Tips for Creating a Barack Obama Halloween Costume

First of all, let me say that I do not recommend putting yourself in "blackface" or some bigoted, Al Jolson-like caricature from decades ago in creating a Barack Obama Halloween costume. In fact, I would strongly discourage such a move. Not only would it be "politically incorrect", I'm not big on that movement myself, but it would be insensitive to African-Americans, demeaning, insulting and just might bring unwanted consequences, such as a fight. Therefore, how does a person, either a Barack Obama supporter, detractor or an undecided, come up with a Halloween costume of Barack Obama without demeaning any race or being too political? Here are some ideas:

Focus on Barack Obama the man, the Presidential candidate and maybe the tendency of some of Obama supporters and members of the press who go a little too far in their admiration of the Democratic candidate for President. Some supporters have compared Obama to everyone from Jesus Christ to John F. Kennedy to Gandhi, leading some opponents to go "over the top" in criticizing Barack Obama. So can those persons wanting to have a little fun on Halloween come up with a Barack Obama Halloween costume that can make fun of certain quirks Obama has without being racist or insulting" "Yes, we can".

For starters, there are Barack Obama masks available online for $16.99. The mask is a full, over the head mask bearing at least a reasonable likeness to Obama. This mask would eliminate the need for makeup or a lot of accessories, unless of course, you are an African-American with the urge to "change" your Halloween costume. Wearing a suit would be a plus for the Barack Obama Halloween ensemble, of course with no American flag lapel pin attached. There has been much talk of Obama not wearing a flag pin on his suit, which to be fair, not all Presidential candidates wear all the time, but to be more realistic, no flag pin.

Then, put a tire gauge in the breast pocket. Recently, Barack Obama drew ridicule for suggesting Americans improve their gas mileage by checking their tire pressure regularly and decreasing our nation's dependence on foreign oil at the same time. Of course, any time Barack Obama checks his tires and the pressure is low, he could call on his former Pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright for plenty of hot air. If Wright isn't occupied on Halloween scaring little caucasian trick or treaters, that is.

Also, a must for a Barack Obama Halloween costume: a pocketful of CHANGE. "Change" has been the centerpiece of Sen. Obama's campaign for President, so if you want to have the "Wright stuff" for your Barack Obama costume, a lot of coin is a must. Speaking of Rev Jeremiah Wright, a problem for Obama earlier in the campaign, the Wrong Reverend Wright could accompany Obama trick or treating as the Invisible Man. Since Wright's appearance in D.C. this summer, hardly a peep has been heard from the George Jefferson of the pulpit. if you really want to scare most folks, have a tape of Wright's sermons playing as your Obama makes his rounds.

Given Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden's resemblance to the late Peter Boyle, Boyle played the Frankenstein monster in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein in the 70's, Joe Biden would also make a good Halloween companion for Barack Obama as Old Frankenstein. Supreme Court nominees Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas still have nightmares about Biden's days as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I'm sure.

If you want your Barack Obama and Frankenstein costumes to remain unsullied, better steer clear of anyone in a Sarah Palin costume. As of this date, neither Obama or Biden seems to have figured out an antidote for the nation's case of Palin fever. Someone in Bill and Hillary Clinton costumes might be the only thing protecting the pair from harm.

Another idea for a companion to go with your Barack Obama Halloween costume would be someone tagging along in a pig-mask with lipstick after the recent flap about Obama's comments using the old phrase about putting "lipstick on a pig"

In short, with the Barack Obama mask from www.halloween.com, there shouldn't be much need for a lot of accessories unless you want to include sandals for walking on water...