The schlock inauguration: QVC + Obama = Cheesified

By Michelle Malkin  •  January 5, 2009 10:42 PM

How do you spell tacky?

Q-V-C in D.C. They’re coming to the presidential inauguration. It’s a perfect match — the relentless hawkers at the shopping network and the relentless money-grubbers at Team Obama still pimping pins and other knick-knacks after the election.

QVC is traveling to Washington to mark President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration this month — and is bringing along plenty of coins, stamps, jewelry and even a small handbag to sell.

The retail network has already sold more than 100,000 items related to Obama’s election and sees the inauguration as an opportunity to reach far beyond the group of people regularly interested in political collectibles.

“Frankly, if we were not at the inauguration, we would feel like we were not doing our job,” said Doug Rose, vice president of multichannel programming for the retail giant, which is available in 94 million American homes and had sales totaling $7.4 billion in 2007.

QVC will show portions of the parade and conduct interviews with spectators, then air live on the night of Jan. 20 from the Creative Coalition’s inaugural ball. Host Leah Williams will be decked out in an inaugural gown.

Obama’s inauguration has attracted plenty of interest from TV networks, not only the traditional broadcast and cable news outlets, but specialized venues such as BET and Nickelodeon that don’t normally pay attention to live political events.

“We’re trying to give the audience a flavor of what the event is like, from the event,” Rose said. “We will try to give them a sense of the electricity in the air.”

Among the items QVC has been selling since the election are a Barack Obama stamp collection, with stamps from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Grenada, St. Vincent and The Grenadines ($38.88). One set has an Obama-Biden half dollar coin and a 1939 stamp depicting George Washington taking the first oath of office ($23.75). An Obama throw blanket is marked down from $41 to $36.84.

No word on whether they’ll be selling La Obama Soda or those Obama memorial plates, a version of which I spotted next to the batteries and bubblegum at Walgreen’s the other day.

Cheesy.

Or rather: Uber-cheesy.

Hat tip: JWF.

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Posted in: Barack Obama

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Comments


  1. #1
    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:46 pm, DavidHughes said:

    Can someone please tell me what kind of kool-aid these folks are drinking, because I just don’t get it. Why are so many people falling all over themselves in adoration of this twerp?

  2. #2
    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:48 pm, Doo2 said:

    Maybe Blago could sell the senate seat on QVC, since they seem Demo-tastic!

  3. #3
    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:51 pm, Stillwaiting said:

    Parody is offically dead!!!! As a skit on SNL, this was a great idea–Tina Fey did a great Palin, but as a real-life idea, this is insane.

    Watch Comedy Central to see what the lefties will do next.

  4. #4
    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:54 pm, Stillwaiting said:

    Of course I meant “Parody is officially dead!!!!”

  5. #5
    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:54 pm, madchef said:

    How much for the genuine imitation birth certificates?

  6. #6
    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:57 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Well, it IS free enterprise! I guess we shouldn’t complain. At least those people are trying to earn some money and not asking for a bail-out.

  7. #7
    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:57 pm, CantCureStupid said:

    Pimps, whores, and snake-oil salesmen. It’s like Christmas never ends in the District of Corruption.

    Glad I’ve never spent a cent on QVC.

  8. #8
    On January 5th, 2009 at 11:08 pm, Tennessee Dave said:

    An Obama throw blanket

    Is this for the inevitable blanket party the Clintons will throw for him?

  9. #9
    On January 5th, 2009 at 11:12 pm, Paul Revere said:

    Cheap trinkets made in China for an empty suit.

  10. #10
    On January 5th, 2009 at 11:19 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:54 pm, madchef said:

    How much for the genuine imitation birth certificates?

    Really.

    The Obama campaign “doubled down” on the fraudulent COLB, made up a hard copy, got their allies at Annenberg to “verify” it, Dr. Fukino issued a highly nuanced statement that the MSM then misreported as her “verifying” the fraudulent COLB and “confirming Obama was born in Hawaii”, and…

    My Republican Senator believes it all!

    Fact Checking Annenberg Political Fact Check

    Parsing the Statement by Dr. Fukino about Barack Hussein Obama’s Official Birth Certificate

  11. #11
    On January 5th, 2009 at 11:41 pm, redpeach said:

    On January 5th, 2009 at 10:46 pm, DavidHughes said:
    Can someone please tell me what kind of kool-aid these folks are drinking, because I just don’t get it. Why are so many people falling all over themselves in adoration of this twerp?

    Seriously. Listening to a bunch of O’bots talk about him at my company Christmas party made me remember once again how Hitler came to power. They were saying things like, “He’s the best president of my lifetime,” and preemtively excusing him from any mistakes he could potentially make by blaming them squarely on Bush. It’s looney tunes.

  12. #12
    On January 5th, 2009 at 11:56 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    Don’t worry, all this junk will be up on eBay when the novelty wears off and reality sinks in…

  13. #13
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:48 am, DirkBelig said:

    Who would of thought that Obama could out-white-trash the Clintons?

  14. #14
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:49 am, DirkBelig said:

    Correction: Who would’ve thought that Obama could out-white-trash the Clintons?

    (Gotta stop typing when sleepy.)

  15. #15
    On January 6th, 2009 at 2:28 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Will the pick pockets, muggers, pimps and whores be featured on QVC? I just have to get a Genuine, Limited Edition Bro and Ho Obama Plate suitable for framing and two Bro and Ho Obama Throw Pillows for the living room, hopefully in time for our anniversary.
    Nothing says you love them more than tacky tacky!

  16. #16
    On January 6th, 2009 at 3:47 am, graysonret said:

    Are they selling Obama dartboards?

  17. #17
    On January 6th, 2009 at 6:45 am, Socky said:

    Can someone please tell me what kind of kool-aid these folks are drinking, because I just don’t get it. Why are so many people falling all over themselves in adoration of this twerp?

    The guy doesn’t stimulate my vagal nerve either.

  18. #18
    On January 6th, 2009 at 6:49 am, zorro said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 3:47 am, graysonret said:
    Are they selling Obama dartboards?

    Ha! I imagine at least half the country would want one of those.

  19. #19
    On January 6th, 2009 at 7:57 am, tre said:

    Can you imagine, a thick, juicy, grilled T-Bone and a fluffy baked potato. It’s so tender it just falls off the bone.
    Then, as you’re chewing that last succulent bite, you see:

    OBAMA’S MUG STAREING UP AT YOU FROM THE PLATE!

    That just might start causing an increase in bulimia.

  20. #20
    On January 6th, 2009 at 7:58 am, Craig said:

    An Obama throw blanket is marked down from $41 to $36.84.

    But there’s….MORE! If you call now, we’ll throw in another throw blanket for FREE. That’s right FREE. Act now!

    ‘Snuggies’ can be worn at home or even at a sporting event! That’s right- with three colors to choose from.

    Call 1-800-BITE-ME today! Operators are standing by.

  21. #21
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:13 am, tre said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 3:47 am, graysonret said:
    Are they selling Obama dartboards?

    How about Obama toilet paper?

  22. #22
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:20 am, scituate_tgr said:

    Is this what selling out your country means?

  23. #23
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:30 am, JohnnyD said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:13 am, tre said:
    How about Obama toilet paper?

    I got a roll of Bush TP in my car from a “loving” sister who thought it was funny. Maybe I’ll get lucky and find me a roll for the new prez just so I can start a collection.

    Might be worth some money on E-Bay some day. Yeah, that’s the ticket….my new retirement investment plan.

  24. #24
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am, jangar said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:30 am, JohnnyD said:

    That is if the One allows you to keep the money you make.

  25. #25
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:41 am, Send_Me said:

    I knew I saw all this before:
    “Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie election is made. Spaceballs Obama-the T-shirt, Spaceballs Obama-the Coloring Book, Spaceballs Obama-the Lunch box, Spaceballs Obama-the Breakfast Cereal, Spaceballs Obama-the Flame Thrower.
    And last but not least, Spaceballs Obama the doll.
    [pulls string]
    Doll: May the schwartz Change be with you!”

  26. #26
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:47 am, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Cheesy.

    Or rather: Uber-cheesy.

    You say that like it’s a bad thing. :roll:

  27. #27
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:50 am, Send_Me said:

    For those who haven’t seen Spaceballs, here’s the scene to which I was referring.

  28. #28
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:54 am, Jim61 said:

    All part of the Obama stimulus plan.

  29. #29
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:55 am, JohnnyD said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am, jangar said:

    Yeah, it is kind of a crappy plan. But, if it all goes down the drain, I could always ask for a bailout under Crap 2.1 V3.

  30. #30
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:57 am, jangar said:

    Will the One receive royalties? Just asking…

  31. #31
    On January 6th, 2009 at 9:00 am, JohnnyD said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:41 am, Send_Me said:

    One of the funniest (and true) scenes Mel Brooks ever made.

    Thanks for the reminder.

  32. #32
    On January 6th, 2009 at 9:10 am, sshuffield70 said:

    The only thing missing is a permanent picture of The Messiah on the Times Square Jumbotron.

  33. #33
    On January 6th, 2009 at 9:23 am, madmonkphotog said:

    My comment to QVC:

    My wife and I have been shopping for a flat screen TV and had been considering purchasing one from your network. However, I recently learned that QVC will be broadcasting the inauguration of Obama. Like many other media outlets, your actions will be the first of its kind since you are not a news network. And it’s because you are a news network that we have stopped considering a purchase from you. Never has QVC bothered doing the same with other presidents, regardless of the hype behind this one. He and his staff have intentionally tried to place him in history as well as make comparisons to other great presidents on this nation. He is neither great or historical. Furthermore this statement, “Frankly, if we were not at the inauguration, we would feel like we were not doing our job,” by Doug Rose, shows the extreme bias of your network for someone who has accomplished nothing.

    As with the many American companies that received a bailout, I hope your network fails. I feel no need to be polite because of the politics of the left, which you will be promoting by broadcasting this dog-and-pony show. Only then will you appreciate the broad base of American consumers, such as myself, instead of spreading propoganda for a man who has accomplished absolutely nothing.

  34. #34
    On January 6th, 2009 at 9:24 am, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:50 am, Send_Me said:
    For those who haven’t seen Spaceballs, here’s the scene to which I was referring.

    What I find interesting is that you point to a movie that is a parody of a movie whose subtitle was called “A New Hope” Oh, the irony! :smile:

  35. #35
    On January 6th, 2009 at 9:30 am, tre said:

    May the schwartz Change be with you!”

    To quote another scene in that movie:

    “I hate it when my schwartz Change gets twisted!”

  36. #36
    On January 6th, 2009 at 9:50 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Inauguration?

    First things first…

    Trust, But Verify!

  37. #37
    On January 6th, 2009 at 10:10 am, GladzKravtz said:

    QVC sales!!..So finally, Obama unveils his economic Stimulus Package!

  38. #38
    On January 6th, 2009 at 10:24 am, tiredofit08 said:

    no other president or president elect has had as much gaudy garbage for sale…colorizing American coins and sticking dear leader’s face beside Lincoln and Washington is about as tacky as you can get. He hasn’t even taken office or done a thing yet and he’s being made out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread…what a crock…..this stuff is pretty much worthless now and if he fails miserably or is found out to be a usurper then it’ll be completely worthless….excuse me while I go puke now…lol

  39. #39
    On January 6th, 2009 at 10:26 am, wighttrasch said:

    A Massingill ‘Obama’ douchebag. For that ‘not-so-hopeful’ feeling.

  40. #40
    On January 6th, 2009 at 10:26 am, Laree said:

    Deirdre Imus was on her husband’s program this morning she stated “It is important to get rid of Synthetic things in your life-enviorment, including people” Barack Obama the Synthetic President? What is that stuff QVC is schlocking made of? Is Barack Obama toxic?

    http://youhavetobethistalltogoonthisride.blogspot.com/2009/01/deirdre-imus-green-you-3rd-installment.html

  41. #41
    On January 6th, 2009 at 10:33 am, CyberCipher said:

    Since this has morphed into a Mel Brooks thread, I thought I’d add my two cents worth:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 6:45 am, Socky said:

    The guy doesn’t stimulate my vagal nerve either.

    From Young Frankenstein:

    Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder): “Elevate me!”
    Assistant(Terri Garr): “Here? Now?”

    Personally, I’m waiting for the Obama condoms to hit the market — not that I’d use them for birth control or anything.

    My collie says:

    You’re planning to decorate the 2009 Christmas tree with them, aren’t you?

  42. #42
    On January 6th, 2009 at 10:51 am, lgm said:

    Maybe MM has some unresolved anger management issues.

    Most days she would applaud entrepreneurial capitalists (QVC) selling things to willing customers (Obama supporters).

    If you want to rid the world of schlock, why not start with Marry Manilow? Then you could move on to the treacle on Fox called Huckabee.

  43. #43
    On January 6th, 2009 at 10:54 am, RobM1981 said:

    Why does this bother anyone? It’s tacky, but so are people wearing sweatsuits at the mall. People still buy Elvis Presley “Collections” of songs they already own. Whatever. It’s still a 51% free country – I think.

    We can’t have it both ways. If people want to burn money on this stuff, that’s their business. Leave’em alone.

    I, for one, am happy to see someone in the USA making money these days… even if it is insanely tacky.

    Oh, btw – what % of this stuff is actually made here in the USA? :D

  44. #44
    On January 6th, 2009 at 11:05 am, DBNinKY said:

    I, for one, am happy to see someone in the USA making money these days… even if it is insanely tacky.

    Agreed – no problems here with anyone making a legitimate dollar.

    Oh, btw – what % of this stuff is actually made here in the USA?

    Excellent point!

  45. #45
    On January 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am, Alan K. Henderson said:

    I bet QVC isn’t selling Obama Waffles.

  46. #46
    On January 6th, 2009 at 11:50 am, Jeff2161 said:

    At least the Obama Waffles are proudly made in America !

  47. #47
    On January 6th, 2009 at 11:58 am, wighttrasch said:

    Who is Marry Manilow?

  48. #48
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am, Alan K. Henderson said:

    I bet QVC isn’t selling Obama Waffles.

    As we speak there are negotiating with John Kerry for the Flip Flop logo.Hey, they are from Chicago.

  49. #49
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:06 pm, tre said:

    Wighttrasch, that was his name before he had the operation.

    I thought everybody knew that! Why else do you think he’s such a girly man!

  50. #50
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:14 pm, wighttrasch said:

    Ohhh, that’s why my brother calls him ‘Barely Manenough’?

  51. #51
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:22 pm, lgm said:

    Conservatives are selling schlocked up trinkets for the losers.

  52. #52
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:36 pm, tre said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:14 pm, wighttrasch said:
    Ohhh, that’s why my brother calls him ‘Barely Manenough’?

    HAHAHAHA! Bulls Eye!

  53. #53
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:40 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:22 pm, lgm said:
    Conservatives are selling schlocked up trinkets for the losers.

    And how was your shopping spree? Did you get everything you wanted?

  54. #54
    On January 6th, 2009 at 12:52 pm, wighttrasch said:

    Hey lgm; to steal a quote from ‘Blade Runner’–wake up man!

    Palin wasn’t running for President!

  55. #55
    On January 6th, 2009 at 3:14 pm, denver republican said:

    This is capitalism at its garishly finest. So someone is making crap and someone wants to buy it. So what? The Big 3 (and a host of other companies) could follow QVC’s lead – market a product people want and sell it to them. No harm, no foul.

    The big question is this: Is that Obama-like QVC logo for real or is it photoshopped? I hope hope hope it’s real – now that’s tacky!

  56. #56
    On January 6th, 2009 at 3:52 pm, Surveyor said:

    Once upon a time, I went into this convenience store…..I get to the counter and displayed there in a large mason jar were these pennies…..just pennies, each wrapped in it’s own little 4-leaf-clover-looking cardboard wrapper and written on the jar were the words “Lucky Lotto Scratch-off Penny”. These things were on sale for $1.29 each!! The real funny part was that the jar was half-empty!! As long as there are idiots willing to buy this stuff there will always be the slightly-smarter idiots making it and selling it…..no matter what “it” is.

  57. #57
    On January 6th, 2009 at 5:25 pm, nail49 said:

    all this junk will be up on eBay

    BlameAmericaLast: I doubt it — I imagine most would end up as something to sharpen your aim on the pistol range. You could give it to me and that is what I would use it for, but I wouldn’t pay for it!

  58. #58
    On January 6th, 2009 at 8:52 pm, torabora said:

    Any Vera Baker action dolls???

    Ohhhh la la!

  59. #59
    On January 6th, 2009 at 9:12 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    …colorizing American coins and sticking dear leader’s face beside Lincoln and Washington is about as tacky as you can get.

    I sent MM a Photoshop of a gold coin with the photo of Obama with the cigarette on it, but apparently it didn’t make the grade… ;) But it was tacky!

  60. #60
    On January 7th, 2009 at 12:42 am, AlohaGuy said:

    In case anyone is left here, here’s Obamai on a “rare” Imari Plate

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