NPR: When Two-Year-Olds Want Air Time

When Two-Year-Olds Want Air Time

Filed under: Media

David fends off future political wonk, his two-year-old son Thomas

Who are we to stop them?

Today on the BPP, New York Times correspondent David Kirkpatrick joined us to talk about the role of evangelicals in the race to the White House. In the middle of the interview he was nearly foiled by his two-year-old son, Thomas, who wanted a piece of the action. A big piece of the action.

David guest blogs on the BPP to tell us what went down:

My apologies to your listeners for the guest appearance by my two-year-old son Thomas during the telephone interview from my home this morning. I was an unexpectedly solo parent at the time of the call. Thomas had enjoyed a delightful bowl of oatmeal and he was happily playing with blocks by himself before you called. But then it somehow became desperately urgent that I read him "Olivia Forms a Band" and "Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda," which I did as soon we finished the call. I congratulated him on his radio debut.
David D. Kirkpatrick

MJ Davis

11:39 AM ET | 11- 8-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

No apologies necessary! Please, you were being a good pop/husband and sometimes it is necessary for "Olivia Starts a Band" to be read immediately.
We are a live show and real life happens. Thanks for the valiant effort.

Sent by Alison Stewart | 12:29 PM ET | 11-08-2007

"Olivia Forms a Band" is an awesome book! Thomas has good taste. Thanks for being on the show!

Sent by Tricia | 12:55 PM ET | 11-08-2007

I loved it - it made me feel better about the times the kids get carted to my office or I need to do a conference call from home after school. I'm glad Thomas enjoys reading with you!

Sent by Christine Peterson | 1:21 PM ET | 11-08-2007

Hey David - So glad to hear you on our show, Thomas too! All best - rachel.

Sent by Rachel Martin | 1:26 PM ET | 11-08-2007

See, to me, this segment was exactly why I like the BPP. Most radio shows would have concluded the segment when Thomas started screaming, and many wouldn't have had it come up at all because they would be playing a pre-recorded interview and pretending it's live. But real life happens, even when you write for the New York Times. Who among us hasn't tried to have an adult conversation while a child was acting up nearby? You deal with it and move on. (And this is coming from someone who not only doesn't have kids, but actually doesn't really like them that much!) It was a good, substantial interview -- no matter what that sanctimonious sourpuss "Joe" in the thread above thinks -- and Thomas' part was kind of charming.

Sent by Stewart | 3:42 PM ET | 11-08-2007

I commend Thomas on his choice of reading material. My personal favorite? "Olivia and the Missing Toy" I couldn't help but turn to my husband and say "that would never happen on All Things Considered." But that's also what's so great about the BPP.

Sent by Susie | 3:58 PM ET | 11-08-2007

Live radio is great. I especially loved Alison asking "Are we still live?" at the end of the program on Wednesday. :-)

Sent by Will G | 5:28 PM ET | 11-08-2007

hey Will G - it was my gaffe at the end of the show that day. i thought for sure we were off the air and then when i walked out of the studio Matt looked at me and said, "actually we weren't off the air yet." Ahhh....live radio.

Sent by Rachel | 1:04 PM ET | 11-09-2007

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