I am a clip art junkie (you should see the stack of books I have), so I subscribed a long time ago to the email service from Dover Publications, probably the most well-known clip art publisher. They send me weekly samples by email, along with notifications of new publications. I am a devoted fan of the company.
But I had to laugh at the absurdity of two of their latest books. Take a look:
(You can click the images to see inside.)
I mean, god bless ’em, someone had to do it, right? But I just wonder who buys this stuff? “Here, kids, play with these! Our future president in ten dapper outfits!” (Though my kids are kinda bored at this point in the summer.) The artist’s renderings make both candidates look a little strange (not that I could do better).
But the tag lines in their email really did me in. Like, “Presidential Paper Dolls: The Fun Way to Support Your Candidate!” Maybe it’s just me, but I’m guessing my candidate would rather have the $7.99 plus shipping.
Or how about this:
You can follow your favorite paper doll candidate with our weekly Presidential Paper Doll Sampler! Each week, you’ll receive a colorful email that’s packed with cool giveaways: extra costumes for the candidates and their wives, free samples from other Dover paper doll books, and more. Plus, with the Campaign Countdown you’ll find out which paper doll candidate is the most popular. Use this link to sign up now—
The books include costumes for the candidates and their wives, along with a biography of each candidate and an election night score sheet. Because you’ll do a way better job of tallying up the electoral votes than those major news outlets. Go on, I have faith in you.
I do have a favorite outfit. It’s in the samples from the McCain book, and features a bulletproof vest.
I can only assume it’s the one Senator McCain wears when he goes quail hunting with Dick Cheney.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh wow, there is a market for everything! The funniest thing is their POSTURES on the front of their little booklets – Obama looks as if he’s at the end of a fashion runway “And POSE” – and McCain looks as if his neck is about to explode. Hilarious!
Anns last blog post..Violating My Rights
Whoa.
This is right out of an SNL commercial skit.
ROFL!!! I read misread the post and thought I saw “extra costumes for the candidates and EXTRA wives” 😀
Sandy (Momisodes)s last blog post..Hai’Cut and BlogHer On Tour!
Ann–I know!
Sandy–That’s hilarious. I’m guessing that McCain’s first wife wouldn’t disagree with you!
Those are hilarious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
catnips last blog post..sharing the love
Well, don’t think I’ve got another internet connection opened ordering those things; HOWEVER, I do know people that love paper dolls and collect them, so I can see them really getting into this kind of thing. Personally I’d prefer some European royalty with Victorian clothing, but as you said, people will buy anything.
W – O – W !!!
What will they think of next?
Very funny!
I totally thought of you yesterday morning when a crop duster divebombed all over the area around my house. Not the chemicals, the flying the plane bit made me think of you.
melissas last blog post..Spitter
I think they captured McCain’s weird stiff or no neck posture perfectly.
Jenn @ Juggling Lifes last blog post..Overheard Around The Vacay
I suppose this is one way of getting the wee ones interested in politics. And they could make such cool playthings as the wee ones watch the latest on CNN or your outlet of choice.
Okay, I’m kidding. I think . . .
Obama is TOTALLY vogue-ing there! He looks like a supermodel (Ru Paul, anyone?)
oh my goodness. Who would’ve thought such a product possible?
That is really funny. And it doesn’t even look like that much fun.
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvanas last blog post..Sitting on the sun in the presence of dinosaurs…
But now Paris Hilton is going to demand her own doll for the ‘debates, bitches’! LOL!
Suzannes last blog post..Things I Love: My ‘New and Improved’ Blog List
You do realize now, don’t you, that now these paper dolls will wind up on You Tube dancing with a pole or something. Right??
Grandys last blog post..The Crue Review
My Oh My, i’ve seen it all! Love the hunting outfit!
Denise @ EatPlayLoves last blog post..My Flip Flops Need To Be Thrown Out Before I Hop On a Plane To Greece
Wow, Obama’s stance is a bit… effeminate. I’ve seen the Bush magnet, where you can put him in a toga or other silly outfit http://www.northernsun.com/n/s/2108.html?id=a6dB9Pmf but not anything that seems so serious! Louise has taught me something – people will not only buy anything, they’ll collect it, too!!
Dharmamamas last blog post..I Miss Jerry
I so loved paper dolls when I was a kid and maybe I still do, because when I saw these, I WANTED THEM. I want to cut out their little suits and fold the tabs down and dress them and undress them (and hey, when’s the John Edwards version coming out?)
ByJanes last blog post..The Newly Single Woman Starts Over Again
Work it Obama!
Just goes to show you people will buy anything.
Kimberlys last blog post..A perfect day "down the shore"
I’m pretty sure my kids would kill me if I got either of those 😉
I am soooo going to order the Obama book for my wife….she will love it.
Bruces last blog post..Essential Cinema – 38
Euuuuwwww. I do not want to see John McCain in his underwear–even if it’s paper!!! The suits don’t come off, do they??
cindys last blog post..Angelina and I make a pie:She picks, I bake