There may be some truth in the Obama connection. I still think Apple came along and introduced something so superior to what was out there, that the masses jumped in with both feet.
I had some of the early Windows Mobile based phones. Ick!
To compare the iPhone with them was to literally destroy them. They weren’t even in the same universe.
As for the creative driver, I think you’re right.
Look, I’m the furthest thing there is from an Obama lover. If I could purchase an iPhone without that factor, then I’m thinking a lot of other lesser Conservatives certainly could.
The problem for Apple now is that the Samsung Galaxy phones are on the same level - maybe superior in some ways and inferior in others, but you aren't going to be missing anything significant if you choose Samsung over Apple.
Without Steve Jobs, the market is not confident Apple can make a new quantum leap and get way ahead of its top competitors. They had a massive first-mover advantage for several years - now they have to start competing on price like everybody else.