8-Year-Old Writes Letter to President Obama: 'The Country Needs More Spunk'

Lily suggested that the president do something fun like wear a tie-dye shirt.

ByABC News
August 12, 2016, 2:24 PM
President Barack Obama smiles at the White House, Aug. 2, 2016, in Washington.
President Barack Obama smiles at the White House, Aug. 2, 2016, in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

— -- One young American has a very important message for President Obama: “I think the country needs more spunk.”

Lily, 8, wrote a letter to the president saying that he should do something fun, like wear a tie-dye shirt and shorts to an important event or visit Walt Disney World with the first family. The White House did not provide Lily's last name.

Obama responded to Lily in a letter posted on the White House’s Medium channel, writing that she seemed like a great kid with “plenty of spunk to help keep our nation strong.”

“While I don’t know how the First Lady or my daughters would feel about me wearing a tie-dye shirt in public,” he continued, “I do know that one of my greatest responsibilities as President is ensuring your generation can thrive – and that includes making sure you can live in safety and reach for boundless opportunity.”

Lily also asked the president to “say something that will make everyone calm,” explaining that she has many concerns.

“With all the attacks, the Zika virus, and the wars, this country is a very sad place,” she wrote.

“I know things happening around the world can sometimes be worrisome,” the president replied, “but we can make real and lasting progress if young people like you focus on growing and learning and keep speaking out about important challenges our Nation faces.”

Lily, whose dream job is to become a cardiovascular surgeon, also told Obama that her father, who serves in the Air Force, inspired her to pick “President” as her back up career.

“Wherever your hard work and talents take you – whether it’s becoming a cardiovascular surgeon, the President of the United States, or chasing a dream you’ve yet to discover – always remember that you have a big role to play in shaping the world and making a difference in people’s live,” Obama responded and thanked Lily’s father for his service.

“I expect great things from you!” the president added.

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