Issue Date: September 26, 2004

Election

Pop politics

Have fun this voting season.

Time was, voters wanting to show support for their political favorites were relegated to yard signs and campaign buttons. Today, there's a wide array of ways to display your politics. Some of this election year's most sought-after:

Support wear. Voting's not just a political statement; it's a fashion statement. Celebs like P. Diddy are sporting custom-made tees. At DeclareYourself.com, $20 designer shirts include a Richard Tyler tie-dyed tank ("Be the change you want to see"), a Todd Oldham tee or tank ("Gone Voting"), and an Isaac Mizrahi shirt that makes clever use of the "V" in the V-neck to spell "Vote." Or sport earrings of the 2004 candidates, $2.99 at campaignearrings.com. More discreet politicos can don political thongs or boxers. Price: $11.99-$16.99 at cafepress.com/jibjabstore.

Dolls, dolls. If you'd like to throttle the candidates, get your hands around Bush and Kerry squeeze dolls. Although they're billed as voodoo dolls, the Disaster Accomplished Bush (in flight suit) and the Waffle Kerry (in flip-flops and holding a stack of waffles) are made of pliable stress foam and are better suited for squashing than stabbing (but, hey, whatever makes you feel better). Each 5-inch doll is $11.95 at squeezevote.com.

Canine chews. Even Barney, the president's terrier, has a bone to pick with the man trying to oust his master. Although no one's actually caught the White House pooch gnawing on a Kerry chew toy, Political Pet Toys director Tony Russell says he's confident the gift he sent to Pennsylvania Avenue is in the right paws. Let's just hope Barney doesn't head to San Francisco, where the likeness of Bush can be found in the jaws of more dogs than in any other city where it's sold. Price: $12.95 at politicalpettoys.com or at pet stores.

Punching bags. Presidential candidates can expect to take a beating -- this year, literally. If you have a beef with the Republican or Democratic nominee, take a swing at an inflatable punching bag representing "Battling Bush" or "Knockout Kerry." The 7-inch model ($3.95) is perfect for your desk, and the boxing gloves on the 46-inch version squeak ($14.95). For information: rocketusa.com or 708-358-8880. Also available in specialty gift and bookstores nationwide and at airport shops in Washington, D.C., and New York.

Political poker. Think the candidates aren't playing with a full deck? Deal yourself a hand from pro-Bush playing cards that proffer 52 reasons to re-elect the president. (Here's one: "He strengthens our economy despite trials.") If you think the prez should fold 'em, choose the deck that lists reasons to give him and his team the boot. Price: $8-$9 at newtscards.com.

-- Jeannette Moninger