On Tuesday, Minnesota’s Supreme Court finally declared Al Franken the winner of the Senate race, defeating incumbent Norm Coleman. While it was an extremely close race, Franken did eek out the majority– as this imprinted long sleeve shirt suggests. I guess all those promotional stickers and buttons he inevitably used during campaigning finally paid off. Congratulations, Senator Franken!
On June 8th, defections from the Democratic Party in New York seemingly placed control of the state senate effectively in Republican control. Two Democratic state senators, Hiram Monserrate of Queens and Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx, staged a “parliamentary coup” by voting with Republicans to strip control of the Senate away from Majority Leader Malcolm Smith (D-Queens). While Monserrate returned to the Democratic fold several days later, Espada has refused to change his current position, creating a 31-31 deadlock in the senate preventing the passage of time-sensitive legislation.
In response to Espada’s role in the GOP+2 coup, Manhattan Young Democrats has started selling these promotional t-shirts with profits to be used against Pedro Espada Jr.’s 2010 campaign, if he dares to run for a leadership position in the Senate again. (via The Albany Project)
Among all the controversy that has encompassed Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, businesses are still trying to grasp consumers’ attention with political promotional products. This cartoon animation on the Spirit Airlines website seems to have a connection with the nomination, as the judge “Ochita Suprema” could be representing the real Sonia Sotomayor. The seemingly Puerto Rican judge is shown slamming a gavel on the bench, declaring that fares are now reaching prices as low as $8.00. This promotional campaign seems to be on the controversial side, so I hope Spirit Airlines is also utilizing some standard promotional products as well; such as custom keychains or imprinted pens.
I’m going to look away from the endless supply of Obama/McCain campaign schwag to focus on the protests in Iran. I stumbled across this promotional t-shirt to support the protesters in opposition to June 12’s election. These shirts are available at Solidarity Matters and all proceeds are currently benefitting Amnesty International. I’m sure it won’t be long before more products, like promotional bumper stickers are made to help support this cause.
Following the election, Obama schwag was everywhere and seemed to be overtaking merchandise stores in city corners and train stations. At Union Station in California, everything from Obama promotional t-shirts to Obama imprinted candy were part of consumers’ spending sprees. In the picture above we can see Obama hot sauce which was sold at Political Americana’s inaugural store near the White House. Not everything was sold for cheap prices either. The New York Times was selling photographs of Obama from prices in the range of $200 to over $1,000!
Whoever took this picture of Obama’s logo shot glass and McCain’s promo mug must be Republican. Only a Republican could take a picture of a McCain coffee mug and an Obama shot glass in the same frame. Obviously, this implies something negative toward the Democrats. I also find it humorously ironic that the Obama shot glass says “hope.”
I’m sure these weren’t the only expample of promotional drinkware in the 2008 presidential campaign. I’m sure there’s a McCain shot glass or two available out there.
Political junkies can relive the 2008 Presidential Election with their very own Obama and McCain action figures. Not dolls. Action figures. These 6″ political toys have movable arms, head and swivels at the hips just like any other action figure in toy stores.
While these collectibles can serve as a fun way to commemorate Obama’s momentous election, purchasing both action figures provides bitter Republicans with a way of imagining a different outcome.
Of all the promotional products out there made to capitalize off of Obama’s presidency, this is one of the more ridiculous. Promotional wine?! Really? Not even a custom wine set– just the wine? I bet the markup is ridiculous. And as this website noted, how long could it have possibly aged?
We’ve all seen the Obama chia pets and bobble heads, but what about promotional apparel that celebrates his election? Ella Rose, a designer which creates organic and sustainable clothing, has recently created a limited edition tie to commemorate the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The product is sold in six different styles, each with imprinted O’s on front and back which stand for Barack’s last name “Obama.” Products representing patriotism and freedom make for great custom corporate gifts, as they show that your business is dedicated to your country as well as customer satisfaction.
While touring the Pyramids at Giza during his recent visit to Egypt, Obama saw a hieroglyphic of an ancient king with ears that bear some resemblance to his own ears. Some of his comparisons to American political figure have been fair with the United States’ current economic conditions and political climate, but he needs more than just big ears to compare himself to one of Egypt’s great ancient pharoahs.
Politics is full of promotional giveaways. From conventions to elections, to even political issues, promotional products play a key role in advertising a candidates strengths or by raising awareness about an idea. This blog explores all these different types of political schwag.
