Sarcastic Political T-Shirts Let Activists Make Their Point

Greer and his girlfriend Katelyn Mosley are bothMakeover.”
wearing sarcastic political t shirts. His says“He thinks it’s funny, but I think
“Obama Wants My Change – No Newit’s just sexist. She’s a great woman
Taxes” while hers reads “Vote Forwho expresses her opinion. What could be more
Social Security Reform – McCain’sAmerican than that?”
going to need it.”They agree to disagree and Jake says he’s
The two nineteen year olds make an interestingmostly retired that t shirt on Katelyn’s behalf.
couple walking hand in hand down the Santa MonicaBecause of advances in technology, there are more
Peer. Katelyn attends San Diego State Universityt-shirts than ever before – including the
while Jake goes to the University of California at Sansarcastic political t-shirts Greer and Mosely like.
Diego. Their political views are as different as theirNow t-shirt companies can print only the shirts that
colleges. They have very different opinions aboutare ordered rather than printing and shipping large
what the outcome of the 2008 presidential racebatches. This gives the graphic artists that design the
should be.shirts much more latitude because they have to sell a
“I simply can not believe he’d supportsmaller number before the design becomes profitable.
four more years of the same,” Katelyn, anAlso, a shirt can be designed and printed quickly. A
English major, says animatedly. “Obama bringscandidate’s gaffe on the campaign trail can
real change for us.”make it onto a t-shirt within 30 minutes of its
“Yeah, change,” Jake says pointing touttering.
his t shirt. “He wants all our money for socialThe campaigns produce t shirts to sell to their
programs.” Jake is an Economics major.supporters, but they tend to be much more
Jake supports the Senator from Arizona which is hisconservative. They feature red, white, and blue
own home state. But it’s not just local tiescolors with the candidate’s name and
that bind. Jake says McCain understands the need tosometimes an official slogan.
stand up to terrorists. Jake also fears that havingSarcastic political t shirts sold online can be edgier.
both a Democratic Congress and White House willThey can feature colors not necessarily associated
lead to higher taxes.with “patriotism” and do takeoffs on
The couple does agree on one thing though. Sarcasticpopular culture references.
political t shirts are a cool way to express theirSarcastic political t shirts sold online are also cheaper
political differences.than the ones sold by the candidate with prices
“We keep looking for new ones to mix thingsranging from $15 to $25. The cheapest shirt on
up,” Jake says.McCain’s official website is $35.
“Yeah, when I see one that is really going toThat’s good news for Katelyn and Jake who
make him mad, I buy it right away,” Katelynare building up quite a collection of sarcastic political t
says, grinning.shirts.
Jake has a sarcastic political t shirt that makes“You always have to go back and look at the
Katelyn mad though. It says “Coming This Fallinternet for the shirts because there’s always
– Michelle Obama: Extreme Wifesomething new,” Katelyn says.