Obama Nation

By Ivan Cash
October, 2008

Perhaps it was the eye-catching Obama pin worn by so many passerbys that first clued me in on the reality of his celebrity status. Or maybe it was seeing another Obama bumper sticker, shirt, and poster, for the umpteenth time. At the very least, the prevalence of Obama-branded gear among items not generally associated with politics, such as water bottles, handbags, and bracelets indicated that something had gone awry. From juvenile hipsters sporting the most recent Obama tee, to rich grandmothers wearing an Obama pin over their mink coats, the Obama-mania train is hot and coasting full speed ahead, evident in the transcendence of generational, ethnic, and economic boundaries regarding the public exhibition of such merchandise.

“Lead Singer of the Black Eyed Peas Produces Hit Obama Song, ‘Yes We Can.’

“Pop Art Renditions of Obama by Renowned Street Artist Shepard Fairey Quickly Sell Out.”

“Support is Garnered from the Likes of Tom Hanks, Bruce Springstein, Oprah, Scarlett Johansson, even Colin Powell."

“An unprecedented $150 Million is Raised in Fundraising for the Month of September”

It’s like something out of a bad futuristic sci-fi flick. Mass-market the shit out of a humble political candidate turning him into a superstar ad campaign, giving him a logo and slogans, making him hotter than the iPhone, Vitamin Water, and American Apparel combined. Less focus over issues, more attention to image. The ultimate brand is created: Good looks, well-spoken, credible endorsements, media beloved, cooler than cool, one size fits all… SELL SELL SELL The candidate overshadows the issues.

What’s going on here!?