"Y'know kid, if you became a Democrat, you could already be a registered voter..."
Posted on 12/15/2003 12:35:55 AM PST by weegee
He may be only 8, but presidential expert Noah McCullough's on his way to being a star of late-night TV.
Over the past three months, he's appeared twice on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, most recently last Tuesday when he got to meet former President Jimmy Carter.
Now comes word that Tonight has invited him to appear on a Presidents Day show (Feb. 16), where Noah will show clips from interviews conducted during Super Bowl week here.
The Katy third-grader will do a "Jaywalking" segment, asking passersby questions about the presidents. If things hold true to the "Jaywalking" form, the passersby will be stumped for words.
"I think it's really cool that I get to do this," Noah said. "It's a wonderful chance to show my personality and how some other people are."
Donna McCullough, Noah's mom, says Tonight Show staff have also expressed interest in contributions from Noah during the Republican and Democratic conventions next summer.
Noah is a walking encyclopedia of presidential knowledge. His interest was sparked during the "hanging chad" election of 2000, when he was 5.
During his first appearance on Tonight in September, he dazzled Leno with quick responses to a presidential quiz.
That was a memorable experience, but nothing could match his excitement about meeting Carter.
"It was so great," said Noah. "I felt so good. He's kind of one of my heroes. Except his party."
Noah's a Republican.
"He was like most kids would be if you pulled up to Disney World and said, `We're going in!' He was beside himself," reported his mom. "He's usually pretty laid back. He doesn't get real nervous about stuff, including meeting the Tonight Show people. But when I was getting him dressed to go out on stage, he gave a big exhale and I asked if he was nervous. He said, `No, but I'm about to meet the most important person I've ever met, ever. He's the 39th president of the free world.' "
Showing some genuine graciousness, Noah told Carter he was one of the presidents who inspired him the most, that he had made the world a better place and that he was the kind of president he wants to be someday. He then asked Carter if he could count on his support when he runs in 2032. Carter said he would, provided his grandson is not also running -- and if Noah would change his political party.
After the segment, Noah and Carter exited the stage arm-in-arm and the former president signed copies of six of Carter's books that Noah and his parents had purchased.
"He also told me to visit him in Plains," said Noah. Carter lives in Plains, Ga.
The former president asked him if he was sure he wouldn't change parties, and Noah stood firm. By the time books had been signed and photos taken, Carter said, "You know, Noah, I may just vote for you, anyway."
Mom Donna and proud papa Christopher watched their son from the audience. Noah's younger brother, Nicholas, watched from the wings and got to meet Carter when he came backstage.
"It was amazing," said Mom.
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