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Obama buttons, socks, and cozies: At the DNC souvenir stand

Michigan delegates are meeting and debating and planning at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

But the delegates are also buying stuff.

One of the things you find at these political conventions are souvenirs. 

I pulled Michelle Evans Pejokovich off the cash register for a moment to tell us what they're hawking.

"We have t-shirts, iPhone covers, car magnets, bracelets, bangles, cuff links, t-shirts, tote bags, runway for change," said Pejokovich.

Some of the other items for sale:

  • Obama cozies (straight and gay)
  • Obama socks
  •  A pair of golf balls with tees
  • Donkey cookie cutters

I noticed when somebody comes to pay for their goods, Pejokovich asks them a series of questions.  She explained the money goes toward the campaign
"Everything here is not just buying something, it's a donation to the Obama Victory Fund. The federal law requires us to get certain information from them.  You know, just name, address, miscellaneous stuff like that," said Pejokovich.

Julie Robinson, from Cincinnati, Ohio is picking up lots of buttons and t-shirts for friends, and she says she''ll buy a cookie cutter too.

Roger Channis, from Attenburg, Texas also says he's bringing back souveniers for friends and family.

"Get a little piece of the DNC for them," says Channis. "You know so I had a lot of help from family and friends who support me to come up here.  You know I just kind of want to thank them and you know give them a little something.  A lot of folks have been asking me for bumper stickers and buttons."

Jessica Morton is from central Kentucky.

"We're from a conservative state and there are lots of Obama supporters there, and we want people to know that we do support the president," said Morton.

Her favorite item so far is a purple LGBT t-shirt with a rainbow. How might people from central Kentucky react to her shirt?

"You know, most people are very laid-back and relaxed. They vote conservative, but very much believe in individual freedom and rights and Kentucky's a state that gets a bad rap without a doubt," said Morton. "But we're very open minded and usually it's live and let live."

Lester Graham reports for The Environment Report. He has reported on public policy, politics, and issues regarding race and gender inequity. He was previously with The Environment Report at Michigan Public from 1998-2010.
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