[@EschMan1234]

As I center left leaning Vermonter I do not think this is cute and I do not say "go for it." In fact I think this is irresponsible. This is not a Disney Channel original movie.Our state is in deep economic trouble and we need statesmen with real world experience. It is unfathomable to me, that the Washington Post would legitimize this. He is a distraction to the other candidates on stage and is making our Republican Governor look much more credible. If he wants to be like the Parkland kids, go out and organize. Spend a few years, working in the trenches, before jumping into a leadership role. Thats what I had to do in my job. This is not cute or brave. It selfish, counterproductive and trivializes the issues that effect all of us. The stakes are way to high. We are not living in normal times.

[@Zakarri97]

You’re a bundle of joy, if anything it calls to a flaw in the laws that allows a 14 year old to run. If it’s not against the law, it’s his right to do so. How about you go out and do those things you suggest instead of bullying a child online, which is kinda pathetic tbh

[@construct8295]

well obviously he’s doing more for the causes he believes in than you are. What have you done with your life? who are you to say that his voice and insight as a young person who has had to deal with the threat about gun violence in schools is a joke? the more variety we have in politics means the more people hat are represented, which means the system will be just a little bit fairer to everyone

[@paulbasaur]

Christine Hallquist is what Vermont needs and they cover this 14 y.o. lol oi vey

[@EschMan1234]

@Alex Smith I am Alex - and its a lot of work and takes a lot of time. You just don't hear about it, because its not glamorus. Its boring, mundane and complicated. I am absolutely not bullying Mr. Sonneborn. I am pointing out that this is not appropriate and comedically absurd. Trump was a joke too - until he wasn't.

[@therealhuttertube]

I say go 4 it evenif he doesn't win which I Dont think he come close to it let poloitican know what this current generations feels

[@theamerican2103]

Okay people who are saying things like this you do realize we even now have 10 year olds who are mayor and back then we use to have people his age running states let him run and win

[@stephenreno7909]

tell you what,let a ten year old run your life for a year,let's see how long before you yell for your MOMMY!

[@theamerican2103]

stephen reno well I’m guessing unlike you I can handle it with a mature manner and wouldn’t call for mommy I would help advise them

[@Lazy_eye_blobFish]

Okay? Heroin feels good after the first injection.

[@samrlim]

America need young blood in the government vote for Ethan. If I live in Vermont I will vote for him.

[@theamerican2103]

Also as Governor you have advisors around you at all time so they will help him out in the end any way

[@stephenreno7909]

yea,right,and I'm J.H.Christ!

[@theamerican2103]

stephen reno what?????????

[@stephenreno7909]

I don't know about anyone else,but I'm sick to death of anyone trying to tell me how to live my life,pick the log out of your eye ,before you pick the nit from my eye

[@willster2967]

Alright so he is one of those kids who was upset about school shootings... So why should he be a governor? That’s all he’s talking about, literally all he’s doing is pointing out problems we all know about but presenting no ideas or solutions. Kids just another politician saying goddamn nothing

[@willster2967]

Well note to self to don’t move to Vermont

[@phyllisarrington7436]

Seems like a bright kid. But he's just that , a kid. Give it a few more years and then seek office. Maybe start with mayor before jumping to governor. I'm just saying.

[@jamie5303]

It proves that politicians don’t need a brain. Can he even vote for himself?

[@valeriakelly6011]

If Vermont is the only place without an age requirement then the government might want to revise the constitutional as soon as they see this video. Better be hurry up son!

[@happydays0220]

I like to run for governor , Fresh 💡 ideas the job experience

[@sagonbynite6765]

Hey kid, tell me how much money do you have for your campaign? Come on, give me a break...

[@junsmuushy7544]

A Democrat Being a child? Fitting.

[@wendyalexander5342]

He's too young! Wait til he graduates!

[@williamandrews7505]

No wonder he is a democratic candidate

[@Nikkimond]

I wouldn't vote for him. It's good that he wants to be politically active but I don't see him having the necessary skills set to be governor and tackle social-economic problems. He might have vague ideas of what he thinks should be right and how to do it but probably not a deeper understanding of how various aspects are interlinked. Then again; how many other governors are there that only got there because of money and not skills?

[@hermenegildosemedo9256]

He do not know how cleaner his nose, can't express for what is for men, not a kid, that is not a toys

[@dub2459]

The reason it's dangerous to have a child in politics is they don't know enough about life,they have no responsibility so how can they know what's responsible,I like the kid but politics should have an age limit ....and I live in Vermont

[@ecozelite]

lol

[@mikhailangel3258]

You have a big baby at the white house. Why not....

[@tashilhamu4510]

First fix your emotional eating then run for government..isn’t it so?

[@alrafter]

I think he should do some real running and lose some weight.

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

And you should stop fat-shaming.

[@alrafter]

Leon K He wouldn't have lasted a week without being ridiculed at the school I went to in the fifties. (UK)

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

Alan Rhodes Yeah, but luckily we‘re not in the fifties anymore.

[@ZZ_Tops_007]

Well kid if you got what it takes as a DEMACRAT then GO for it KID I want to vote for you if I manage to move to VERMONT that is

[@stephenreno7909]

typical liberal living in lala land,oy,the dumbing down has a real fantasy twinge to it!tell you what,let this kid run your house for a year,see if it's still yours after a year,thieving little socialist would likely figure out how to steal it from you!

[@GigiCorrado1]

Lmao🤣🤣🤣

[@orchid1229]

PROPAGANDA ??? ......DON'T think he is smart enough for me to VOTE for him!!!!

[@abrahamlincoln5185]

I like him

[@migueldelgado7027]

Democrats....

[@MrHola123456780]

Miguel Delgado well actually 2 republicans of his age ran on Kansas, so...

[@nikkmercy379]

He reminds me of trump LOL

[@ls3gap537]

Unreal this has to be a joke

[@ImTheDaveman]

I don't care who you are (left, right, center, whatever) a child with no life experience should ever be given a serious position of city, state or federal government leadership. All the cutesy wootsey stuff or politically correct nonsense does have to have a line drawn in the sand. At best I think its great for the lad to go through the motions of running for government office. Its education up close and personal on a level most kids have never even dreamed of. The experience would make for one heck of a thesis.

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

Age =/= experience

[@onefatstratcat]

Well.. he's smarter and more likeable than Trump :)

[@willster2967]

onefatstratcat No, maybe he’s not as controversial but he’s not smarter. As for likable... yeah probably

[@flugsven]

Too young! But give him a few more years. If he's still at it, then go all the way!

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

Stop discriminating against him just because of his age.

[@flugsven]

I just think he need to gather just a little more life experiance, that´s all. He can still engage in politics.

[@DawnNLN-ee2kh]

Is this fucking JOKE?

[@randysimmons9838]

Future bernie the freeloader!...

[@skepo22]

Child play

[@Max-fs2cj]

This is a joke he didn't even hit puberty yet.

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

So?

[@willster2967]

Leon K So a lot the kids brain is barely starting to get to full development. He is about to go through one of the most difficult and emotional part of a youths life, puberty, and we want him to add a stressful job like the GOVERNOR to that? Hell no

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

Willster Well, he wanted to run for office in Vermont, which he did. It‘s his decision, not yours.

[@Max-fs2cj]

@@atlasmonkeyleon well if people have any sense they won't vote for him.

[@willster2967]

Leon K Yeah but what I’m saying is that his age and the fact he hasn’t gone through puberty is a VERY important thing and it’s why Vermont needs some law changes

[@defiy2921]

Wow

[@tlade7]

Eyah

[@indymarrow8050]

He's running because of Charlottesville? How about running on something that will help people not be so dependent on government. The look on his face, when his bosses tell him to institute a soda tax, is going to be priceless.

[@noemitoe2437]

Wow he doesn't act 14 years old. He acts like an adult! He would have my vote if I was in Vermont

[@johnwilliams-pq4jp]

He will never win. This is a joke. Look at your own health

[@thelmarose2782]

This child, yes child, seems to have more common sense than the fool currently in residence at the White House. Hopefully he has the emotional coping skills to compliment his intellect.

[@TheErik518]

Thelma Rose lol funny

[@stephenreno7909]

your an imbecile,He can't legally sign any contracts,therefore he can't be gov.,a budget is a contract with the people ,right?therefore,he can't legally sign a budget ,u maroon

[@thelmarose2782]

Says an imbecile who can't even start his sentence correctly! *You're

[@thelmarose2782]

I might not know a whole lot about politics but I sure know when a child is intelligent and an interloper in the White House is not!

[@Lazy_eye_blobFish]

Thelma Rose so a man who has built a Fortune 500 Empire, has multiple multiple properties around the world, became president without having any prior associations of politics and currently just ended the Korean War is somehow not intelligent? Just let the sink in, he made it so that North and South Korea stopped fighting, the Korean War is Over.

[@davep2103]

Well, they voted for Bernie Sanders.

[@willster2967]

J St. Angelo no this kid sounds and looks like a total push over and would actively want those people you are talking about to come up on stages. This kid would be bad for America

[@springpark4534]

Just because he gets A's on his 8th grade report card does not mean he knows how to run state. Haven't we learned anything from electing our President. Or is this the best that you can do. Crazy.

[@kr13100]

At least he can speak coherently and succinctly about the issues he cares about. 45 doesn’t even have a vocabulary to put his thoughts together. Why should a senile old coot be allowed to destroy this world when a smart 14 year old should be talked down to by adults who have given up on their country and this planet?

[@newyorkcitythebigapple3399]

Spring Park Trump lost the popular vote it's time to do away with the Electoral College vote

[@atlasmonkeyleon]

J St. Angelo *there