The American election is an epic showdown of merch and memes.

Oh, the joys of political merchandising! In the latest "Resumé", Billy Andersson dove head-first into looking at both candidates merch, "Harris is a politician, Trump a populist – this is reflected in the merchandise"
He deduces: "Best t-shirt may not win the election, but in the 2024 US presidential election, merch has created a new political language. And marketers have a lot to learn." It's true. This year's presidential race has been nothing short of a fashion runway for the politically inclined, showcasing each candidate's flair for the... let's call it 'bizarrely brilliant'.

In this epic showdown of merchandise, Trump plays the victim card with a side of defiance, while Kamala embraces quiet sophistication with a twist of irony. It's not just about winning votes; it's about who can sell the most absurd or stylish piece of gear. Who knew politics could be so stylishly contentious?

Trump's Merry-Go-Round of Memes

Donald Trump has mastered the art of riding the meme wave. From MAGADonald's T-shirts that likely had McDonald's lawyers sweating to mocking merchandise inspired by Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris, he's fully engaged with internet culture. Let's not forget the original—his MAGA hat, now featuring a MAGA hat on another hat. It's like looking in a funhouse mirror. His approach shouts, "I'm here for a good time!" with new merchandise appearing for every new meme. 

Next summer marks a decade since the MAGA hat debuted, yet it remains a beloved icon among Trump's base, indicating its enduring appeal to the campaign. Trump donned this red cap during his 2015 candidacy announcement. According to Jared Kushner's memoir, at their peak sales in 2016, they were raking in up to $80,000 a day from these hats.

Kamala's Subtle Chic.

In contrast, Kamala Harris maintains a classy, minimalist vibe with her campaign, focusing on wearability—think slogan tees and friendship bracelets. Who knew camo could be so politically fashionable? Her camo hat sold out faster than you can say "free PDF recipes." And let's not overlook her 2024 Election Collection by top designers—it's where fashion meets politics for a high-brow brunch.

Designers for Democracy Kamala Harris and Tim Walz didn't just enlist designers; they called on fashion A-listers as if casting for a blockbuster movie. With names like Sergio Hudson, who is beloved by Michelle Obama, and Thom Browne, akin to a Michelin star in fashion, this collection proclaims, "Vote for us—we've got style!"

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This isn't just merch; it's a statement. Each piece comes with its own message, loud and clear. Ulla Johnson's hoodie isn't just floral; it's practically yelling about reproductive rights. And Victor Glemaud's tank? It's like a wearable manifesto. They've turned fashion into a megaphone for democracy.

When your campaign is endorsed by fashion icons whose designs have adorned figures like Obama and Clinton, you're not merely running for office; you're running a style campaign.

Let's face it, Donald Trump won't be winning any awards for graphic design finesse. But here's the kicker: who needs a fancy logo when you've got the MAGA hat? That red cap was less about design and more about impact in the 2016 race against Hillary, whose campaign, bless its heart, tried to go the professional route with its visual branding.

Now, enter Trump's latest visual shout-out, a logo as subtle as a brick through a window, just like his recent fundraising email where he basically said, "Hey, would you still vote for me if I'm behind bars?" Classic Trump. In the email, he's all like, "They got me on some business records thing, but really, I'm just too pro-America for the commies and fascists out there!"

He's playing the martyr card, big time. "I'm ARRESTED, I've got a MUGSHOT, and I'm wrongfully convicted in this WITCH HUNT TRIAL," he cries. "All because I'm fighting for YOU, not the DEEP STATE!"

So, what's his response to being the first ex-prez to get convicted? Defiance, baby! His new logo? It's like his finger in the eye of the establishment: bold, unapologetic, and just slightly off-center, much like the man himself. It's not just a logo; it's a battle cry for grievance politics, featuring his mugshot and the mantra of being a witch hunt target.

This isn't just branding; it's turning a conviction into a badge of honor. And his new black-on-black baseball cap? It screams, "Make America Great Again!" on the front and "Never Surrender!" on the side. Because in Trump's world, style isn't just about looking good; it's about making a statement, whether the design world agrees or not!