This isn’t your typical focus group. From time to time a participant erupts in a fit of giggles and runs away to a nearby splash pad for a refreshing romp through the water jets. The youngest members often refuse to answer, preferring instead to peek from behind a parent’s leg. Regardless, our nation is at a crossroads, and these participants may represent the only chance our society has at a completely nonpartisan, objective view of the presidential candidates’ outward appearance, grooming and style.

Participants vary from ages 3 to 8. They have no prior knowledge of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s cleavage, former Sen. John Edward’s salon bills, or Gov. Mitt Romney’s make-up expenses. Questions about their racial backgrounds and socio-economic status were met with eye-rolling, blank stares and more than one request for pre-payment of promised lollipops. Their legal agents have all consented to allow participation so long as no photographs are taken and names are changed to protect the innocent.

Without benefit of party affiliation, statements on issues or even names, participants were shown photographs of the 2008 presidential candidates taken from either official websites or campaign literature and asked to share their thoughts on the person in the photo.

Six-year-old Tim rubbed his nose as he looked at the photograph of Republican hopeful Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas. He looked and rubbed for several seconds before saying, “When my tie is too tight for church, my head turns red like that.”

“I don’t think his head is red,” said Bobby, age 8, looking over Tim’s shoulder at the photo. “I think he’s mad at somebody.”

Two more children — Audrey, age 7, and Carl, age 5 — rejoined our group after a quick shower in the splash pad when the photo of Illinois’ Democratic Sen. Barack Obama was placed on the table.

Carl’s hand shot up and he waited until called before quietly expressing his dismay: “His momma should have told him to wear sunscreen!” The four nodded solemnly in agreement at this remark that is, no doubt, more of a comment on their predominantly Caucasian surroundings than on Momma Obama’s possible neglect.

Beth, age 8, took only a brief glance at the photo of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton before lamenting the Democratic hopeful’s color choices. “When I grow up, I’m going to wear pink all the time,” she said. “And, if you are going to dress up, you should always wear earrings. Do you think she’s wearing high heels?”

“Papa!” said Jeremy, age 3, when showed a photo of Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Another Republican hopeful, Gov. Mitt Romney, should invest in a little hair color according to Emily, age 8, who said, “He looks like my first-grade teacher. I didn’t like him because the white hairs always made him look like we woke him up.”

Her hair advice extended to Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd whom she called “shocking” before staring even more closely at the photo. “I think he’s wearing a wig,” she said. “The hair on his head and the hair by his eyes are different colors.”

Tim, however, pulled the photos of Dodd, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, former Sen. John Edwards, Congressman Ron Paul and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in front of him and smiled. “They have sexy dimples — just like me,” he told the group.

Participants unanimously agreed that Sen. Joe Biden’s photo was “scary.”

“He looks like the principal at school when the lunchroom is too loud,” said Annie, age 7.

Tina, age 6, said she liked the look of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. “He looks like Santa — with a big tan,” she said.

After another short discussion on the benefits of sunscreen, a photo of former New York Gov. Rudy Giuliani was pushed to the top of the pile.

“Oh, my word!” exclaimed Audrey. “Harry Potter glasses!”

Excitement remained high until a detailed inspection of Giuliani’s photo produced no lightning bolt scar.

Notice was taken of Congressman Tom Tancredo’s eyes, and participants decided he “needed an earlier bedtime.”

“My mom has lotion for her eyes,” noted Bobby. “It stinks, but she likes it.”

Although other photos remained to be viewed, participants began to lose interest. With lollipop payments in hand, all but one ran off to swing sets, water fun, Iowa sunshine and carefree living.

Beth watched closely as the photos were neatly stacked and placed back into the bag. When her attention was mistaken for hope of additional payment she responded, “No, it isn’t that. Why was there only one girl?”

Sometimes all it takes is one thoughtful question to cut through all the nonsense.