Politics and creativity

So, I really thought my Barack Obama Obumpa fist pump t-shirt would be a big seller at my t-shirt store. I mean, I thought the design was clever, and the play on Obama's name seemed clever, but perhaps my son is right. Perhaps it is a lame pun. What do you think?
It's so hard for me to combine creativity with politics. I mean sure, there's the name of the candidate, and the symbols, (American flag, peace sign, etc.), but how far can you really stray from the status quo? Then I see some incredibly unique designs, and I wish I had created them! My 2 most unique designs for Obama are can be found here.. and here.
But even I admit I need to make something more unique and exciting. And when trying to come up with a creative thought, it just seems different with a political theme. I get caught up in the red, white and blue, and the ordinary, expected things. I wish I could erase every political design I've ever seen, I think they've influenced me over the years. It's kind of like really bad tv commercials, you seem to remember them, so I guess they've done their job.
And yet, my favorite way to get inspired to come up with new, creative ideas for my t-shirts, is to go to the used book store, and spend hours there looking through the art books. While I usually spend some money there, the point is to find things that inspire me, not to copy other artists' ideas. It's great because there is so much original art in the world, it makes me think that I can come up with something original too. If I put blinders on. But then, so much of the outside world is great for inspiration, I guess it would just be nice to have a filter. I do like my yoga t-shirts though, especially this one.
Please check out my t-shirt and gift store, any feedback is greatly appreciated.
And if you have any ideas on how you get inspired, or what helps you be creative, I'd love to hear them!

Barack Obama and the Fist pump

Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle gave each other a celebratory fist pump, (fist pump, fist bump, knuckle touch, whatever you want to call it). I didn't think too much of it, but the news had a field day with this. They showed it over and over, in slow motion, had people commenting on it, decided that this was just another example of how Obama is in touch with the younger generation, how Barack Obama is hip and cool. Not to mention, way younger than John McCain. My husband laughed and said "are they kidding? I've had an old white guy from Indiana doing the fist pump at me for 3 years, at work". I laughed. SO then I thought, does this really show that Barack Obama is young and hip, or does it just show that the media is in love with him? I'm not sure, but they were making such a big deal out of the whole bumping knuckles thing...I just had to come up with a shirt for my online shirt store. It had to be original, had to be funny...what to do, what to do? Finally I came up with this...I call it Barack Obumpa. I thought it was kind of cute and clever, then my 11 year old walked by and said "that's kind of a lame pun." So, now I'm not so sure. I old him it will probably catch on like wildfire, but he may be right. What do you think?

Barack Obama loves Hillary Clinton?

Well, Hillary is finished with her campaign. Or is she? Could it be possible that Hillary Clinton will be chosen to be Barack Obama's vice presidential running mate? I find it hard to believe that after all that has happened in her hard fought campaign, she would be content to be vice president. Actually, I think Hillary would like to be vice president, because she is a powerful woman who wants to be as powerful as she can be. What about Barack Obama supporters? Would they embrace Hillary after all that has happened on the campaign trail? I admit, she has been very good about playing fair, and I think she is incredibly intelligent, but would Barack Obama even want her around? Does Obama himself pick the running mate, or is it the Democratic party? I'm not sure how that works, it will certainly be interesting to see what happens. One thing is for sure, it's a history making political season!
And don't forget to get your Barack Obama campaign buttons, yard signs, posters, coffee mugs, and more at my online t-shirt and gift shop, www.cafepress.com/creativethought.