Presidential Merchandise Borrows From the WWE Playbook
|
Mar 31 2010, 4:03 PM
One of president Obama's savviest fund-raising means has always been the creation and design of limited-edition T-shirts. Don't worry, this is not a political advocacy post of any kind. But it does cement the notion of our current president as pop-cultural figure.
You'd expect shirts that sport images of Obama, as well as campaign slogans like "Yes We Can." What I'd never have expected is one that turns an off-the-cuff remark into a catchphrase, wrestling-style (think "Layeth the Smacketh Down" or "Austin 3:16").
Especially when the catchphrase contains what many consider to be an embarrassing profanity. Remember when Joe Biden referred to health care legislation as "a big f***ing deal"?
Okay. Now check out the latest shirt available at Barackobama.com
I'm no expert, but is this the first-ever piece of official presidential merchandise to feature an abbreviated swear-word? I predict that sooner or later, some pressure group or another will force the cessation of these shirts. In the meantime, if you want to get one, you do have to donate $25 or more to the Democratic Party...so that's between you and your politics.
I just have to wonder if the Obama administration features any former WWE Shopzone employees...After all, the artist who created the iconic "Hope" image for the 2008 campaign was previously best known for playing around with Andre the Giant's face.
Edit: Please note that this is NOT a forum to debate pros or cons of the actual political issues. Just the merchandise. kthx.
One of president Obama's savviest fund-raising means has always been the creation and design of limited-edition T-shirts. Don't worry, this is not a political advocacy post of any kind. But it does cement the notion of our current president as pop-cultural figure.
You'd expect shirts that sport images of Obama, as well as campaign slogans like "Yes We Can." What I'd never have expected is one that turns an off-the-cuff remark into a catchphrase, wrestling-style (think "Layeth the Smacketh Down" or "Austin 3:16").
Especially when the catchphrase contains what many consider to be an embarrassing profanity. Remember when Joe Biden referred to health care legislation as "a big f***ing deal"?
Okay. Now check out the latest shirt available at Barackobama.com
I'm no expert, but is this the first-ever piece of official presidential merchandise to feature an abbreviated swear-word? I predict that sooner or later, some pressure group or another will force the cessation of these shirts. In the meantime, if you want to get one, you do have to donate $25 or more to the Democratic Party...so that's between you and your politics.
I just have to wonder if the Obama administration features any former WWE Shopzone employees...After all, the artist who created the iconic "Hope" image for the 2008 campaign was previously best known for playing around with Andre the Giant's face.
Edit: Please note that this is NOT a forum to debate pros or cons of the actual political issues. Just the merchandise. kthx.
Comments
Sign in to comment with your TypePad, Twitter, Facebook, Google, Yahoo or OpenID.