US elections The Boomers.com merchandise top 10 These US elections seem to be a complicated business, what with Primary Elections and Caucuses-the system here in the UK feels somewhat less laborious? A Boomers friend from Chicago kindly explained the difference to us: Caucus A caucus is somewhat akin to a local meeting or town hall/village hall gathering (but on a bigger scale). The caucus is America’s oldest method of selecting it’s delegates. Local meetings are held, registered members of the parties can adopt their favourites and then attempt to persuade other members to vote likewise. Only once you’ve been selected can you run as your parties candidate for the Presidency unlike here where our party leaders –or independents run. Primary A primary is a state-level election for the 34 US states where they don’t hold a Caucus, here party members vote to select a candidate from their political party (Republicans & Democrats). Party candidates selected from the primary’s then go on to battle it out with each other in the race to the White House. All well and good ‘till you have a popular independent- who can sometimes split the vote for one party or the other. Fascinating, and from my standpoint it’s great to finally understand it all- however what we were particularly interested in the amount of ‘merchandise’ you can purchase in order to boost your candidates coffers (for their election fund) and show allegiance to not only your candidate but your party too. Here we seem to opt for a poster-the poster will say vote for Mr/Mrs/Miss ‘Bloggs’ we then stick it on a window-job done! The poster will simply read ‘vote Labour’ or ‘vote Conservative’, ‘Lib Dems’ , ‘UKIP’, ‘SNP’ etc ,etc. Nothing so mundane in the US, there they are spoilt for choice snd have a collection of souvenirs, flags, pins (badges to us!) and assorted ‘stuff’! Here’s our top ten (in no particular order) Ben Carson US elections merchandise top 10 No self respecting US citizen would dream of not having their ‘front yard’ adorned with their respective candidates campaign yard flags. www.bencarson.com Hillary Clinton cushion Vying to become the first female US president, Hillary Clintons left no stone unturned-even the campaign merchandise would look good on any high street! www.hillaryclinton.com Ted Cruz beer/bev cooler Many American’s enjoy their ‘brewski’s’ ( Pint to us) and why not! Here’s a handy way of keeping that beverage ice cold while supporting your candidate. www.tedcruz.org Donald J Trump campaign doggie coat The perfect fashion accessory for those icy cold winters. All the best dressed dogs of Donald Trump supporters will want one of these. www.donaldjtrump.com Jeb Bush BBQ apron Warning!, do not BBQ without your novelty apron. Here we have the Jeb Bush campaigns answer to your chefs attire. jeb2016.com Bernie Saunders mug Not to be out pun-d (sorry) Bernie Saunders is not only taking on Hillary Clinton for the Democrats nomination he’s also going toe to toe on the wordplay. Hillary has ‘HillYes’ and Bernie has ‘Feel the Burn’ and on a souvenir mug to boot. https://berniesanders.com John Kasich John Kasich Chop the debt sticker.No SUV is complete without this season’s bumper sticker and how could supporters of John Kasich not want one of these? https://johnkasich.com/ The Dr Ben Carson med suit From Neurosurgeon and presidential candidate Ben Carson perfect for a fancy dress party or impersonating a cast member from ER, the Dr Ben Carson med suit, resplendent with badge. www.bencarson.com The Grillary Clinton Spatula Just when we thought it was safe to return to the BBQ we discover the Grillary Clinton Spatula-speaks for itself! www.hillaryclinton.com Trump pom poms And the final word to ‘The Donald’ what could be more American than a cheer leaders pom pom, complete with the Trump logo. www.donaldjtrump.com These, like the President Kennedy pins may well become collectors pieces, only one can be the winner who’s your tip for the White House?
