From TPP to T-shirts, Washington hits peak Trump
(AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORP) Michael Rowland, July 22, 2016 — Whether you’re buying a souvenir or talking to a diplomat, it doesn’t take long before everyone’s attention in Washington turns to Donald Trump. The town is utterly obsessed with him, as Michael Rowland found out.
One of the great things about being in Washington in a presidential election year is not so much the front row seat to soak up the campaign excitement.
It is the merchandise.
Go to any souvenir store in the US capital and you’ll come across tables groaning under the weight of Clinton and Trump t-shirts, caps, coffee mugs, magnets, bottle openers and the eternally popular bobbleheads.
What struck me during my buying frenzy in a store a block from the White House was that the Trump products were usually $1 or $2 more expensive than the Hillary stuff.
And I saw why. The “Making America Great Again” gear was moving at a rapid pace as fan and foe alike got their piece of the Trump phenomenon. And, quite frankly, I would have paid any premium for my “We Shall Overcomb” t-shirt.
Washington is utterly obsessed with the Republican presidential candidate. Conversations didn’t take too long before they got around to Trump’s chances in November, the split he’s caused in the Republican Party, his wild rhetoric, his hair…