Where are the cheerleaders?!

Wait, is this a rally on a campaign trail, or a college football game? I'm not quite sure.....

During the morning news coverage of the McCain campaign trail from Monday, September 15th, I couldn't help but notice a large group of young men in the front row with painted chests that read, "McCain * Palin." Is this where this election is going? Should the upcoming election be treated like an unpredictable college football season, full of painted chests, devoted and loyal fans, season tickets and tailgating? Perhaps, that whole idea trivializes the incredible importance of the upcoming election. The focus should be on the issues, like the current state of our economy, and not on "You Go Girl" buttons, and "Read My Lipstick: Vote for McCain/Palin" signs. It is frustrating to watch the majority of Americans buy into this seemingly obious form of viral marketing, as the McCain/Palin brand (and they have certainly turned into a sellable, marketable product very quickly, and more than willingly) is shoved into our faces constantly.

Of course, I did just purchase a shirt from Urban Outfitters with Obama's face on it, but hey, at least he's cool. And that's proof, at least, that both sides of the proverbial fence are guilty of this "celebritization" of the candidates. (Yes, I did just make up a new word. It'll catch on, you'll see.) I know McCain's camp spent the summer throwing around terms like "celebrity" and "inexperienced," but now they have a truly inexperienced celebrity of their own, AND they've jumped on Obama's "Change" train.

Clearly at this point, it's anybody's game. I'll bring the hot wings and the beer.