Posted on 01/31/2009 8:02:55 AM PST by COUNTrecount
Barack Obama’s popularity makes him a marketer’s dream. Now, the honeymoon may be over for those trying to profit from his appeal.
White House lawyers want to control the use of the president’s image, recognizing the worldwide fascination about Obama’s election, First Amendment free-speech rights and easy access to videos and photos on the Web.
“Our lawyers are working on developing a policy that will protect the presidential image while being careful not to squelch the overwhelming enthusiasm that the public has for the president,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
Obama’s calls for change and his “Yes We Can” campaign mantra are being evoked to sell assembly-required furniture in Ikea’s “Embrace Change” marketing campaign, bargain airfares during Southwest Airlines Inc.’s “Yes You Can” sale and “Yes Pecan” ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. shops.
“I can’t remember this ever happening to an active politician before, as a spokesperson or as an image for a brand,” said Brad Adgate, director of research for Horizon Media Inc., a New York-based advertising agency. “He’s in the highest profile of any person in the world right now.”
Riding the wave of Obama’s popularity may become a concern when advertisers use his likeness without permission to imply that Obama is endorsing a product or cause. The White House through the years has objected to commercial use of presidential faces, such as footage of President George H.W. Bush in a Cold War-themed 1989 television ad for cold medication.
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Maybe a Joe Biden chia pet.
Oh my, you are right, http://chiaobama.com/
I think he wants to keep merchandise from being made in which he is made to look like a fool. Because it’s just a matter of time.
It’s image CONTROL. He’s sensitive and won’t be able to handle products that have a negative view of him.
Bingo, I was thinking the same thing!
Who knows at this point. I saw in this candy store - they had these chocolates molded with Obama’s face. It really is ridiculous and actually irritating to have to see it everywhere.
Speaking of Kool, I wonder if he himself made a smoking lounge in the White House yet? And although he wants everyone to believe he quit, I don’t believe it.
I prefer the proud, regal Obama to the smiling Obama.
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