Barack Obama is a popular presidential candidate who has suddenly become a style icon. He is being marketing as a fashion item at stores and vendors everywhere, allowing his popularity to soar even more. His face and plays on his name are appearing on just about anything, from t-shirts to underwear to teddy bears.

Republican candidate John McCain is also being marketing as a fashion item but the Obama gear is outselling McCain’s by three-fold.

Professors at Columbia and Penn State believe this type of marketing is a good way to make students aware of the political environment and get them involved.

Despite how popular Obama and his gear are, there is no guarantee that he will win the presidency in November. Also, for the time being, Urban Outfitters is the only retail store selling the Obama merchandise. Other major retailers are unlikely to join in because they don’t want to shut out customers due to political affiliation.