Obama Memorabilia Still Popular

Barack Obama autographs, books, pins, posters and other memorabilia were selling like crazy in the fall of 2008 and winter of 2009.

The inauguration of a new president marked the dawn of a new era in American history and while Obama is now facing the inevitable criticism that comes with the job, he still moves merchandise. 

According to Business Week magazine, few U.S. Presidents have inspired the fanatical admiration that Obama once did.

Sales of Obama gear have dipped, of course, from where they once were, but thanks to foreign visitors who revere him and those who still back the young ex-Senator, it is still a brisk business. 

Obama memorabilia accounts for about 40% of the $2 million annual sales at one D.C. area political shop.  That is twice what a normal president has sold.

tourists from Germany, Australia, France still love Obama says one woman who travels around the world.

The owner of the America! chain of souvenir shops says Obama memorabilia is outselling that of any other sitting President since the business began 22 years ago. 

The only thing wholesaler Robert Slater could compare it to was John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s.   

Historians and popular culture experts believe Obama memorabilia popularity is partly because the President is not only young and fits well into the increasing fascination with movers and shakers in all walks of life.