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Barack Obama is simply a doll

A Barack Obama doll by German doll maker Marcel Offermann.

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TEXT OF INTERVIEW

Renita Jablonski: A lot of entrepreneurial minds go red, white and blue during presidential election season -- even outside of the U.S. In Germany, a doll maker is taking steady orders for a Barack Obama doll that costs $220.

Marcel Offermann says he's only making 999 of the dolls. Since they went on sale yesterday, he's taken 100 orders, and he's with us now. Mr. Offermann, welcome. What was your inspiration?

Marcel Offermann: That a black man is in the position to get the President of the United States, in my humble opinion I think that is really wonderful.

Jablonski: Have you heard from the Obama campaign at all about this?

Offermann: Yes -- it's really funny. I sent an e-mail last week and told them that I created the Obama doll. And after four hours, I get an answer, and I think they are amazed from this. Perhaps because, of the account from a German doll maker.

Jablonski: Is a Hillary Clinton doll . . . ?

Offermann: No. If Obama had missed, I have no Hillary doll.

Jablonski: Why not?

Offermann: Because it's not, my opinion, in her political . . . and it's very difficult to create.

Jablonski: It's difficult to create certain people?

Offermann: Yes, yes.

Jablonski: Can you give us a taste of what other public figures you've made into dolls recently?

Offermann: Yes -- we have made the Pope Benedict, the Dalai Lama, Mozart and last year, Lady Diana.

Jablonski: Marcel Offermann is a doll maker in Germany. His latest offering is the Barack Obama doll. Thank you so much, Mr. Offermann.

Offermann: I thank you! Bye!

Jane Doe's picture
Jane Doe - Nov 16, 2008

This looks like a Sambo doll

Payday Loan Advocate's picture
Payday Loan Advocate - Oct 3, 2008

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Payday Loan Advocate's picture
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Gregory White's picture
Gregory White - Sep 10, 2008

I Found this Barack Obama Gift shop on the Internet:
http://www.afrocentricgifts.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=844

Or If you want the Real Action Figure Doll of Barack Obama Click Here:
http://www.afrocentricgifts.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=10767

Barbara Boozer's picture
Barbara Boozer - Jun 12, 2008

The doll looks like a stereotypical black boy; nothing at all like Barak Obama. I can't imagine why anyone would want one.

Carl Reece's picture
Carl Reece - Jun 11, 2008

Do you have a website, email, or phone number for Marcel Offerman? I desperately want to buy an Obama doll. Please let me know how I can contact this fellow.

Regards,

Carl D. Reeece in LA

Alicia Borg's picture
Alicia Borg - Jun 10, 2008

The doll looks like the epitome of what some might call a black American president. The face is very old-fashioned and the doll looks like a perfect model for a ventriloquist. Interesting

Arch Kearney's picture
Arch Kearney - Jun 10, 2008

MAYBE this would have warrented a story if the doll actually looked like Obama, but please explain to viewers why some German based huckster deserved this free advertising for collectable trash? Journalistic standards? Who needs 'em Marketplace!

Jenifer Byrd's picture
Jenifer Byrd - Jun 10, 2008

Beside the fact that it looks nothing like Sen. Obama, it is highly offensive. There was a time when black dolls were a form of entertainment, a joke. I know that Marcel Offerman means well and he is an official doll maker of historical figures, I just don't care for it. Thank you for your enthusiasm! And, the doll could be named Little Bill and I wouldn't know any differen't. That's because he just looks like a young African American man.

Natalie Leath's picture
Natalie Leath - Jun 10, 2008

Sorry, but the Obama doll looks nothing at all like the candidate. Obama is a slender light skinned man. The doll has a fat round face with dark skin. Marcel Offermann did not do a good depiction of Barack Obama.