At first I groaned, then I laughed at the commercial for the “Obama Commemorative Plate.” If you’ve watched cable news at all, you know the one. The announcer says the plate marks “the day the world changed forever” and features a man writing a letter, who suddenly stops and looks over to make sure that Obama is still watching over him from the plate. The one where the announcer veers into self-parody, declaring, “his confident smile and kind eyes are an inspiration to us all.” Speak for yourself, pal. By the way, guys, Chairman Mao’s hagiographers called–they said that line was over the top.

Anyway, this commercial seems strangely ubiquitous. Apparently the “American Historic Society,” which makes the plate, must have a lot of cash on hand to buy those advertising slots.

By the way, you realize the plate lists 27 electoral votes as “Undetermined” — guys, would it have killed you to wait the extra day or two for them to be decided?

UPDATE: From reader Eric: “What no one has mentioned yet: Obama’s image is flipped, with his nose mole on the right side of his face. What, they couldn’t afford to buy an image that didn’t need flipping? Another flip-flop for The One, and he isn’t responsible for it!”