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Oakland 12-Year-Old Calls For Cheney Time-Out

Twelve-year-old Ilana Wexler had some advice for Vice President Dick Cheney: You need a timeout. The Democrats loved it.

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Wexler, who founded a grassroots group called kidsforkerry.org, was rewarded last week with a phone call from Teresa Heinz Kerry inviting her to address the convention in prime time.

With her high pitched voice and breathy enthusiasm, the seventh grader from Oakland, Calif., wowed the crowd. And when she chided Cheney for using a four-word expletive in an exchange with Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, she brought delegates roaring to their feet.

"When our vice president had a disagreement with a Democratic senator, he used a really bad word," Wexler said. "If I said that word, I would be put in a timeout. I think he should be put in a timeout," Wexler said to loud cheers.

Wexler described how she skipped camp this year to work for the Kerry campaign full time, and how she liked Kerry's commitment to education, America and kids.

"The last time I saw John Kerry, he grabbed my arm and said, see you at the convention. And here I am," Wexler said, pumping her fists. "What will be even more amazing will be the inauguration in January when we have a new president, knowing that kids have made the difference in this election."

After the speech, Wexler's parents, Jonathan and Heidi Wexler, mopped tears from their eyes as they fielded congratulations from dozens of delegates.

"She was a little bit nervous before, when she saw how big this place was," Jonathan Wexler said of his daughter. "But she was just great. We are so proud."

Wexler's star power has already been tapped by David Letterman, who will feature an interview with her Wednesday on his show. Jay Leno has called, too.

Jonathan Wexler said his daughter decided to get involved in politics after listening to Bruce Springsteen's Sept. 11 tribute album, The Rising, and traveling with her family through Central America and Europe for five months last year, where she saw how the Iraq war had affected the world. After researching all the candidates, she settled on Kerry.

In February, Wexler began doing voluntary phone banking for the Kerry campaign, and launched kidsforkerry.org shortly thereafter.

Ilana has even done her part to grease the Kerry money machine, turning her own birthday party last March into a Kerry fund raiser.

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