^[1]As we approach the day we sit down and say thanks, we grow closer to another important milestone in the holiday season- Black Friday ^[2].

I’ll be back home in Massachusetts possibly waiting in lines at 5 AM, but I wanted to write about something else people may not be waiting in line for.

Last week I was watching TV at work (don’t worry it’s my job) when I saw this crazy ad ^[3] for the “Barack Obama Limited Edition Coin.” I bet it would go great with “Obama Vitcory Collector’s Plate ^[4].”

Shortly after seeing the ads I was disappointed in the lengths people will go to cash in on history. I wouldn’t say I’m surprised however. DC locals are familiar with the vendors that line the streets of The Mall, selling all sorts of knock-off DC apparel. Everything from “Witness Protection Program ^[5]” to knock-off sweatshirts with the local Alma Maters on them.

Carlos Lee at Politico recently wrote a piece ^[6] that highlights even more items I didn’t know were out there- did you know that there’s a fake 8 Dollar Obama Bill ^[7]? I just had to check it out.

Low and behold there was a bill on eBay for sale- the best part of the item is the fine print:

‘THIS NOTE HAS NO MONETARY VALUE BUT IS GOLD IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THOSE WHO SEEK MEANINGFUL CHANGE FOR ALL AMERICANS’

In the words of John Stossel ^[8]- give me a break!

^[9]All sorts of people are joining in the madness- WMATA will be unveiling Obama SmartTrip Cards and Farecards ^[10] for the special event. I can’t wait to swipe Obama’s face on the Orange line!

The buzz around Obama has risen him to rockstar status – so it makes perfect sense that the merchandising is nothing short of that as well. What does everyone else think? Are you all ready to get your loved ones Obama plates for the holidays?