This week marks the beginning of the Democratic National Convention, and people are definitely pushing the Obama swag. But when does a quirky bootleg item become just plain weird? 

I wasn’t joking when I used the word “bootleg” up at the top; Apparently, a ton of unofficial Obama gear is sprouting up at the Democratic National Convention this year. This stuff isn’t authorized by the Democratic party, and it sounds like it’s being sold by a bunch of people with button-making machines and silk screen presses (or whatever the heck you use to print stuff on shirts). These things range from “Run DNC” t-shirts to “Hipsters For Obama” buttons. Not joking on either one of those.

Honestly, I find this all pretty awesome. Granted, I’m the girl who bought a knockoff “Wicked” t-shirt when I saw the Broadway show five years ago. I’m a sucker for street hawkers and all the crazy stuff they dream up every day. But more than that, I find it interesting from a political point of view. A lot of people were wondering if Obama was going to inspire the same low-level, DIY campaign spirit that helped him get to the presidency in 2008. Maybe this is a tiny indicator that he can.

We’ll see what happens, Lovelies. But in the meantime, let’s enjoy all the random stuff popping up. Here are some ideas for what buttons might show up eventually!

[via Huffingtonpost.com]

Do you think any of these buttons will actually be made at the Convention? Have YOU ever bought a knockoff campaign item?

Image source (hipster button)