Nevada GOP Releases ‘Witch Hunt’ T-shirt, Tote Bags for Fundraising Push

Brendan Menapace

In the latest edition of political parties and politicians using merchandise to take a direct shot at opponents, Nevada Republicans are angling for donations with a (seasonally appropriate) “Witch Hunt” T-shirt and tote bag.

The design features cartoonish versions of Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar riding broomsticks. Schiff and Pelosi are common targets at the moment, being catalysts of the ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Trump; and Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Omar are typically lumped in on such things due to their outspoken nature and progressive beliefs, including pushing for impeachment.

The Make America Great Again Nevada campaign sent an email to supporters saying, “The best part of a scary movie is just how predictable it is. Just like the Democrats … eerily predictable.” That’s an interesting take on scary movies, which are typically designed to startle and surprise viewers. But, that’s not really important right now.

What is noteworthy of the continued use of merchandise not only to boost one’s own campaign or candidate of choice, but to try to boost that candidate by bringing down another movement.

This isn’t the first time the Nevada GOP has pumped out anti-impeachment merchandise, either. Back in September, it advertised “Impeach This” T-shirts for supporters, which raised more than $22,000, according to Newsweek.

So, obviously, there is a market for these shirts. The thing is, much like the very time-sensitive shirts that capitalize on meme-like moments in sports and culture, the shelf life is short. In a few years, the message of these shirts might be seen differently or seen as wholly irrelevant. But as a short-term strategy, especially for fundraising, this kind of thing can be remarkably effective, as we’ve seen.

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