T-shirts measure Obama's success

Washington (AP) It's not a scientific poll on the popularity of President Barack Obama, but souvenir shops in Washington and elsewhere say sales of all things Obama are softening.

Back in January, it was nearly impossible to escape the Obama commercial boom. His image and words were on millions of T-shirts, posters and commemorative plates. Even Corporate America got in on the Obama blitz with PepsiCo and Swedish furniture store Ikea joining the chorus.

At the Political Americana store across the street from the White House, the red, white and blue Obama "Hope" image that appeared on many campaign posters is still the most popular T-shirt.

The slowdown follows a slide in the polls and intense debate on issues including the bailouts and health care reform.

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