Season's Greetings
For the Campaign '08 Obsessive Who Has Everything
Campaign gear as holiday cheer? (The Washington Post).
By Rachel Dry
In Iowa, it will all be over before the 12 Drummers can even set about drumming. The caucus takes place on January 3rd, or the 10th day of Christmas, for those keeping count by a favorite carol.
So this holiday season, nearly colliding as it does with the earliest voting in the presidential race, candidates have sent Christmas messages in lieu of campaign ads and produced hokey campaign spots disguised as Christmas messages. They have doled out candy canes and traversed Iowa with carol-themed gimmicks.
And while today and tomorrow the campaigns are taking a Yuletide pause, that doesn't mean campaign 2008 can't still find its way under -- or hang from -- a Christmas tree.
Apart from the "Christmas gift" to the candidate of a straightforward donation, if you care enough to give the very best and be actively engaged in the democratic process, the '08 hopefuls oblige with a variety of gift options.
Mitt Romney offers the "UltiMitt Holiday" line of "commemorative gifts for you and your favorite Mitt Romney supporters." For $100, fans of the former Massachusetts governor can adorn their tree with a Romney-for-president ornament and entertain with traditional winter recipes from Ann Romney. (For a sneak preview of Ann Romney's cooking, see her recipe for Welsh Skillet Cakes here.) And for more of a splurge: for $250, get a Romney fleece blanket -- "the official campaign blanket" -- and a voice-mail message recorded by the candidate himself.
At the Barack Obama campaign store, holiday products include Obama '08 "'Tis the season for change" ornaments, starting at two for $17.50 and, at $25, a long sleeve T-shirt asking "Got Hope,' with a Santa hat-clad "G." (Shoppers are assured the shirt is union-made and union-printed in the USA.)
Mike Huckabee, who reminded television viewers that what "really matters" this season is the "celebration of the birth of Christ," does not actually appear to be hawking any Christmas-specific merchandise on his official campaign site, but he does offer a variety of clothing wishing "...And a happy new year," and featuring a smiling Huckabee positioned close to the White House.
The Dennis Kucinich online store -- yes, there is one -- also stocks holiday-related campaign 2008 items. Apart from the unique gift options -- just $219.95 for a "Palm Beach County Voting Machine," circa the 2000 election, "containing actual chads," a replica butterfly ballot, and, as a bonus the letter "iThe Stolen Presidential Election of 2000' personally signed by Dennis Kucinich" -- the Ohio congressman and Democratic candidate is also selling holiday cards, starting at 10 for $10, inscribed with messages of hope, peace and notes on his legislative record. (What better way to send season's greetings than by noting that Kucinich is "the only candidate that...has a plan to bring the Troops home now--HR1234" and "will restore habeas corpus and protect our Constitution"?)
In addition to this smattering of holiday-specific offerings, most candidates have winter weather gear for sale plus the standard booster paraphernalia of signs, bumper stickers, buttons and decals.
At the Hillary Clinton store, early state voters can cope with the winter driving conditions with a Hillary Clinton ice scraper. If caucus night itself is close, the Clinton camp is providing an alternative to nail-biting: Hillary signature emery boards to "reshape the future" -- with healthy, elegantly arched nails. Other items in the "signature series" include stylish chocolate brown T-shirt (priced at $20.08) and an I (Heart) Hillary temporary tattoo.
At the official John Edwards store web page, a smiling photo of the candidate greets shoppers with the words: "We do not have to accept mediocrity or compromise our values. We can decide to be great, we can address great problems, we can see great possibilities." So, accordingly, the apparel for sale does not compromise its values: it is "high quality" and union-made and union printed.
Fred Thompson encourages supporters to donate in holiday song increments by giving "Fred a gift" -- "seven mailers mailing" for $250 and, among other options, "Eleven vols a calling" for $50 (presumably to pay for the phones and not the volunteers themselves). Actual products for sale include jumbo tote bags, golf balls and The Fred Factor, by Steve Gill, the May 2007 book on "how Fred Thompson May Change The Face Of The '08 Campaign."
The Rudy Giuliani store is good for the coalition-oriented person on your list. Are you last-minute shopping for a sportsman? Try the "sportsmen for Rudy" line of buttons, hats and T-shirts. Or want to wish a Giuliani fan "Buon Natale"? Try the Italian-Americans for Rudy items, in festive Italian-flag colors.
At the John McCain online store, fans can pick up a DVD version of Faith of My Fathers, the candidate's 1999 memoir.
Ron Paul fans don't have too much official Paul merchandise to choose from, but they still can "CHOOSE LIBERTY" and have it emblazoned on a Ron Paul 2008 wristband. Though Paul fans should note one potential gift-giving snag as a side effect of the Texas congressman's increasing popularity in the GOP race. A disclaimer on the Paul campaign store site reads: "Due to the overwhelming support from friends and volunteers around the country, we will not be able to guarantee Christmas delivery for orders placed after the 12th of December."
Posted at 3:53 PM ET on Dec 24, 2007
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Posted by: JakeD | December 26, 2007 11:24 AM
Most Conservatives prefer not to lower our resale with Bumper stickers.
I found one that I just could not resist!
It goes on the Front Bumper-
It simply says:
RUN Democrats RUN!
Posted by: rat-the | December 26, 2007 1:32 AM
Hi Rachel - do you read the comments on your articles? This will serve as a test. I loved this--much better than the NYT's jokey "presents for political junkies" article.
Posted by: nperlros | December 25, 2007 9:54 PM
I quickly popped into my office to grab a present and decided to send out a less serious message to a few of the political readers. As a Ron Paul supporter I wish all candidates, their families and their supporters a happy holiday!!
Posted by: bgodley | December 25, 2007 1:14 AM
JakeD:
Obviously, you have not read Our Constitution, I suggest you do. By doing so you will realize that it takes an Act of Congress, not the President to declare war. What a moron.
Posted by: tess101 | December 24, 2007 10:24 PM
-----
Did you hear about a former aide of his, Eric Dondero, who said "When September 11th happened, [Paul] just completely changed . . . One of the first things he said was not how awful the tragedy was, it was, `Now we're going to get big government.'"
----
Eric Dondero is a psychotic former aid who now supports neocon extremist Rudolph Giuliani. He was fired by Ron Paul and ever since has been saying any thing he can to try to smear him.
----
Let me ask you Ron Paul supporters a couple simple questions: do you think FDR / Truman violated the Constitution by waging WWII?
----
Of course WW2 was justitied, Japan attacked the US, and then Germany declared war on the US. It was the ONLY war that was justiifed in the 20th century.
----
Was the Civil War necessary to stop slavery?
----
The Civil War was absolutely not necessary. Every civilized nation in the world got rid of slavery without a civil war. The civil war resulted in 600,000 American deaths. It was the most tragic event in American history and it was not necessary for getting rid of slavery.
Posted by: happyintokyo | December 24, 2007 4:44 PM
"Is ANY war justified?"
Let's come back to reality for a second...
Do you really think there's a nation who would declare war on the US? We can pulverize any country that does so.
Why are you so eager to invade other countries?
Or are you gullible enough to think terrorists hate us because of our "freedom"?
Contrary to the neocon's way, Ron Paul is not looking for false, albeit profitable, reasons to invade other countries.
Posted by: losjuaneros | December 24, 2007 4:32 PM
mmm and I have...
One 16x6 (feet) hand painted Ron Paul house banner
Two car magnets
Three bumper stickers
One hoodie
One ball cap
Numerous lapel buttons
1000 slim jims for the neighborhood
4 yard signs in the trunk for good measure
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: mr | December 24, 2007 4:13 PM
Do not forget the ever popular Seasonal Presence of "THE CHOIR".
I am of course, talking about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!
As Rat proclaims "Mitt Romney is Coming to SAVE Us"
The Choir Responds:
"HALELUJAH"!!!!
"HALELUJAH"!!!!...
Like NEVER before!
Posted by: rat-the | December 24, 2007 4:07 PM
drd6000 (or any other Ron Paul supporters):
Did you hear about a former aide of his, Eric Dondero, who said "When September 11th happened, [Paul] just completely changed . . . One of the first things he said was not how awful the tragedy was, it was, `Now we're going to get big government.'"
Let me ask you Ron Paul supporters a couple simple questions: do you think FDR / Truman violated the Constitution by waging WWII? Was the Civil War necessary to stop slavery? Is ANY war justified?
Posted by: JakeD | December 24, 2007 3:18 PM
I already have the Ron Paul "Choose Freedom" wristbands.
And the "Who is Ron Paul?" t-shirt.
And the Ron Paul bumper sticker.
And the Ron Paul door magnets.
All I want for Christmas is for everyone who supports Ron Paul to make sure they are registered to vote on time.
Posted by: drd6000 | December 24, 2007 3:15 PM
Merry Christmastide, Rachel!
Posted by: JakeD | December 24, 2007 2:59 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
bgodley:
Thank you for your holiday wishes -- during this catfight of a primary season, some lose sight of what's really important if life -- Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate African-American Unity, Self-Determination, Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.
tess101:
No thanks for the Christmas Eve ad hominem attack -- I have indeed read the Constitution (including, but not limited to, during law school). For all intents and purposes, the AMUF is the legal equivalent to a formal declaration of war by the United States Congress. Look it up if you don't believe me:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AUMF
happyintokyo (good thing we didn't drop an A-bomb over that city):
Thank you, at least, for answering my questions. Despite YOUR smear against Eric Dondero, I will try another question: Is Dondero LYING about Ron Paul's reaction to 9/11 (even "psychotic former aids who now support neocon extremist Rudolph Giuliani" can tell the truth once in blue moon)? Also, we disagree that WWII was the ONLY war that was justiifed in the 20th century, and that the Civil War was unnecessary given the Confederate split, but those topics will have to wait for another thread. I look forward to discussing some modern-day politics with you -- sayonara, for now.
losjuaneros:
I would be happy to answer all of your questions, just as soon as you answer mine ; )