(Image source: Obama for America )

 

BY KERRY LEARY

 

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY



President Barack Obama is planning on running his re-election campaign in style... and we’re not just talking about his personal style.

The President’s campaign launched a fashion line called “Runway to Win,” complete with designer totes, t-shirts and pins.

Scarlett Johanssen, Anna Wintour and Tory Burch were just a few of the 23 designers that showed up to the event which coincided with a GOP caucus primary night. CNN reports, the event was more than just a gathering of supporters.

“(This) wasn't your typical get-together of moneyed Democrats looking to raise funds. More than 500 paying guests showed up to shop for the Obama gear, paying anywhere from $44 for a discounted ticket to $2,500 for a chance to have dinner with the event's organizers.”

Republicans have been quick to respond --- with a tailor-made attack ad on the fashion line .

“...Tory Burch Tote: $75. Thakoon Panichgul Scarf: $95. Watching the Obama Campaign host a ritzy NYC fashion show while 12 million Americans remain out of work? Priceless. There are some campaign moments money can’t buy. Obama’s celebrity-filled fashion show is one of them.”

The Republican National Committee is also advertising its own fake fashion item -- to mock the president’s recent change of opinion regarding Super PACs. US News reports.

“...in honor of the president's recent "flip flop" on his position on Super PACs  ... a pair of thong sandals reading "Super PACs, a threat to democracy (just kidding!)"

But the Guardian says - this fashion show idea fits perfectly with the Republican’s concept of wealthier democrats.

“There is nothing Republicans like more than wallowing in the concept of the "liberal elite". In this cosy fantasy world, Democrats  are Hollywood-loving latte-sippers with a fondness for sushi. They live in either Los Angeles or New York  (San Francisco, if they are environmentalists or gay) and have oodles of money to splash around on their favourite charity causes.”

Other critics aren’t concerned with the fashion -- as they are with a perceived campaign finance law violation. The Wall Street Journal says--

“...the general concern is, how much is one’s time worth and are people allowed to volunteer their time for a campaign in order to do something like they’re doing tonight-to design shirts and scarves and bags for a re-election account.”

While that battle rages, some are wondering if the Republicans can keep up with Obama’s high-profile brands. Business Insider believes this might just give Obama an advantage.

“...for Obama fans willing to shell out the dough, the campaign has definitely added a cool factor that Republicans are going to have a hard time replicating. After all, how many high-fashion hip-hop moguls support Mitt Romney?"