Barack Loves Me Mostest

[Campaign Gimmickry] I don't know why Obama picked me. I may be a brilliant and intuitive reporter, but in most arenas outside my profession I have never, ever been the first to know. Anything.

But the Obama for President campaign tells me that's about to change. Any day now I will be the First. To. Know.

The campaign keeps me and oh I dunno, about 82 million of Barack's other close personal friends, on an e-mail list. The latest in their innovative electronic campaign strategies is to announce that people on the list will be the first to know Obama's running mate, once he decides. We'll get the news via e-mail or text message. All we have to do is sign up.

I feel very special. Particularly since I am not exactly part of the breathless Obama is God faction. Yes, I was a Clinton supporter. But all I want at this point is a Democrat in the White House. And that choice is Obama. I think he'll make a fine president. But I'm not as convinced as others seem to be that the man can perform miracles. He's got years of damage to undo. And we're talking the reality of politics, after all.

Anyway, somehow my sorry self landed on the Obama e-mail list. Last month I got a close, personal letter from Michelle Obama, inviting me to make a "pledge" to the campaign (I suddenly felt like I was listening to Doug Fabrizio, pimping for donations during a KUER fund drive. Except there weren't any coffee mugs or CDs on the premium list.). If I donated by such and such a date, I'd be in the running to meet her husband at the National Democratic Convention in Denver.

I feel so special. (Holly Mullen)

Got Any Flip-Flops?

[Politics] What prized possessions would you be willing to sell to help elect Mitt Romney?

Whaddaya mean you'd sell something to help him not get elected? That isn't the question.

The Romney for President team has unveiled its Mitt Market feature -- a chirpy little homegrown eBay wannabe. The Romney campaign will get a financial cut from sales through its arrangement with AuctionPal.

The Romney site asks: "Do you have items lying around that you don't use? From bicycles that the kids have outgrown to old electronics or baseball cards, your stuff may be someone else's treasure."

And don't go getting any ideas that you can make a killing on behalf of Mitt by unloading that vintage Porsche Speedster taking up space in your garage. All federal election rules and spending limits apply.

Actually, I'd like to know: What items should people sell to help Romney get elected?

And a Salt Blog hat tip to Utah Policy Daily. (Holly Mullen)