[maxiep]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...topnews&sub=AR

Ah, presidential candidate as fashion statement. I'd call him Paris Hilton, but her energy plan is more coherent.

[maxiep]

For those that don't have a WP login:

Fashion Designers Hope to Stitch Up an Obama Win

By Robin Givhan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 16, 2008; Page A01

It used to be that political campaigns would be satisfied if they managed to settle on an eye-catching font for their T-shirts and trucker caps. The merchandise wasn't so much designed as it was stamped out like a pile of red, white and blue bunting. Political paraphernalia was mostly about the message -- not the aesthetics.

Now it is enthusiastically and abundantly about style. The Barack Obama campaign, which has been actively courting the fashion industry, has coordinated some 20 or so designers who are creating official merchandise for the candidate's Web site. It is the first time, as far as Seventh Avenue long-timers can recall, that a quorum of the fashion industry has organized its financial resources and creative energy around a single presidential candidate.

please post small snippits

[maxiep]

Crap. I meant this for the Off-Topic forum. Would a mod please move this thread for me? My apologies to everyone for misposting.

[HB]

So let me get this straight, there's something wrong with the Obama campaign actually trying to make money off their candidate's popularity?

[maxiep]

Originally Posted by HB

So let me get this straight, there's something wrong with the Obama campaign actually trying to make money off their candidate's popularity?

Absolutely not. However, if one of your campaign's biggest problems is the perception that you are is viewed more as a phenomenon or a celebrity than a candidate of substance, do you really think cozying up to the haute couture fashion industry is the right move? That stuff may firm up your base California and Manhattan, but it hurts you in the rust belt and flyover country.

[BG7]

I have this one right now:

This one's awesome too:



About time. The shirts he has on his website right now suck. Great move.

[BG7]

Originally Posted by maxiep

Absolutely not. However, if one of your campaign's biggest problems is the perception that you are is viewed more as a phenomenon or a celebrity than a candidate of substance, do you really think cozying up to the haute couture fashion industry is the right move? That stuff may firm up your base California and Manhattan, but it hurts you in the rust belt and flyover country.

If people are dumb enough to vote against Obama for that reason, they deserve the ******* president they end up with.

[maxiep]

Originally Posted by HB

So let me get this straight, there's something wrong with the Obama campaign actually trying to make money off their candidate's popularity?

It's akin to John McCain courting the manufacturers of Ensure, Geritol, Depends and Polident. It does more harm than good.

[HB]

Originally Posted by maxiep

Absolutely not. However, if one of your campaign's biggest problems is the perception that you are is viewed more as a phenomenon or a celebrity than a candidate of substance, do you really think cozying up to the haute couture fashion industry is the right move? That stuff may firm up your base California and Manhattan, but it hurts you in the rust belt and flyover country.

In modern lingo, finding fault with a person because people are drawn to him, is called 'hating'. Its actually amazing that Obama is being criticized for inspiring people, and getting massive crowds to come watch him. I never knew that was supposed to be a flaw. You think the GOP and the right would be complaining if Mccain had the type of appeal Obama has?

The only ones who think he has no substance are his detractors. Its no wonder why his opponent, instead of talking about his policies and vision would rather ridicule Obama. I mean if Mccain is supposed to be the candidate with all the substance, why don't they talk about their policies and issues rather than nitpick what fashion designers are designing clothes for Obama and how many people are coming to events to see him.

[maxiep]

Originally Posted by BG7

I have this one right now:

You seriously paid money for that? I haven't seen a T-shirt that cheesy since Wham! last toured America.

[HB]

Originally Posted by maxiep

It's akin to John McCain courting the manufacturers of Ensure, Geritol, Depends and Polident. It does more harm than good.

If you say so

[HB]

The print shirt is nice! I think I'll get that.

[maxiep]

Originally Posted by HB

In modern lingo, finding fault with a person because people are drawn to him, is called 'hating'.

I prefer to think of it as "mocking".

Originally Posted by HB

Its actually amazing that Obama is being criticized for inspiring people, and getting massive crowds to come watch him. I never knew that was supposed to be a flaw. You think the GOP and the right would be complaining if Mccain had the type of appeal Obama has?

It's not about "inspiring", it's about courting the fashion industry to promote your brand. I'd call it a message, but he doesn't have one. I'm sorry, but if you can't see how silly this strategy is, you must own the "Sex & The City" DVD box set.

Originally Posted by HB

The only ones who think he has no substance are his detractors.

Or anyone who has listened to his speeches, seen him change position after position or tried to pin him down on any issue other than "change".

Originally Posted by HB

Its no wonder why his opponent, instead of talking about his policies and vision would rather ridicule Obama. I mean if Mccain is supposed to be the candidate with all the substance, why don't they talk about their policies and issues rather than nitpick what fashion designers are designing clothes for Obama and how many people are coming to events to see him.

McCain is a terrible candidate running an atrocious campaign, even when compared to Mike Dukakis and Bob Dole. Obama should be blowing him out like the US just did to Spain, yet this race is within the margin of error. What does that tell you about Obama's appeal?