The party conventions are just moments away which means that we in the American public find ourlseves in the middle of a politcal full court press.  Between now and November 4th it will be nothing but ads on television, pundits on talk shows, and candidates holding “town hall meetings” comprised of pre-screened questions and pre-written answers.

But beneath the usual political push there is another battle being waged between Barack Hussein and John Sidney.  It’s the battle for coolest pop-culture crap; you know, t-shirts, action figures, and key chains.

And when it comes to the battle for who can generate the most stuff to one day fill a cardboard box in your mom’s basement or eventually be sold in a bundle on Ebay the clear winner is Obama.  Forget the bland stuff sold on his official web-site, this guy has inspired some really great stuff being sold all over the internet.  Just check out this t-shirt.  And then, take a look at this action figure.  Forget the guy’s stance on taxes and human right’s issues (abortion) that figure is fully poseable!  I smell a collector’s item.   Seriously, I want one.

Contrast it to what pop-culture has created for John McCain (click here and here) and there is no contest.  The ironic thing is that McCain has all of the credentials for an incredible action figure.  If 5 and a half years as a prisoner of war doesn’t earn you your own G.I. Joe then nothing does.

On a serious note, I wonder why it is that Obama seems to generate so much more pop-culture energy.  Is it because he resonates more with a younger crowd?  Is it that he truly is an inspiriational figure?  Does he simply have a more attractive, marketable look?  I don’t know.

The biggest question of all however is whether a cool t-shirt can translate to actual votes in November.  We’ll see.