WASHINGTON (CNN) – They’ve been in the White House less than a week, but the first daughters have already been co-opted by marketers — and Michelle Obama isn’t happy about it.
Ty, the toy company responsible for the popular Beanie Babies dolls, is now marketing “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls.
The first lady’s office said Friday Ty was out of line. “We feel it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes,” said a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama in a statement.
A Ty representative told CNN the company generally avoids naming dolls for “any particular living individual,” because doing so might interfere with how kids use their imaginations to play with them. But they wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration for the new figures, telling CNN that information relating to the development of the company’s merchandise - including how it comes up with products, product names, and trademarks – is proprietary.
Related video: First lady miffed by 'Malia,' 'Sasha' dolls
–CNN White House Producer Becky Brittain contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
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We will see whose property it is after the law suit.
This inexcusable.
Pamma
Yeah, Michelle, it should have been your likeness then you would have been a happy momma. Wake up, Michelle, you are no longer a private citizen....that comes with the territory.
Michelley get over it. you wanted fame and fortune you got it.
Private citizens??! This is a joke, right? Malia and Sasha are public figures. All of the presidents' children are. The first lady and her husband should have thought of that before he ran for president.
It's obvious people aren't buying that many beanie babies these days and Ty was looking for a way to make some dough. I wish they would make ones of Cheney and Bush so we coud use them as voodoo dolls.
BS...it's just a cloud of smoke on the part of TY to sell their dolls in a bad economy.
Leave the girls alone. The president's daughters should not be subjected to this. It is inappropriate.
While Ty is doing something that they themselves say that they normally would not do, I think that Michelle Obama should cut them a break because if TY increases production, this would create jobs. Ty was once humming with their beanie babies until they screwed it up and destroyed demand with their botched marketing. This may give the company a boost and create some jobs in the meantime.
In any case, I am always suspicious of statements that claim to represent what public officials feel when those statements do not identify who (from the First Lady's office, for example) actually made the statement.
News media like to use this ploy when no actual statements were made, but when they want to make their opinion seem like legitimate announcements.
Goes with the territory.
If the good lord came back to earth, the money changers would be sell him like he was a piece of candy. For the blood suckers anything for a buck.
If I had a child I would not buy any of their products, lets send them a message, that says NO THANKS.
george
Welcome to the real world and a total loss of privacy.
This unscrupulous company won't get any more of my hard earned money.
That's it! I'm not purchasing anymore TY Corporation merchandise.
This is totally disgusting. Using those sweet girls to make money is dowright low. If people have any conscience they should not buy these dolls.
Very Inappropriate ! And very exploitive !
I'm sure there are better ways to stimulate ones own economy .
Seems at least two of the Obamas can stimulate a small portion of the economy, I guess Democrats do not like that?
Michelle's spokeswoman forgot to add " unless the Obamas get a cut of the profits'........
Why is it that the MSM keeps trying to make the Obamas out as being angry and mad. How about annoyed. It was the same thing with Obama being annoyed at the questions he was asked when he visited the press room. They are annoyed, not angry . Now you'll have all the Obama haters writing about Mrs. Obama being an angry Black women and President Obama being an angry Black man. Be afraid people, be afraid...She felt it was inappropriate to use her daughters to sell dolls. Why is that a problem (especially if they don't receive anything from it)? And please CNN, stop blowing things out of proportion.
there is nothing secret or proprietary about the marketing behind these dolls. at least they don't look like the girls. that would be crazy. but honestly, i would love to buy them for my niece. there are so few cute black dolls on the market. and don't get me started on the lack of latina and asian dolls!
THE NERVE.
Not too full of herself! What makes her think they're "her kids"... Its not all about you Michelle!
Michelle Obama is absolutely right. Her daughters are NOT for sale. Shame for the commercialization of private citizens.
Too bad, Michelle - you wanted the limelight - you got it!
gee, maybe your husband shouldn't have run for president then. If you really thought that your family could move into the White House and your daughters were going to live a "normal" life outside of the fish bowl then you got some very bad advice.
that is crossing the line... especially without having the obama's know about it or even give permission.
it's like hannah montana trying to get the obama girls onto her show
sickening
"For the first time in my adult life", I agree with Mrs. Obama.
"This is a downnright mean" doll company and would be a great thesis subject on how hateful a doll company can be in spite of the millions upon millions of children they have made happy and the millions they have given to charity.
The dolls are cute, the names are sweet and the Obama girls are absolute dolls themselves. However Ty is entirely out of line to market these dolls without prior consent.
I think it's also wrong. I mean TY has all thier toys patented where no other company or person can duplitcate thier products. They should not be able to use someone's person for thier own use. TY has sued people over the same thing TY is now doing to the First Family.
Ball is on your court, TY. Make it right.
Malia and Sasha aren't exactly common names–and the two names Together spell "exploitation for profit." This is crazy. I agree with Mrs. Obama.
If Ty has any sense, they'll stop producing these dolls immediately. It's patently obvious that the names and ideas for these dolls are taken from the likeness of Obama's two daughters. So, they can either cease production or prepared to be sued for inappropriately using someone's likeness in violation of their rights of publicity because, like it or not, those two girls now how those rights given that they've been thrust into the public eye.
One more thought here, thousands if not millions of girls across the country age going to want to emulate your daughters, their hair style, dress, etc simply because they are the girls of the president. It comes with the territory of being the current ocupants of the White House, are you genuinly supprised at this fact?
How stupid do these morons at Ty think people are. Yeah, ok, it's just a *coincidence* that these two dolls are named Sasha and Malia.
Slap 'em with a cease and desist order, I say!
I agree that these girls should not be exploited and should live a normal a life as possible.
Mrs. Obama should remember that it was the transition team that released pictures of the girl's first day of school. She should remember that instead of a normal ride to school on the first day they chose a motorcade with a police escort. If she wanted privacy for her children she should stop using them when it is politically expedient.
Though I think the dolls are cute. I agree with First Lady Obama. No only is it not appropriate but insensitive. These are not young adults, they are children whom need the opportunity to be just that. There parents are not starting a career merchandising there daughters. Ty, why do you feel you have the right. I will no longer spend my money on any of their products.
Ty won't reveal the name of their inspiration for the dolls?? Come on .. who do they think we are!!!!!
I agree with Mrs. Obama on this one. It would be a different story if they had asked to use the girls for this purpose. I can promise that this household will NOT be buying these Beanies.
Well, when you are in the limelight, this is what happens. At least they are nice looking dolls. Parents of the dead soldiers who fought in Iraq have tried to keep the names of their son's and daughter's off of T shirts produced in Arizona to no avail. The courts have ruled it freedom of speech.
Unfortunately this is the price of being a "public" figure. I don't know if something could be done since the girls are minors and innocent of any public personna.
I'm sure Sara Palin would be very upset if it were done to her children....
Michelle is right to voice her disapproval though.
They "wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration for the new figures?"
Oh yeah ... I think it's pretty obvious where you got it!!
Sounds like a good mother protecting her girls.
@ Doug
How would you feel if someone started selling dolls of your kids with your permission?
Yeah didn't think so, so maybe you should crawl back into that cave you came out of.
@ JerryD
People are supposed to respect the privacy of Politician's families. It is tradition dating past JFK. This is a shameful attempt to exploit these girls for profit.
I agree that these girls should not be exploited and should live a normal a life as possible.
Mrs. Obama should remember that it was the transition team that released pictures of the girls' first day of school. She should remember that instead of a normal ride to school on the first day they chose a motorcade with a police escort. If she wants privacy for her children she should stop using them when it is politically expedient.
THIS IS NOT ILLEGAL AND NOT DISTASTEFUL, BUT ARGUABLY INAPPROPRIATE. DO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME SOME SECRET FOCUS GROUP JUST RANDOMLY CAME UP WITH SASHA AND MALIA AS DOLL NAMES?? PROPRIETARY MY ARSE!!!
She should have thought about that before she gave Barack the ok! She had to know that the children wouldn't grow up like normal kids.
She is acting like actors who use and manipulate the media to make money but once they interfere with their agenda, they get pissed off. Get over it!
Can they do that without permission?!?!
Ugh. Worse than using the girls' names, I think, is using the girls' names and portraying them as dolls with breasts! That's tacky and just plain icky.
Oh, but right, the dolls aren't actually supposed to be the Obama girls. *rolls eyes*
Anything for a quick buck.
You should see the hawkers at ground zero, selling their photos of the former Twin Towers.
You can't stop them, no matter what you do.
Boo Hoo
The children are minors who should not be exploited by a private business for commercial gain. These children are not public property. Their parents and the media are committed to keep the children out of the public eye. This is utterly inappropriate. As a Mom I would also have my point of view known. Why anyone thinks it's acceptable to exploit these little girls to cash in is beyond belief.
Well, she is their mother and it is her right to speak out. However, on another side-the dolls are beautiful. Everyone is in it for the money.
That's right!! The Obama's are the only ones that should be able to exploit their children for political or personal gain.
Get use to it Michelle. the pubic are greedy and the factories know how to exploiate anything.
TY has lost my business and that of my friends. It doesn't take an idea to know how they came up with the name Malia and Sasha. This is totally disgusting and TY should be sued.
Well, the Obamas don't own the names Sasha and Malia. I'm sure Sarah Palin was upset with how the media treated her daughter, which was much worse than having a doll named after her. Having a doll named after your daughters isn't the worst thing in the world.
Oh, get over it Michelle. What did you expect and what harm is this doing? It's not an invasion of your family's privacy no matter what your ambulance-chasing profession thinks. Just suck it up, there's plenty more to come.
The Ty company is not fooling anyone simply by saying that they don't base their dolls on living people and by declining to "reveal the source of their inspiration for the new figures" – are they insane???? do they really think that that kind of NewSpeak will work on people??? I'm speechless at the idiocy of their official statement.
everyone want's a piece of the action, free market, get use to it first lady,
ya can't stop it and most could give a crap about it, goes with the territory,
you could have hubby resign, of course it may not seem apporite, but it's not illeagal, time for you to get your house togather and suck it up. it's only the begining.
Did someone at Ty think, "win-win situation"? Get the publicity or get he profits... or both?
What they did was make certain I will avoid buying from them and I'll try to convince everyone I know to avoid them as well. Obama fans will find this invasion into the children's lives offensive and non-Obama fans won't be interested in the dolls – except for all the wrong reasons – Which begs the question: What the heck were the idiots at Ty thinking?
This is a horrific use of a private citizens image (not to mention the fact that they're 2 YOUNG GIRLS). I thought the Ty corporation would know better. Mrs. Obama has every right to be outraged.
I think it is tacky of the toy company to exploit the First Children. Their father's job is President of the United States not their's. Exploiting them doesn't come with his position. The First Children are entitled to their own privacy, this is an invasion of such. Let them growup like other children.
If the Obama children are needed to sell dolls then perhaps the company is in the wrong business. I call for a boycott of all the toys made by this company. Let's hit them where it hurts. Maybe then they will reconsider their actions and other First Children or children of other prominent persons will not be exploited in the future.
Boo Hoo.
Ty had better be ready for a big, fat lawsuit. That's indefensible. In the meantime, wouldn't it be great if nobody bought one?
As for the argument that somehow being President means that your family can be used for marketing purposes, that has never been the case before. Obama hasn't complained that suddenly his likeness is on every coin, plate and poster imaginable; he knows he's a public figure and so is the First Lady. See, they have titles and stuff, it's pretty easy to tell who's public and who's not.
Typical of current practice for business. Call it corporate greed!
Shame on them, I hope there is some legal action. Just because they happen to be the children of a public figure doesn't make them a public figures.
And how many of these will they sell at $10 a pop?
This is a disgrace!
Hmm, I can certainly see Mrs. Obama's point here, but at the same time, I really don't see why it's such a bad thing. When my daughter walked into the room and saw those dolls, she loved them and immediately wanted them. When I told her who they were supposedly modeled after, she wanted them even more! Kids around the country are in love with these sweet girls, so I can see why Ty would capitalize on that. Doesn't make it right, considering the circumstances, but I don't think making dolls fashioned after them is a complete travesty either.
"Shame for the commercialization of private citizens."
Private? There's nothing at all private about being a member of the president's family. This seems completely innocuous to me. They should be flattered. I'd love to have my own action figure some day....
Legally speaking, I think Ty's in the clear on this one.
For all of you who think this is funny, you might not think so if it was your kids. We (adults) do all kinds of things that affect our children but sometimes that can't be helped.
Since it's clear you don't like the new first family, I'm sure you don't think they are doing us any good to be in the White House but YOU ARE WRONG. (Or so say millions and millions of my fellow Americans.)
Unforunately that put little Sasha and Malia in the spot light. Something they didn't ask for.
I'll bet you wouldn't be saying these evil things about the Bush girls or John McCain's kids.
Well like it or not, these two children are just as precious in GOD's eyes as they are and they deserve to be protected by their parents as much as possible. Or didn't you learn that in church.
Funny how many Rep. claim to be christians yet they write some of the most hateful comments I've ever seen...
Mrs. Obama isn't the only one upset, I'm upset also. Using the Obama's daughters as a marketing tool is totally wrong and don't let our children talk us into purchasing them.
yeah, well, maybe she should have used the funds her hubby just freed up today for an abortion or two THEN WE WOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS DISCUSSION!
Also, Barry should be glad his white mother didnt believe in abortion!
Please take a moment and send an email to the firm and request that they stop exploiting the Obama children.
http://www.ty.com/Talk2Ty_contactus
I agree with Michelle Obama. These girls are very young and it's inappropriate.
Boo Ho – they parade the children around on stage in designer clothes and are upset when a company markets a doll or two with the same name as the children.
If I recall correctly a few years back there were complaints that a certain manufacturer didn't make the dolls face "dark" enough so they were pulled off the self, then another complaint that toy companies were not making many black dolls.
Now a company comes along makes a doll with a dark face that has the name of Obama children. Is she upset because she isn't getting her cut?
Sorry Obama family. You choose a public life. You are no longer private citizens. What are you going to do when you are spoofed on Leno, Letterman, Saturday Night Live. Sorry MR OBAMA, you must meet with the media. Sorry MRS OBAMA. If you don't like it...QUIT!
Completely inappropriate. TY should be ashamed.
Give me a break! People Magazine... have been selling these kids with Obama permission for many months, and PBO put his letter to the girls out for public consumption!
This is just more Obama publicity!
This IS crossing the line. Children are off limits.
Turn the tables what if Barbie released a Bodacious Belly Bristol? Same thing – sorry!
Maybe, First Lady Obama would like it better if they were aborted beanie babies.
Kinda gross that a toy company is using children to hawk merchandise. Michelle has never complained about people using Barack because he's an adult and that is how it is. She has every right to be protective of her children. That's what a good mother does.
For the weirdo repubs here, Lynne Cheney went ballistic when John Kerry simply mentioned her adult daughter, who was working on the campaign trail as a paid staffer.
Marketing GENIUS! oh, and Michelle hun, GET OVER IT!
Oh the outrage....the same outrage when the media and you libs were all over Palins daughter...
I AGREE WITH THE 1ST LADY, MAKING MONEY ON THE LOVE AND ADMIRATION WE ALL HAVE FOR THIS FAMILY, IS OUT OF LINE.
JUST GO'S TO SHOW YOU!!! EVERYBODY AND THERE MOTHER IS OUT TO MAKE A BUCK ON ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.
I certainly understand the First Lady not wanting someone to exploit their daughters, and impose on their privacy, And I'm sure if they wanted to persue it they could force them to stop. But if there is any upside to it The First family is so popular it would probably help the economy, I would say a win win would be to issue the ultimatum that proceeds be used to benefit one of the Obamas Charities or go toward paying down the national debt. THat would only enhance their popularity and would be in step with their agenda
Trying to make a buck off of two innocent girls is tragic. The ONLY way to rectify this situation is to donate ALL profits to a worthy cause of Michelle's choice.
TY Corp went too far invading the lives of small children...enough! I, for one, would urge Mrs. Obama to sue...it is the only thing Corporate America understands. I am totally disgusted with TY...bloodsuckers!
No more Beanies for this household.
Is it kosher for the First Lady to say, "my family will no longer buy toys from this company?" I don't think she'd have to ask anyone else to join her, which wouldn't be, but she wouldn't need to.
Isn't ironic that this would come out on the same day that Obama signed an order that will mean thousands more abortions each year.
Yes, they are the caring family aren't they. "If we decide not to kill our babies, we don't want anyone exploiting them but us"
What really gets me is TY denies that the Obama girls were the inspiration for these dolls. RRRRRIIGHT! Like naming them "Sasha" and "Malia" was just a coincidence. They should have gotten permission from the Obamas first. (which would not have been granted). Either way, it is inappropriate.
All these people telling her to "suck it up" and get used to it – you know very well that if it were YOUR children, you'd sue for a piece of the action.
for the next four years these girls are going to live a life of privelege that 99% of the world will not get. And your complaining about a doll made in their image? Talk about inapropriate whinning!!!
Unlike other statements from Ty that said that this was a coincidence, there is absolutely NOTHING coincidental about this move. This is opportunism to the max and the buying public should show its disgust.
Oh no, lets not have dolls or other tacky items of the first family, yet lets go ahead and have voodoo stab dolls, bush bobbleheads, and other distasteful items sold during the Bush administration & family. Go cry me a river !
Mr. Obama
I do not agree with you in most areas and I did not voted for you, however as a father of two daugthers I totally simphasize with your anger....!!!!
I'm very conservative, but liberal / conservative doesn't matter when it comes to children (at least ones that have already been born). TY is wrong. They may not be legally culpable in any way, but no word other than exploitation fits here. Leave the kids alone. Do those morons think they are fooling anyone when they say they won't reveal the inspiration for their merchandise?
Hey Barry, What did expect? You and your camp fostered the whole "He's the One" Obama Worshipping Cult of Personality and now you act offended that a doll company is using your hype to make a buck?
Where was your indignation when parents had their little childern chating your name, as though you were the Messiah, on YouTube?
Listen everyone....I have a better idea for a line of dolls
#1 The Sarah Palin Wal Mart hill billy doll – dressed in cut off jean shorts and a halter top. This dolls comes with a gun and a toy moose. When you pull her string she says cute snippets like "you betcha"
and
#2 The Bristol unmarried pregnant teenager doll....push a button on her back and a baby doll pops out of her stomach.
Also, out next dec. The Levi Johnston un-safe sex boy doll. Comes with a hockey stick and a pair of pants that wont stay buttoned
Funny – Michelle doesn't mind parading her daughters on the political stage, using them as props ... "Hello daddy... Hello daddy...what city are you in" (talking to the big screen picture of Barack)...
But HEAVEN FORBID a toy company have dolls named Malia and Sasha!!!
Get over yourself Michelle. You opened pandoras box.
get used to it, babe!
I agree with Michelle Obama! Everyone should BOYCOTT all
Ty Company products until they remove the Malia & Sasha dolls!
These girls should be allowed SOME sense of privacy and
growing up in a family, not a public property!
Wow! Can Ty lie anymore than they just did? Then, they say it proprietary how they name their dolls. Who are they fooling? That will save me a few more bucks each year in gifts. It's not a matter of them naming the dolls. The issue I have is that they think they can fool consumers by not telling how they were named/ How arrogant is that?
Anything for a buck. Bloodsucking toy company.
So Tom, Where did you buy your Cheslea doll? Did you purchase your Jenna & Barbara beenie babies from Toys R Us or Ebay? Michelle has every right to be upset about a company using her girls for profit. What is wrong with some people? We talk about the new generation but what regards are we showing them if anything goes just for a buck?
So Ty doesn't have to reveal the inspiration for the dolls? Do they think the public are idiots?? I cannot believe they did not ask permission to do this. For heaven's sake, my daughter's school has to ask permission to use the childrens' pictures!!! Ty needs to give their heads a shake and now donate all monies from the sale of these two dolls to a charity of the Obamas choice.
U go Michelle....it's not right to use the likenes and or similarities of the first daughters so that the manufacturer can make a buck! Handle the situation appropriately...approach the parents, ask permission to use your daughter likeness, name, etc...BEFORE you create....Mom and Dad would probably sa NO–but as Americians-that's their choice–WOW, hat a concept! Those kids might be in the spotlight, but they are off limits.
I understand what Michelle is saying as a mother. Michelle is a very educated women and she knows that the world will not and does not respect her privacy. However, she has a right to say that she does not approve of the dolls. A lot of the comments on here are ridiculous.
Some people will do ANYTHING to make a buck, but this is totally shameless. It is illegal to use someone's likeness without permission, and this no different.
I know some probably buy these dolls, but if nobody bought one of these dolls they will lose money. I hope there will be a lawsuit to stop this gross and very shameful method of making money. Or better yet if they donate the proceeds to Charity, but that probably won't happen!!
Why is there no Palin doll??? Why these two beautiful little girls??
SHAME SHAME SHAME!
TY wouldn't reveal the source of their inspiration? Was it greed? Possibly money grubbing at the expense of children? This is beyond putting the family in the spotlight. TY is stealing their image.
This is getting good. I can't wait for the next chapter.
I don't know if I have ever seen as much ignorance on a board as there is on this board. Leave the kids alone!
The Ty Corporation will use anyone, anything to make a profit. Maybe Ty Corporation would be willing to give 95% of the profit made from these dolls to Malin and Sasha – maybe they will stop using minors without their parents permission.
I want TY to be sued for this breech of privacy. The children's images are not their property- end of story. Lawsuit...
The President of the United States is the public servant and figure, not his family!!!!!
Those dolls are really ugly so they probably won't sell any. Either way Michelle will have to take the good with the silly if she wants herself and her family in the spotlight. We haven't been able to get away from photos of the Obamas for many months. That was theirs and the media's choice. Stupid dolls are only the beginning ....
Its definitely wrong for the company to exploit the first children to make a profit. What makes me even angrier is watching some of these posts that talk about "it comes with the territory", "you wanted the limelight." Have we forgotten that the family is off limits? There were no dolls made in the image of any other past presidents' children, so why is it okay to do this with them? Obama is president, not his children and I don't think anyone is trying to seek the "limelight." That is just ignorant to say...
When you win the White House, you get the good and the bad. Like you are fond of saying, "America is a downright mean country!" Mrs. Obama, get used to it and stop complaining.
I can not believe that all you people talking about 'boohoo', and 'get used to it' would be the first ones to sue if your kids had unique names and you HAPPEN to know the Ty Co. Executive who made two dolls that just happen to have your kids names in them. Did I mention that your kids gained some sort of fame JUST before they came out with the dolls? I don't think you would be happy either. These people will change the names of the dolls. It's the right thing to do.
This is ridiculous.These toys must be withdrawn immediately. TY Corporation should not be allowed to use the little kids for their selfish goals and must apologise to the civilized world.We do not appreciate it.
Everyone one should boycott the company that is trying to make money off the backs of these little girls. Shame on them. I'll never buy anything made by them again.
All I can say is you signed up for this. People in the public spotlight need to have thick skin.
Hey Michelle, you'd think you'd be more concerned having your precious babies listening to the racist spew of Reverend Wright! Wow, your priorities are messed up girl!
Michelle Obama should be careful what she says because I think
she should first, ask, Are these products made in America?
Companies are going bankrupt in our Country every day. Can
someone create jobs where our clothing, toys, and Wal-Mart items
are made in America. Seems funny to me, Wal-Mart is one company
selling goods mostly made in China and other companies or going
under.
Let's start anew. New company's, MADE IN AMERICA. That might
just be what America needs.
I love how Rethuglicans come on here and try to make this a partisan issue. Would you be satisfied if Ty came out with a Beenie Baby named "Terrific Trig"? I'm sure Palin would ask for 50% of the profits to go to Neiman Marcus and restore her confiscated wardrobe.
IDIOTS.
Well too bad the Michelle didn't consider the impact to her kids before barry decided to run.
I work as a trademark paralegal and when my company wanted to use an inanimate object, JAWS (well, techincally, inanimate once he wasn't the star of a movie, lol) on one of their products, we had to LICENSE that mark from Universal Studios...if use of an image requires a license, it strikes me that use of precious little girls whose father happens to be the POTUS AND naming said dolls after said little girls, would require at LEAST a heads up or letter of permission from the girls' parents...again, at the very LEAST...I am sure that White House Counsel has access to Intellectual Property attorneys in the D.C. area.
Well...on the bright side, these dolls will probably be collectibles and worth a lot later on.
When I first heard about the dolls- I too was concerned and suspected the Obamas might be concern as well. The dolls could start out cute and then be marketed in negative way later. In the end they may not project what the Obamas want for their daughters.
The President is fear game–but leave his children alone in your attempts to line your pockets off their fame.
I am totally disgusted by this marketing ploy. Please take a moment and send an email to the firm and request that they stop exploiting the Obama children.
My other post with a direct link to the TY company website was never posted! Go figure.
Well you throw the kids into the spotlight and this is what you get
Isn't buying things good for the economy? Won't Ty stock go up which will help Obama? Not sure what the problem is
HEY YOU LOST YOUR PRIVACY WHEN YOUR HUSBEND GOT ELECTED!!!!!!!!! DEAL WITH IT.......WE DIDNT VOTE FOR AN ANGRY, BITTER WOMAN TO BE FIRST LADY. I HOPE SHE DOSENT ACT LIKE THIS FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS.
A simple eye roll would do, Michelle. They won't be flavor of the month forever.
I would hope that the American public will not purchase the Ty dolls.
Why would Ty use the Obama girls names? They are trying to make a buck off the First Family.
I wouldn't buy the dolls and I hope others will forego purchasing the dolls.
Perhaps, Ty Corporation should donate 50% of the money they make on the dolls to a childrens charity.
Boycott TY. This gonna cost them big bucks. I think this country is fed up with corporations telling lies.
i think some people missed it here... it's not simply 'you're in the limelight now'; it is the deliberate exploitation of those girls. their lives have already gone through some thoroughly major changes, and will continue to go through some major changes. to add this isn't going to help.
and i strongly disagree with the other commenters about the 1st family being available for public display. no, that is not true. there is always public face and personal accountability, but these girls should not be thrust into something not of their (or their parents) choosing.
TY, make it right.
TY should be ashamed. I will not believe that they accidentally made their only two african american females those names randomly. Oh, they just happen to be the same names as the first daughters? Noone in the food chain made that connection and suggested they change it? Give me a break.
Jackie at 7:44pm said
"Maybe, First Lady Obama would like it better if they were aborted beanie babies"
------------------------------
Jackie, you are sick.
No one LIKES abortion, as Pres. Obama has repeated many times. What we object to is government butting in to a woman's private life.
And don't tell me you just don't think the government should permit ending life. I'll bet my right arm you're pro capital-punishment.
ahemm I think I smell a lot of "wolves" in "Christian clothing" here.....hate is hate and some of you perpetuate it very well – must have a lot of practice – who else do you try to bring down to make yourselves better in "Gods" eyes!! The Great Spirit of us all does not find your spitefulness funny I'm sure.....then again we all came from nothing and will go to nothing....
I think this is bad PR for Ty. I'm not a lawyer but isn't this unlicensed use of their daughters' likeness? Ty could have easily made two dolls that resemble young Black or African-American girls and given them two other upbeat and catchy names, but not used the girls' actual names. It would have been just as cool, and certainly more tactful (and probably legal).
Roland
St. George, UT
However, I think TY should own up to the fact that they totally are using the Obama girls. That is something to Boycott in a company. Not because they use dolls of 2 girls who are becoming famous very quickly.
Simple Thought - You're an Idiot !! Learn how to spell- you apparently learned the English language from your illiterate President. Typical garbage spoken from a sore Republican about the outcome of the recent election.
To Ty -- Grow up + STOP trying to pull the wool over our eyes, esp. First Lady Michelle Obama. Anybody can read between the lines of your so called statement to CNN + The First Lady's Office. Your line of silly plush toys had its day, No One wants your MADE IN CHINA crap!!!!
PLEASE BOYCOTT TY!!!!!!!
GET A LIFE CNN. WE HAVE AN ECONOMY IN CRISIS AND YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT DOLLS.
WHY NOT ASK ABOUT THE ECONOMIC STIMULAS PLAN? LOU DOBBS THE RIGHT WING REPUBLICAN IS DOING WHAT HE CAN SHOT IT DOWN AND MOVE US INTO A DEPRESSION. WHAT A MORON!!
Apparently, CNN was too cowardly to post my last comment.
Michelle Obama is a public figure and the family parades their children as fashion accessories. Barry & Michelle needs to learn from the one good thing I can think of about Bill and Hillary: the wall they put between the media and Chelsea.
Until they do that, so sorry – they started this ball rolling.
You can use me and make some money please. just give me 10 cents per doll sold
I fail to see how this is inapproprate.
wow, she's upset about this, but not when the girls were on the cover of people, on that Hollywood talk show, or up on stage posing for the cameras. Let's see the Obamas had their press office release photos of the girls first day at school but now she wants privacy for them. Can't have it both ways, don't have them pose for People Magazine, and maybe the media and toy companies would leave them alone.
Some of these people on the post wouldn't make it past the 3rd Grade. Elementary schools across the country tell children to be respectful, if not of others, then of themselves not behave shamefully.
Some of you are NOT smarter than a 3rd grader.
Children are off limits
It is completely wrong what Ty is doing and they know it
They should not have done it, especially without first discussing it with the Obamas, but I have to say those dolls are ADORABLE.
Where was the outrage when everybody was picking on and making fun of the Bush twins?
I would have to say that this is different than the situation with Sarah Palin's children. The Obama girls have not been "paraded around", they have been present. The Palin family was set up by their mother as the example of what a good Christian family should be like. A private company is making money off of these dolls. The public media made money off of both the Obama and Palin children, not just the Palins.
And by the way, Malia and Sasha are not the unwed teenage daughter of a "Christian" conservative who doesn't want children to learn about sex and birth control in school and doesn't want safe and legal abortion available, even for victims of rape and incest. The Obama girls are seven and ten years old. Sarah Palin's younger children were NOT attacked.
I think a few people are missing the point. Rather it be apart of the territory or not or invasion of privacy or everyone wanting a piece of the action, they are children. And bottom line, that should be a boundary and common sense should tell anyone that. It has nothing to do with liking or disliking the first family and everything to do with the toy company making a bad decision. At that a bad decision concerning a child. People being greedy and always trying to make a quick dollar is why the economy is up in smoke. Look at it from that woman's/mother's perspective and ask yourself how you would feel. And then and only then tell someone to suck it up.
I completely agree with Michelle Obama regarding Ty's use of her children in this way.
What I think is MOST salacious – & laughable in its transparency – in all of this is the Ty company's official line on "how it comes up with the dolls' names" ... THAT'S proprietary. LOL. They must really believe that their target customer is BEYOND stupid. If you buy one of these dolls, then you must be just that stupid...or simply that indifferent.
"Information relating to the development of the company’s merchandise — including how it comes up with products, product names, and trademarks – is proprietary." Yeah riiiiight. Some bozo marketing manager said, "let's make dolls that look like the Obama girls...and let's use their names!!" Ty clearly did not pull this idea out of a dark secret place that just "happened" to match the First Family exactly when Obama takes his oath. Riiiight.
I am coming up with a new set of stuffed animals called wonderful bean babes. I won't reveal the source of my inspiration for the new figures, and I am telling CNN that information relating to the development of the merchandise — including how I come up with products, product names, and trademarks – is proprietary.
Welcome to the reality of free enterprise, Michelle. Just when you think you've got all the power in the world, and look what happens. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, we'll probably slowly see the free enterprise disappearing from our shores now that we've become a socialist democracy. What you sow, you shall also reap....................
Kids are off limits, end of story. If the media isn't allowed to talk about the Bush twins drunk driving and not being punished, then they sure as hell do not get to profit off obvious representations of two small children without permission.
I bet if MO was getting a cut of the pie, she would talk a different talk. Just shut up now MO, you wanted the fame and fortune you got it. This is only the beginning.
One suggestion, you had better crawl in a hole and stay there otherwise it seems that when you open your mouth you spew hate.
Ty Warner can waffle all his wants about how the names were chosen, but it's pretty obvious he hoped to cash in on the first family's children. Perhaps he's hoping to offset some of the losses on his big resort hotel purchases that are tanking right now because of the drops in tourism.
They need to re-name these dolls.... but then the ones that are already out there will become huge collector items. So folks if you want one, buy it now because some day it will be worth some big bucks when the economy rights itself.
BTW to Jan– the dolls are NOT ugly. They're cute as can be. My little blonde headed munchkins would love them.
Tacky! The dolls don't even look like them!
The toy company had better get a clue and leave those little girls alone.
I just placed an order for 10,000 units.
Some of you people are down right scary. I wonder how would you feel if these girls were your daughters and grandchildren. Hum... Maybe one day you'll get the opportunity to find out.
They should be ashamed (TY) I am a doll collector, but i will NOT be adding these dolls to my collection!
What the difference of selling these dolls and selling Obama plates, tennis shoes, shirts and so on. Michelle probably not getting a kick back, so she is upset. Grow up!!
Poor Barbie – she must have been just as upset with Mattel!!!
I guess we should collect all the new dolls and burn them. That would show TY how we really feel!
Anyone with an ounce of sense knows this is plain old exploitation of trying to make a buck. Things like this, the stupid "first family" coins, "commemorative" 9/11 coins and on and on. This sort of stuff sickens me when companies use and abuse to make money. We all know Ty is not clever enough to come up with such names on their own. And when asked where the name are from, their answer decoded for everyone is "We, Ty toys plead the 5th.." This has already gotten enough bad press and opinion to soil this lackluster attempt and I'm glad. These dolls are neither historic, commemorative, nor appropriate.
The Ty company just did it to themselves. i will organize a BOYCOTT of their dolls!
I will never again purchase Ty Coroporation products, They should be ashamed. I hope their execs aren't planning on an invitation to the White House.
Ya know, its not the use of the names that;s infuriating, it's another coporation telling lies. For them to say it's not the Obama kids is a lie and they know it. Lying seems to be so easy for corporations. Well TY, looks like you are in for a boycott. Lie your way out of that one.
There is a possible lawsuit for misappropriation of the daughters' name and/or likeness for a commercial purpose, which appears sufficient for monetary damages and/or an injunction against the company.
I will never again purchase Ty Corporation products, They should be ashamed. I hope their execs aren't planning on an invitation to the White House.
The Ty Company has just ensured that none of my nieces and/or grand nieces will ever get another Beanie Baby or Ty doll. I'm not sure what is worse: the blatant exploitation of the Obama sisters or their lame excuse that it is simply coincidence. I know cow patties when I see them.
How dumb does Ty think we are?
Of course these dolls are supposed to represent the Obama girls, or at least make money off of their popularity. 'Sasha' might be sort of a common name but I had never heard 'Malia' until the Obamas came along. And the dolls just happen to be black! What an astonishing coincidence! They might not be officially based on the girls, but the little kids snapping them up won't know that.
Pretty sneaky.
Yes the presidents kids can only be exploited on the campaign trail to get votes and allow the canidate to be percieved as a family man.
Michelle Obama needs a reality check. They spent two years promoting themselves and trying to be the new ideal American family. Now that people bought into it and kids might want to emulate their more famous peers that is now wrong?
Two years ago when Barack said to Michelle he was thinking of running for president and did she have any issues against doing so. The fear that someone may use their family and image to sell a product should have been addressed then. Now is way too late. You made the bed now sleep in it.
Their names are not Trademarkable nor unique to only them. So it is fair game for anyone to use them. Will they also complain if people start to name their babies Sasha and Malia?
the obamas market their kids everyday on the campaign trail. And were more than happy to let everyone know that their kids clothes on inauguaration day for made by J. Crew.
Now isn't J. Crew marketing that the kids wore their clothes.
Hmmm?
Get over it Michelle!!
For all you Palin haters and liars- The chickens have come hooome to roost.
They wouldn't say where they got the inspiration for the dolls.
Gee! I wonder where they got it?
I have no clue.
(Sarcasm off)
Ty Co. is wrong and should at the very least donate the sales to a charitable organization.
Boo Hoo is right – get used to it – and yes I am looking forward to the next chapter as well.
Save your outrage for something more important . The dolls are cute.
Hey Mrs Obama: You paraded them all over the U.S. The only one to blame is YOURSELF.
Get used to it.
Hey Michelle, get over it. I knew you would be the BIG B of the White House. How many singers, actors, famous kids you name it that have dolls made of them. I am sure your girls have had them.
Didn't the Obamas market their kids when they announced J. Crew made their inauguration day clothes?
Isn't J. Crew profting on that sweet little announcement?
Got to take the good with the bad, Michelle!!
I, as a parent, don't blame her. They don't deserve this despite being in the limelight. They need their privacy... the whole First Family. This isn't GI Joe.
The most disturbing thing is that TY has their toys made in China! TY will exploit anyone for a buck.
I am not sure i agree with TY, but IMO- there will be a lot a naysayers that run out and buy these dolls before they are pulled off the shelves.
The dolls will be considered collectibles.
BTW – what is the difference between the vendors at the Inauguration using the girls pictures on buttons, etc..and these dolls?
That is just too funny. How mad is she going to be when they come out with voodoo dolls like the far left did of GW.
I used to love my Royal family cutout dolls! Think of all the little girls who will love these cute dolls, and by the way the Obama girls will be on mugs, buttons, stickers, T shirts...! Of course PBO would rather put these out as campaign fund raisers – right!
What store are they in? Exploitation "R" us!
I hope they sell millions of them-anything to get the economy moving !
SERIOUSLY... Kids are OFF Limits and WE the people should BOYCOTT companies that cross these lines...
SPREAD THE WORD PEOPLE... BOYCOTT these kind of Corporations!!!
It's a TOY...kids play with TOYS. Be flattered the girls are being honored in this way. The lives of public servants and their families are never truly private. Get over it.
NBNB...A lady who hides.... Who is she?...Typical CNN...
"But they wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration"
Because you know you were wrong? Where's my Beanie Baby?
"You wanted the Lime light you got it', 'it goes with the territory", "Quit whining"...how would you people like it if someone was exploiting your children to make a buck. Ty did not even have permission from the parents to use the names of their minor childrens. You all would be LIVID if it wre your children.
I agree with Mrs. Obama, however these were the people who voted for you. They did not respect the Presidency under Bush, do not expect them to respect your family. Unfortunately, that is America today.
This is horrible news and morally wrong. And for all you folks waiting on the President to make a mistake guess what he already has so stop waiting.
@Steve in Las Vegas,NV January 23rd, 2009 7:54 pm ET
Some people will do ANYTHING to make a buck, but this is totally shameless. It is illegal to use someone's likeness without permission, and this no different.
Why is there no Palin doll??? Why these two beautiful little girls??
SHAME SHAME SHAME! ****Palin is Monster*****
At least they aren't cabbage patch kids likethe Sarah Palin. She has cankles. LOL!!
BOYCOTT NOW! DO NOT BUY THEIR LEAD-LADEN PRODUCTS!
simple thought-learn how to spell
I think they should be pulled off the shelves and not be made. It is wrong and they should leave the girls alone.
Ty used very poor judgement by doing this. Any parent would be upset with this – especially without getting permission or even notifying the parents in advance. Gross misjudgement! I sincerely hope Ty recalls any of these dolls already on the shelves and never produces any ore of them. By the way, where are these dolls made?
Its all President Obama's fault, if he is going to trot his daughters out for votes, he has made them fair game. At least this was the reasoning from most of outraged libs on this site when it came to Palinand her children. LMAO. Once again to quote the Messiah's mentor, The Dishonorable Reverand Wright, "The CHICKENS have come HOOOME to roost". Ah isn't hyprocrispy great libs?
I agree with Michelle. She is a good mom.
Michelle Obama's attitude is just not right. Sure, sell the dolls. They will quit, who would want them anway? That is just part of being in the media everyday. You simply cannot have it both ways. The media will get back to being the media and boy will we see it then. It is not right, but who cares about right in this country anymore. We are headed in the wrong direction. No morals, no character, no ethics, and you are upset about dolls. Who cares?
Welcome to America. The only country in the world where the daughters of the President are turned into money generating marketing gimmicks.
Mrs. Obama is a lawyer and the names and images are made without her family's permission, I'm thinking lawsuit and Co-Owner of TY. LOL!!
TY- see what being greedy will get you. Big Mistake on your part.
America is down right mean-grow up
Children of politicians, regular people like me, deserve their privacy. They were not elected, Michelle was not elected... Barack was elected and he is the person to answer our questions....
If you didn't want the attention on the girls, Obama should have waited eight years to run for president.
MADE IN CHINA? PROBABLY. IF SO, DON'T BUY! IF SO, DON'T
BUY ANYTHING TY or that says, "MADE IN CHINA".
We can "exchange" toys at yard sales that our kids never touched
and they cost us a fortune, then we would "never" have to buy, "MADE
IN CHINA again.
With this economy, yard sales can put WAL MART and TY and MATTELL, (lead paint toys) completely out of business.
Very inappropriate. More like exploitation and cheat popularity they dont need. They are babies, for God sake allow them to grow up precious in their parent's eyes. For all of you out there who dont know or who dont care " kids are gifts given to us from God' and as such we need to be gentle, loving and thoughful when we see, hear or think of kids. No matter whose kids they are. Be careful now, today for me , tomorrow for you.
only if i can get a jenna bush blow up doll
give me a break. I love her, but what did she expect? Some sort of permission from her? If you're popular you will have sort of image somehow. In this case, dolls. Just be happy it's not done in a mockery like a doll of Bush
I think the compny meant the dolls as a compliament. But, everyone should respect Mrs. Obama's wishes and leave those girls alone. They deserve their privacy.
Michelle Obama is right: these children are private citizens who have rights and in this country we protect the rights of others. Period. Saying that they have to just suck it up, get over it, or accept that is a cop out. We should demand and expect more of ourselves, of each other and this country.
Welcome to the bigtime Mr. President. Suck it up and deal with it man. You wanted to be President. This is what goes along with it. Is it right? Probably not but thats just the way things are. You should have counted the cost before running for Pres.
I think the ones who need to get over it are those who lost the last election. If you had voted for Obama, then many of you would be opposed to this tasteless and dishonest attempt to use someone else's daughters for profit. If you want to use someone's image, it's common courtesy (and usually a legal requirement) to ask their permission. Since permission wouldn't have been granted, Ty decided to make up this obvious lie. This is repugnant whether the girls parents are Democratic or Republican. Sounds like some of those on the right are also vulnerable to moral relativism...
Sorry, Michele you guys marketed those two kids in to your whole package.
IAll these people crying foul and saying that kids are off limits...please...why were you not crying foul when Bristol Palin was trampled through the media? If Barak and Michelle had avoided putting their children in the spotlight, then yes, I would say those kids are off limits. But when they dragged them on every stage while campaigning over the last year, had them speak to "daddy" in front of everyone at the DNC to make Barak look like the great family man....then what do you expect? You don't get to have it both ways.
The majority that said boo hoo or get over it or that it came with the territory are probably republicans. However I never saw a Jealous Jenna doll made when Bush was in office. I think we should boycott Ty co. I know I will and I will be telling everyone I meet to boycott them also. HATERS!!!!
The obama's should find other work. This comes with the job.
I, for one, think those dolls are beautiful. Like it or not the Obama Family, daughters and all, are going to be whom our children look up to as role models. And if those dolls help my own daughter feel proud of her heritage and appreciate her own beauty as opposed to always choosing the "blonde haired, blue eyed" doll, than I'm sorry but I'm all for it! Those dolls do show that their is more to the world than just Bratz dolls and Barbie. The dolls are not painted with make up and not dressed trashy, so whats the problem?
I think it would speak volumes though if the Ty company did donate a proceed of the profits to some of Michelle and Barack's Charities.
Think about it!
I think Michelle has an argument, legally, speaking. It's a tort to "appropriate" someone's likeness for profit without consent. Maybe Ty should get some new lawyers before they market their next creation. lol.
Perhaps if TY agrees to donate the profits to a children's charity – that might help.
Sorry but I find Brat's/Barbie dolls even more disturbing.
I won't let my dauther have them in the house.
One wonders if John McCain/Sarah Palin had won the election, would Ty have come out with Piper and Trig dolls instead? Or a Ty doll of Palin's grandchild?
But, hey, it's business and there's a buck to be made.
When a person becomes a public servant then he brings his family into the arena. At least this is TY doing cute dolls and not playboy naming new bunnies. Get over it people, it's just 2 names. There are a lot of girls named Malia and Sasha so it's not like the Obamas OWN those two names. The dolls look nothing like the girls, so they are not "likenesses" so TY has done nothing wrong.
TJ: the difference is those were of Bush, not of the Bush daughters. Even though i despise Bush, his daughters and his wife were off-limits and i would be just as disgusted.
I agree with Mrs. Obama !!!!
I can understand Michelle being upset with Ty for not asking and permission. However the names were used in a positive light the dolls do not look like the girls. It is legal , unfortunately, no one can claim rights to a name. On another note, other little girls who admire them and who can only dream of living their life, with two loving parents who adore them, can pretend to do so without the girls being harmed. Quite frankly, we adults dream of living Barracks and Michelle's life style, only we are "too old to play with dolls...
Stop trying to make a quick buck and leave those kids alone. So obvious, jeez....
I'll bet that at least 75% of you naysayers have already looked online for these and half of you hit the "buy it now" button. the world is full of talkers not do'ers. Obamessiah will find that out soon enough.
This is obscene.... is there no limits to the depths to which these money hungry vermin will stoop?
I'm simply appalled.
Poor Michelle, already showing her true colors. It has not even been one week and she is gripping about two dolls that do not even look like her daughters. The dolls appear to be mixed or hispanic. Sasha is a common name. I suppose Michelle will make it a new law that no one can name their children Sasha and Milia. That would be exploiting the girls. No one ever tried to do that to the Bush twins.. NOT. They were called drunks and every thing else just because they were drinking under age. It is part of the package. You are married to the President, you are going to be made fun of on Saturday Night Live and so are the kids.
welcome to the big leagues....michelle my belle
By the way, no one buys Beenie Babies anymore. The new popular toy is Webkinz. So go ahead and boycott the TY company. LOL
We aren't talking about President Obama TJ but about his daughters.. you know.. 'children' ... I hated Bush and would have bought a Voodoo doll of him had I seen them for sale.. and you can hate President Obama as much as you want to but no one made dolls or bobble heads of Bush's daughters. The only time anything negative came up was when they were caught drinking underage at college parties... Obama's girls are still just little girls. Grow up and maybe see someone about your bitterness.. or at least wait 8yrs and then if Obama has done as poor a job as Bush maybe you'll be able to get your hands on President Obama Voodoo doll.
Obviously the Obamas need to take some lessons from the Palins on how to exploit your children for political/monetary gain. Sarah had no problem at all parading her children around during her campaign.
Somewhere in Alaska, Sarah Palin is having a hissy fit. Those should've been HER kids!
Very unfair n tastelss. My circle of friends have just agreed to boycott all Ty products, until the company apologizes and withdraws the dolls.
Even more offensive than these dolls can anyone explain why the First Lady is being referred to as Michelle whereas just several days ago the First Lady was referred to as First Lady Laura Bush?
My objection to these dolls is not that Ty modeled them on the President's kids, although it is kind of tacky. It's that Ty lied about how they named and developed them like it's the secret formula for Coca Cola or the Colonel's secret recipe. They STOLE someone's likeness and name and then pretend that they own it? Do they really think we're that stupid to believe that?
Had Obama been a Republican those toys would be a comedy act for the far-left.
There is a whole lot of ignorance being displayed on this board right now. The Ty Company was dead wrong. Our First Lady is doing what a mother should do, and that is look out for her children and protect them.
They might want to rethink tangling with Mrs. Obama. She is an excellent lawyer, remember, she was her husband's mentor.
I am a retailer and the dolls were specifically marketed to me as President Obama's daughters. To deny this, is disingenuous on Ty's part.
The Obamas have always stated that their children were off limits. Ty knows that the dolls have unique names. The coincidence of naming dolls Sasha and Malia is far reaching. AQnd these happen to be the ONLY black dolls Ty have ever made. HHMMMM sounds a little suspect to me.
they must have a lot of time in their hands
Well I did not vote for President Obama and I am some what pleased with what he has done so far, I feel that his girls are off limits. TY has crossed the line. They do not wish to make known the source of their inspiration but do we have to wonder very much with the names attached? Had McCain / Palin won, would they have produced dolls of the McCain children? Have the children of other Presidents been made into dolls? Did TY get releases signed for the use of the names of the girls? I suspect that TY is going to suffer more than financially behind this screw up. A Likeness of The President or the First Lady is fair game but the children are off limits. I'll not buy either of them for my girls.
A boycott seems in order.
Brilliant move by Ty. Get over it Michelle...
Talk is STILL cheap! All the statements in the world don't compare to simply NOT buying the dolls. Trust me, Ty Co. will hear THAT more than any words!
Michelle probably woundn't be too upset over it if she were getting a cut from the sales of these dolls.
Malia and Sasha are hardly unique names...come to santa monica and you will find a few!
Hey – corporate understands one four letter word $$$$
That's all they understand.
Sure, their lives are private and no one knew their names until Ty brought out the dolls. Obama should not have brought them to the inauguration if he thinks their privacy might be violated.
Wow, some of you people are really heartless and sick. I am shocked to see so many mean-spirited remarks here. I GUARANTEE that if the Bush twins would have been target, these same people that are telling the First Lady to "get over it" would be claiming that this was shameful and disrespectful. What a bunch of hypocrites. I don't even have children, but I can certainly understand why a parent would be upset at the use of their young children's names and images used in such a manner. For those of you claiming that they wanted the "limelight", you are obviously sore-loser Republicans. Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan want the "limelight". People that are OUR public servants are not the same. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for thinking it's okay for a company to exploit two innocent and young children simply because you don't agree with the political leanings of their parents.
I do think when you're in the public eye and put yourself there you gotta take the lumps. But I do not think for a second that it's okay to exploit kids who did not choose to be in the public eye. These two little girls have been exploited by greedy executives.
I think it's about time that we teach big business a lesson and BOYCOTT the TY company. Think of how you would feel if they were your children.
This is completely unnecessary, forget that, it's downright wrong. I would be suing these guys if they were my kids!
TYME OUT !
Ultimate bad taste...leave the girls alone! Do not distract the family with such...There is too much to be done.
The President of the United States is not the only person in the world who lives a "public life". So do all politicians, ministers, movie stars, etc. Each to a different degree of popularity & maybe to a different crowd or even to different ethnicities. In each of these the whole family is put in a FISH BOWL & every one of them are watched.
How many pictures were taken when Sasha or Malia looked bored during the long inauguration parade? Let's face it, if these kids pick their nose, it's going to be on a magazine cover somewhere or SNL will do a skit of it.
Is it right? No! My children live a semi-public life & much is expected of them because of their "daddy's job", does that make it right that people expect too much of my children? No way! Do I get mad? You bet I do! Can I change it – NO. Neither can Michelle Obama & this is only the first week!! Good luck Michelle, it's not going to get any easier.....
Oh, please. Surely Ty does not expect us to believe that they just happened to pick the names Sasha AND Malia out of a hat. For one, these names are not all that common (particularly Malia) and especially not as a combination. The dolls are beautiful, but it is shameful that this company would use President Obama's' daughters in this way to make a buck and then not even have decency to acknowledge what they've done. Shame on them. Michelle Obama is right to be angry.
It should be up to the mother, not the Ty company to make beanine baby Obama Girls. I know that they are living in a bubble, the worlds children will be watching every move, but any good mother, whether you are First Lady or the working mother or the homemaker has the right to protect their children.
By the way did anyone hear the message from the Bush Twins to the Obama sisters. It was very beautiful and it did come from the heart. From sliding down the banisters to a pool party to sleepover to traveling around the world with their parents, not to miss out anything while your father is in the white house. It was very touching, no matter what you thought of Dubya, his daughters wrote a very heartfelt.
This is completely unnecessary, forget that, it's downright wrong. I would be suing these guys if they were my kids!
TYME OUT !
Ultimate bad taste...leave the girls alone! Do not distract the family with such...There is too much to be done.
The President of the United States is not the only person in the world who lives a "public life". So do all politicians, ministers, movie stars, etc. Each to a different degree of popularity & maybe to a different crowd or even to different ethnicities. In each of these the whole family is put in a FISH BOWL & every one of them are watched.
How many pictures were taken when Sasha or Malia looked bored during the long inauguration parade? Let's face it, if these kids pick their nose, it's going to be on a magazine cover somewhere or SNL will do a skit of it.
Is it right? No! My children live a semi-public life & much is expected of them because of their "daddy's job", does that make it right that people expect too much of my children? No way! Do I get mad? You bet I do! Can I change it – NO. Neither can Michelle Obama & this is only the first week!! Good luck Michelle, it's not going to get any easier.....
It is utterly disingenuous for Ty to claim it dreamed up two dolls named Malia and Sasha - who "just happen" to be black - on their own, with no reference whatsoever to the Obama family. Shame on Ty!
I totally agree with Mrs. Obama. It is extremely inappropriate to market dolls based on the real lives of our present President's daughters. Isn't there a moral, public-relations/press rule that children of high dignataries are off limits! Especially in our society which unfortunately consist of wing nuts! Imagine the perverted senarios some may perform? This will unfortunately initiate obessive behavior!
To the posters saying too bad – look at the Palins. There is a difference folks – Sarah Palin is a proponent of no sex education except abstinence. Well that didn't work out so well and people wanted to point that out to her!!! her daughter was living proof that 'just don't do it' doesn't work! I thought Bristol was a nice girl that should have been at home in school. But she unfortunately became the poster child for why sex ed is important. This issue is about a toy company using images of people without their permission, not just that the President's children are some sort of public property. Ty can deny that the Obama girls are the inspiration all they want – we know the truth.
I do think when you're in the public eye and put yourself there you gotta take the lumps. But I do not think for a second that it's okay to exploit kids who did not choose to be in the public eye. These two little girls have been exploited by greedy executives.
I will not by any Ty toys again.
These people are our elected officials. They are no longer "private citizens" The courts have found that paparazzi have every right to capitalize on the rich and famous, Obama dolls,shirts, bobbleheads,pictures,and any items that can be made and sold will be.
Everything they do and I mean EVERYTHING will be a matter of public scrutiny for the rest of their lives.
Anytime the Bush girls did anything , the press was right there, same as Caroline Kennedy, she still can't get away from pictures taken in 1962.
All I can say is you started the parade during the election,placing the children out like trophies "see our kids" aren't they great??
As Bush said and everyone went along, "There is no government guarantee of personal privacy"
Go, Michelle! Yes, it's totally opportunistic, tacky, and invasive of the Ty Corporation. And insulting to all of our intelligence not to "reveal the source of inspiration for the two figures" while saying they "generally avoid naming dolls for any particular living individual." So this is just coincidence???? And besides Bodacious Bristol, as someone suggested, where were Jolly Jenna and Bubbly Barbara? Cheery Chelsea? One could go on... Ty won't get another penny of my money.
while don't think this ty bunch should get into making money from the little obama girls. Being a great grandfather, let these kids go on with on with their lives.
Mrs. Obama needs to get a grip. She says that it isn't right to use "private citizens"? Is she for real.....she put those girls in the line of fire...get over it, and get used to it...this is America...oh yeah, that's right, we have to keep reminding them where they live, and who they are supposed to be defending...instead of setting terrorists free....get ready America....
Hasn't this company made enough money marketing usless crap? The dolls are not even the girls' likenesses and appear to have boobs.
Time to email TY.
Hey, First Lady! It all comes with a price. Cruel fact. Name a president's child that hasn't been a victim of "invasion." Maybe you and your hubby should have considered the kids' best interest instead of your own, eh?
i think this situation wouldn't be so bad if the toy company had consulted the obama family ahead of time. at least get their input and permission first. the obama's might have supported the idea with a certain percent going to charity.
I hope they sue. It is pretty obvious who these dolls are suppose to look like and who they are named after. If it was Michael Jordan you can bet your life he'd be getting some royalties. This is a tacky company trying to make a buck off someone else and to top it off CHILDREN. Michelle is right, it crosses the line.
This is horrible. They should not exploit these young girls unless they speak with the family first and donate 100% of the profits to a charity of their choice. How about inner city schools, or a college fund in their names. This company should not make one cent off of those girls. Boycott this company until they make a change to this product!
Michelle should sue them as any other private citizen would do. Otherwise these things will continue to happen. Ty has to figure out some way to make a profit now that their Beanie Baby doll values have tanked and are no longer of any value. Did you know these happen to be the only 2 African American dolls in the new release? I wonder how many there are total? Now those may be the only ones of any value since I am sure they are rare if any others at all.
Come on libs, equality is in the White house. Now you are complaining about it. I didn’t hear you when the media was all over the Bush or Palins children. Cheers.
Mark
My, my ... all the indignant people commenting here! You all are making a big issue out of nothing. Michele just wants her cut of the profits... nothing more, nothing less! THAT is the only reason for her saying it is inappropriate!
I would normally agree that the children are off limits, but I think it would be better for everyone to give the profits to charity. Let the girls decide which charity to give the money to.
if Ty will make obama bobble head, and sell it. obama himself will launch that product, then why not this, in business only bottom line profits matter..
by the way released Gitmo people will get obama bunch of money from arabic people so he will not ask for his bobble head profit, bunch of black folks will be in line for those dolls for sure
lets see if democrates beloved CNN will publish this comment!!!
This is a shame and a pity. Ty should be ashamed of themselves.
A shame and a pity!
Oh shut up, Michelle. You wanted to be in this positon yet you are whining about it only 3 days into your husband's presidency. Suck it up and get used to it!
This is deeper than the Silly Season. They must know how perverted some people are and their possible use for the dolls.what were/are they thinking.
Why didn't they make Barb and Jen dolls-?
I see nothing malicious or harmful about the dolls themselves. If TY's intentions were above board, then let the company sell them. Marketing and copyright concerns aside, it's a good opportunity to teach young ones about friendship and other good values. Come on, you KNOW the smoking Obama bobblehead is surfacing somewhere – isn't that exploitation?
As for Michelle, I'd be more upset about the high school prom dress she wore to the inaugural balls than about her daughters being made into dolls.
I agree with NW. Ball is in Ty's court to do the right thing. Perhaps contribute 50%+ of gross sales to the charities of Malia and Sasha's choice!? Capitalism is a great, but at what cost?
This shouldn't be offensive to her. However, can they do this without her permission?
The dolls' names don't even make sense. They look more like identical twins than the first daughters. Sasha and Malia look nothing alike. The designers need to get their eyes checked.
Sorry first lady, but toy companies are about selling toys. And if those toys sell, they sell them.
this silliness will stop when PEOPLE stop buying it. it has nothing to do with party or person. If you are stupid enough to purchase such crap, then please, oh please, go and sleep in it.
On the one hand, I can understand the rush to exploit the beautiful Obama girls, considering what GOP has given us– the pot-smoking Bush twins (not to forget Sarah Palin's teenage pregnant daughter– who'd want to sell that??). However, I absolutely agree with Mrs. Obama; the Ty Company truly sucks for doing this to two young children who have no control over their parents' career choice.
I think what Ty Corp did was wrong. And if the reported policy of not naming any toys after people is true, then I'm not sure what they think they're doing.
But where were all you whiners when the Bush girls got attacked for writing the letter to the Obama girls? Calling them names and demeaning them. Where are you as the Palin children get dragged thru the mud and the media makes up stories about them? It's OK for the media and the nasty public to say terrible things about the children of any Republican figure, but oh no! Don't drag the precious Obama girls into any spotlight. Oh wait, they already have been, by their parents. Parade them around for almost 2 years, then say stop. Leave them alone, they're private citizens!! I'm so excited for 4 more years of this dribble.
This is disgusting! These are children! No matter what their parents do or choose to do these kids should not be exploited by some greedy corporation for their own profit,. Leave these little girls alone!
I voted for Obama; I'm very happy he's President, but there are realities the First Lady will have to live with. This remains a capitalistic society; she may get mad, it may be disrespectful (AND IT IS, and I THINK IT'S WRONG) but it is unavoidable; the best thing she could do I think is to do her best to make sure the girls don't end up becoming spoiled; other than that she can't control outside forces.
Boo Hoo! My daughter is a doll in my eyes and would have been proud of a toy company to portray her. Guess what, Michelle, you are still Jane Citizen in my eyes and enjoying the ride on your husband's coat tail!!
Whoever compared this to Bush bobble head dolls, etc. is missing the point. An Obama doll? Stupid, but okay. But did you see dolls with named and created after the Bush twins? No.
The parents get no privacy. The kids do.
Grow up.
I think there are a lot of girls out there who would like to have one or both of these dolls. I think the company probably thought they were good role models for young girls. I can remember a day when this sort of thing was a compliment.
Mrs O.
It comes with the territory. Just thank God that they are nice decent pretty dolls and not voodoo dolls.
I can tell u, more commericalization is yet to come.. Everyone seems to want a part of the OBAMA family.
I will say that i didn't agree with the TY company in blatently using the Obama girls name. They could've been a bit more indirect with their attempt and named the dolls .. Maliayana and Sashana. We all know where they would have been headed but in a less direct manner.
She's right. This is pretty foul, even for Ty.
we all know the source of that toy companys inspiration besides the once mighty dollar
They should let them keep making them but insist all money goes to a charity of Michelle's chosing.
And p.s. for the Ty company to even try to pretend lke these dolls are a coincidence? That Ty rep needs to be fired for making sure an ignorant statement.
I will activily discourage my friends from buying Ty products. Why? Because I have no kids and still think this is over the line.
The comments made on these blogs never ceases to amaze me. You cannot comment on a point without having your facts straight. It just sounds like hateful, jealous rambling. The article is about a well known and respected company making dolls modeled after the two First Daughters and the First Lady being upset about it. In addition, the company back-pedeled and took no responsibility for making these dolls without the expressed permission of the First Lady or President Obama. To the "gentleman" who mentioned Mrs. Obama dressed her children in designer clothing–guess what? She uses J.Crew for herself and her children–a brand that is available to everyone, unlike Sarah Palin who was sent on a $150,000 shopping spree or Cindy McCain who makes it a point to use high-end designer duds. For the Inauguration, the First Lady wore clothing from a little known designer. I searched and found no dolls made after the Bush's daughters. Yes, there were loads of satirical and disrespectful things made of GW, but there were just as many or more made of the new President, even racial. If I was a public servant and a company made a doll in the image and namesake of my child without my consent or knowledge of it, I would be just as upset as First Lady Obama. Ty should either stop selling the dolls or work out a deal with the First Family where 100% of the proceeds are donated to charity.
Another commenter (and the First Lady) had it correct. The President is an elected official and therefore a public figure. The First Lady, maybe (she does have a government staff). The kids are private citizens, and Ty has no right to exploit their likenesses for monetary gain. Not to mention that they're 7 and 10.
Well they should really act like its all in good fun. Better be glad the snl peeps dont get ahold of the wee ones. Cant imagine what a skit with the girls and Reecherd Seemons would go like. Maybe SnopeDawg or another libral free speech advantangerist. Or does indecent use of kids only apply to peeps we dont like. Missy needs to get real and stop trying to be throw that junk in her trunk around. Mr o is potus and not king. The feeding frenzy they invited has begun.
'Funny how many Rep. claim to be christians yet they write some of the most hateful comments I've ever seen…' comment from MAD
I have seen more then enough cruel comments out of the mouths of both Reps. and Dems. And since over 80% of this country is suppose to be Christian of some sort, that would make plenty of Dems. hateful too.
People should not buy them and let the company suffer for their stupid mistake. You can't take the face or name of peoples kids and market them for you own benefit or profit. Sue the h*** out of this company.
It would be one thing if the Ty company acknowledged their attempts to capitalize on this moment in history. While it would still be wrong for them to exploit the likeness and identity of minor children without express permission there would probably be less outrage.
What's truly offensive is Ty's ludicrous attempts to claim that Sasha an Malia Obama are NOT the inspiration for the "bronze" dolls that just so happen to be named Malia and Sasha and released just in time for the inauguration. Adding the cherry on top of their BS pie is the video that greets you on the Ty website's homepage...close your eyes and you'll hear a melody strangely reminiscent of the song Beyonce performed during the Obama's first dance.
At last...a boycott I can feel good about.
I agree with Jon in CA. When you run for public officeand live in the White House, you give up a certain amount of privacy. You cant have it both ways. I hope the Obama's thought of this BEFORE now. I agree the company doesnt have the right to exploit anyone, but the First family WILLINGLY stepped into public life. Take the good with the bad, your kids are now very public figures!
The part of this story that irritates me most is the response by Ty. How dumb do they think people are to buy their response that no, these two dolls named Sasha and Malia, who also happen to be their only African-American dolls in the Ty Girlz collection, and who's release was timed for maximum impact with the inaugeration, and who's hair styles happen to be what the real Malia and Sasha have often been seen wearing (the ponytail on Malia, the two braids on Sasha)..... that no, these two dolls bear no resemblance and were not based on Malia and Sasha Obama, it's just some accidental coincidence. C'mon, even Sarah Palin wouldn't be dumb enough to buy all that moosecrap.
Just be honest, Ty, it's obvious beyond a shadow of a doubt that your 2 new dolls are indeed based entirely on the Obama girls. Fess up and simply try to right the wrong somehow, but don't lie. And knowing Michelle's history of trying to help in many causes, if you had simply approached her and asked to base a doll on the girls, with all or most of the profit going to a worthy children's cause, she probably would have at least listened and considered it. She still may have said "no" in the end, but that's a parent's perogotive. But what Ty did, and how they did it, was simply wrong, on all levels.
Ty is incredibly disgusting and tacky for this. They have the nerve to insult the intelligence of consumers by claiming that they didn't get the inspiration for names of those ugly dolls from the First Daughters. Yea right! I hope they get their pants sued off of them. How dare they use those little children like that to make sales? They clearly had those raggidy little ugly dolls sitting around and decided to attach the first daughter's names on them when they realized the admiration that a lot of people have for our new First Family. That is so disrespectful. Those ugly dolls don't even look like those girls. If First Lady Michelle and President Obama want a doll made in the likeness and image of their children, it should be their decision. It all should be done on their terms; which includes dolls made from scratch, approved by the First Family, and one that really looks like the girls. It is wrong to slap those childrens name on some ugly dolls as a last minute scheme to move those dolls off of store shelves. President Obama and First Lady Michelle have made it clear several times that they want to maintain a normal life for their girls. Ty is crossing the line big time on this one. TY is disgusting to me, and I would never ever purchase anything from a company that is greedy enough to exploit and distrupt the lives of innocent children.
Michelle is rightfully outraged!
That is probably the LAMEST corporate statement. It sounds like my 7 year old trying to lie.
Decent people do not believe in exploiting children, no matter who their parents are. There should not have been so much exploitation and invasion of privacy of Sarah Palin's childfren, Gearge Bush's or President Obama's . Personally, I think there is way too much hatred in the world . Even though I didn't vote for him, I agree with the first President Bush's hope for "a kinder gentler America.
give her part of the profit and believe me, she'll change her mind. She doesn't mind releasing the "cutsie" photos when it serves their purpose, now does she?
It's quite clear that the people here who've said comments to the extent that Mrs. Obama should get used to it, have no children of their own. Why? Lets say that you had children that were being exploited (for whatever purpose). Are you saying that you would just go along with it? No, you wouldn't.
Maybe the Ty company can get federal funding from the Obama administration to abort the production of the millions of “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls. Not to mention looking at the enormous press covergae over the past few weeks. The Obama's themselves did not enforce any privacy restrictions on CNN, Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS and tabloid shows Entertainment Tonight coverage of their daughter This was bound to happen. No-one complained when Robot Chicken did a spot on the Bush twins.
Does this mean that she's not proud of her country again???
The difference between these dolls and the Bush bobbleheads is that Bush is an ADULT and was a public servant of the United States. These girls are MINORS and did not even ASK to be the President's daughters, they had no choice in the matter. Their mother is 100% right to protect them like this. Just because Billy Ray Cyrus says it's ok for there to be dolls based on his daughters likeness doesn't mean other famous people want the same for their kids.
Come on people on inaguration day some creep was saying you could see Malia's naked body on YouTube and I hope he gets a visit from. Secret Service. How awful to tell her to suck it up. Palin had her children on the campaign.trail so what was wrong with the Obama girls talking to their dad on a screen? As we can see. First Lady is taking this week to make sure the girls adjust to school and they haven't been seen since Tuesday! I know some of you are bitter, full of hate for the Obama's mainly because they are BLACK but you must get over it. Don't spend your next 8 yrs being bitter and hateful. You can do it. YES YOU CAN!
Dawn, the letter to the Obama girls was not, I repeat not written by Bush's daughters, the letter was written by someone else just to make Bush look like a good father. Sort of like Milli Vanilli...
The chances of a company just happening to select Malia and Sasha as the names of two new dolls is probably about a BILLION TO ONE. Unless of course you already knew of a certain set of famous daughters named Malia and Sasha.
This company is just low. Better to buy from one that has some integrity and doesn't exploit famous young children without their parents permission.
If it were my daughter that was made into a doll without my permission I would be pissed too. And showing your family in support of their father is not shamefull it is BEING A FAMILY. God repubs will not stop at anything to bash the Obamas. GET OVER IT, OBAMA IS PRESIDENT NOT MCCAIN!!!
It looks like the Obama's missed thinking about what they did by putting their family in the public eye. They cannot sue or take any action because they are technically "public figures" – that's all there is to it.
If I were in the White House I would be very upset that my children were being exploited. There is one way we can fix this - don't buy anything made by Ty. Not just these two new dolls but any of their other products.
As we all know, money speaks. Don't be the first on to run out and buy these!
This is wrong. As consumers, we can express our disgust in one simple manner: DO NOT PURCHASE THE DOLLS.
@Lawl:
With regards to Sarah Palin's daughter- Bristol was an adult who made a decision to have unprotected sex, especially with a Governor mother who wants wants to regulate abstinence policies in her State (which clearly did not work in her own home).
The Obama girls are still underaged children and have not asked for this attention or these dolls to be named after them. Big difference.
I think the dolls are adorable, but if Ty did this without consulting the First Family, that's a bit tacky and indeed inappropriate. As much as we'd all love to give in to our baser instincts and "anything goes" attitudes towards polticians and public figures, I think there still needs to be some respect particularly for minor children, even if they are the President's kids, they shouldn't be forced into the spotlight more than necessary just so someone can make a buck on them. Besides, I think children can name their dolls Malia and Sasha if they want to without anyone telling them.
Honestly the thing that bothers me most is that the company blatantly lied. How stupid do they think people are to say that the dolls are not based on the president's family. I wouldn't want to support a company that insults my intelligence to make a buck.
I've read the statements here and am still on the fence. Yes, it's obvious that TY was using the girls as their inspiration. But come one, unless they come right out and say it, there's nothing here. Are we now forbiden from naming black dolls sasha because there happens to be a black girl in the white house with that name? Can we have a white doll named Chelsea? Or is that name off limits now too? I'm actually a little suprised at the uproar.
The Obamas should sue Ty for all the profits generated plus damages and something for bad taste! Let's see – we're in a recession, dolls become a non-necessity, we have two children in the White House again – you connect the dots. Ty is doing this for money, period. If the Obamas do not set the boundries now, it will just get out of hand.
No matter what happens in America, there's always some dirtbag huckster who wants to make a quick buck off it, regardless of whose lives he invades. I was surprised that somebody didn't immediately start selling "9/11 toy kits...comes complete with 2 towers, 2 airplanes, and realistic plastic bodyparts. Batteries not included"!
These things should be taken off the market immediately.
It would be great if millions of these dolls were sold. It would help to energize the economy. However, if the dolls are made in a foreign factory, Obama should order a cruise missile strike to take that factory out and force TY to make the dolls in the US with American workers.
I understand why she is upset, but Ty did give these dolls the sweetest names, and honestly, the dolls look exactly alike– the only likeness they have to the girls other than the names is the skin color.
It is a matter of privacy, but being a part of the first family that's pretty much gone, and [btw I am an Obama supporter] they haven't exactly kept the girls out of the limelight. I'm not saying they deserved this, but [and I'll close with this]:
1. Ty was right [legally] to not get permission first because there would have been no denying the inspiration for naming the dolls and that would have made for a huge lawsuit.
2. The dolls were made in good fashion and I think the intention [while any company's intent is to make money] was still good I think... they could have taken to making really trashy look alikes of these sweet girls.
Chalk this one up as a loss... I wouldn't be surprised if Ty didn't send them each one of their own dolls as a courtesy gift to the first family.
I know some people believe it is Ty's right to use their names. But what I find offensive is Ty DENYING that these dolls were named after the first daughters. I would be upset if I were the first family that a company is going to make millions on them, and at the same time, completely offended that the company is denying they're doing so. It's like Ty's having their cake and eating it too. Shameful is right!
American Girl dolls would have been better...but come on folks, lay off the kids.
Oh wait, there's nothing new about Bristol Palin so this is all we get from corporate owned fixed news to spew vitriol over?
Grow up, CNN. You're justl like FAUX NEWS. HuffPo is so much better than you.
And you won't post my comment, I bet.
Ty are clearly out of line to market these dolls with such obvious likeness to the first daughters without the consent of the First Lady and the President.
Conservative bigots in KY already hung effigies of the President of the United States during the campaign. Who knows what some other Conservatives will use those dolls for to voice their hatred now that the campaign is over and their party has lost? Only in America.
Truly disgusting Ty.
No matter what happens in America, there's always some dirtbag huckster who wants to make a quick buck off it, regardless of whose lives he invades. I was surprised that somebody didn't immediately start selling "9/11 toy kits...comes complete with 2 towers, 2 airplanes, and realistic plastic bodyparts. Batteries not included"!
These things should be taken off the market immediately.
To those who say that the family is off limits, just remember how the girls were used by their father in his electioneering. You can't have it both ways. You either keep your family private or you exploit them – each has consequences. Nobody forced President Obama to put family photos on the cover of magazines, making them little celebrities. They are now public property as much as the Pitt family are little celebrities.
Nothing hateful about commenting on the First Black lady. Don't forget she campaigned actively and hard for her husband. She will be held responsible for any comments she makes before and now. I hope she is enjoying all the fame. Lets play Madam First Lady. A fist bump will do.
TY was wrong! You don't mess with children no matter who their parents are! Those girls have enough change in their lives, their privacy should be respected! No more TY purchases for my family.
Bob, Tom, Bry, Jim and you other Jokers
You all are full of S_ _ _. There are laws against this, you need to get over it. I would like to see someone put your faces on a roll of toilet paper and see if you get pissed and sue!
Oh by the way, Ty has NEVER had an African American/Dark Skin doll in this line and suddenly they do? No jury will side with them.
God Bless the Trial Lawyers!
Where were all you self-righteous people when Palin was getting questioned about the little baby being her daughters and not hers? If it's ok for the haters of Palin and the media to personally attack Palin and her family then Michelle needs to quit whining and deal with it.
As you told Palin "you put your family in the spotlight",,,, so did the Obamas.
No story here.
What's going on in Pakistan?
Calm down, folks. The dolls are not demeaning or humiliating. They are clearly not designed to be realistic. The company just used the names of two very popular children who are now in the limelight.
The President (rightfully) displayed his daughters to the nation to show that he is a familly man and to endear himself to the voters. He (rightfully) tells stories about them to the press to make himself seem more human. They are adorable, and now famous because of their parents' own actions. This type of attention goes with the territory. The First Lady needs to save her righteous anger for when somebody says something not nice about them.
What will the commercial gurus think of next?
These dolls are terribly UGLY and the Obama girls are beautiful and
sweet. The dolls made in China by Ty. I know Mattel toys are made
in China (with lead) Do not buy the dolls. And do not let your children
chew on them.
I think the charade is very inappopriate. This country has gone to the dogs
jackie: do you think asking mrs. obama if she would like aborted beanie babies is clever? what a moronic thing to even bring up. your mother must be proud. can you be against abortion and leave it out of an article on dolls? yikes. you're scary.
lawl: pailn's kid daughter got knocked up. that is going to warrant all kinds of reaction. the obama kids did nothing but be daughters. ridiculous comparison.
stacy: hurricaine katrina was tragic. trying to make a buck off 2 kids is inappropriate.
TJ: how many distasteful items were sold of the bush family kids? give it time, there will be plenty of mean obama things. it's time to get over your bitterness over our dislike for bush. move on.
what is it with you people and your insistence on comparing apples to oranges? i am astounded at the lack of intelligence i consistently see on this site. go back to fox, where you belong.
By the way, you CAN take the name of public figures like the President or his family and use it to sell dolls. This is legal.
still pretending to be taking comments? Who is writing them? Your interns?
I love how everyone keeps saying that the children are off-limits. However, when the shoe was on the other party and people went after Palin's baby boy Trig, it was ok and acceptable. If you're going to say children shouldn't be used, it shouldn't just be based on who you like and don't like.
I think that Ty is completely disgusting for doing this. The fact that they back-pedaled during their response shows a lack of serious judgement.
I am not one to boycott stuff, but this is one worth participating in.
Perhaps Ty took a lesson from the Left and simply decided to seize and redistribute what they wanted? Perhaps they reasoned, "Those names and likenesses belong to the Obama girls, but we're going to seize and redistribute them to ourselves, use them for what we want, and then benefit from it."
Just like the Left does it with wealth.
As you do with most of my comments that are "awaiting moderation" I'm sure you'll let my last one hold on until time expires and it is deleted. I guess that this is just the beginning of the end of free speech in America. If it doesn't promote the agenda of the left then let's silence it.
I can't believe some of the comments on this post. The same people who where griping about the media hounding on Governor Palin's daughter about her pregnancy (that was totally inappropriate) are saying this comes with the territory. This is terrible. Yes President Obama and First Lady Obama chose to be in the limelight, but the children didn't. And all of you who are saying this is to be expected and this is OK must not have any children of your own.
I agree with the First Lady. That is totally inapropriate. They should not release the dolls for sale. If they have, do a recall.
Raf, you're wrong. Everything Michelle and the kids wore to the inauguration was custom made for them. While the coats were J Crew, they were one of a kind. On the other hand, everything purchased for Palin was off the rack. Don't get me wrong, I can't stand Palin, and I think Michelle is fine, but let's not make stuff up just because we like the Obamas more.
I agree one hundred per cent. They are totally out of line. If I were the obama's I would make them pull them off the market at once.
Asking permission to make the dolls is one thing but using them anyway is outrageous. I am sure they would not have been allowed to do this.
Why not ask any little girl if those dolls are ugly. They are darn cute despite their names. Big ado about nothing.
should not the company first ask Obama's if they can use the names for the dolls? Is it legal to use a person to make a product named and pictured from them?
I agree with first lady.
The President and his family are not actors or rock stars. This is the Office of the President of the United States and has traditionally been given respect because of that. Past President's have had their children live relatively protected lives - not completely, but relatively.
This is not the same situation as other public figures at all. It's about the Office of the President.
Dear Folks Still Bitter as H...: Sasha and Malia are children. If you still hate their parents, that is okay. Vote for the opposing party in 2012. Leave all kids out of commercial exploitation.
And I think this is shameful.
Those girls are not the president. Someone else should not profit from their likeness.
Say no to TY products.
I really would not feel so bad if the dolls were made in the U.S. But no, they were made in China!!!!!
Why do you dummies still insist on bringing up Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain in every story when they are not even close to be the topic? Geez...and who's jealous?
Welcome to public life Obummers...
I wouldn't feel so bad if the dolls were made in the U.S. But no, these ugly dolls were made in China!!!
maybe she can be proud of her country finally. maybe she can now tell all marketers to stop all action figures, WWF figures, all barbie like dolls, all oprah dolls, etc. that ought to really help move us all towards the socialism she and the rock star seem to want.
Toy company is a greedy one and serve nothing. Some posters here tell that the Obama children are PUBLIC figures. How? Can they vote? Can those kids make public speeches?
This is a clear sign of child exploitation! The toy company must be punished!
I understand why Ms. Obama would be upset as a mother, but I believe Ty has the right to make the dolls.
But to actually go on the record and say that the naming was random? Seriously? Now they're trying to insult our intelligence and that ticks me off. They'll probably sell tons of dolls, but they would've sold many more had they not tried that stunt.
Is it not amazing how these companies keep insulting our intelligence with these lame denials. Anything for a buck!!!
Ahem, Michelle–you put them in the fishbowl. Now you gotta pay the piper.
I am not sure why everyone is getting so upset. Many companies are making money off of Obama and his family. J-Crew's stock has gone way up. J-crew by the way is not a very cheap brand of clothing. We are considered "rich" by Obama's future tax policies and we hardly buy J-crew stuff unless on sale b/c it is not cheap. This is a tough economy, give the Ty company a break. I am going to buy the dolls and put them away as a piece of history. It is obvious that Ty used the first daughters for their inspiration for these dolls but I do not really think it is a big deal. Obama is publishing special letters to his daughter, they are all over People magazine etc. If they really wanted to keep the children private, they would not be putting them on the cover of People or using them as political puppets. I will not be boycotting the Ty company. Silly people getting all crazy over nothing. I think that people should be more upset with the fact that we are now funding abortions with our tax dollars abroad. Hmmm, since I will be paying a higher tax rate in 2011 or sooner if Pelosi has her way, I feel that I have a right to complain about that.
This is one of the least important problems facing the American people.
I find it stupid that the dolls were named like Obama's girls. Do they really think they'll get rich selling these dolls just because many people like the Obamas? Com' on! Matter of fact, I guess many decided to ignore these dolls because they were name Sasha and Malia. Boomerang!
I think that the First Lady is correct- other celebrities have control over
their images and can sue if they are unhappy. I THINK WE SHOULD BOYCOTT TY CORPORATION FOR THIS BLATANT AND OFFENSIVE FAUX PAS! Maybe they will make CAYLEE dolls next (gross!)
wow
Why would anyone support a company that operates like the evil right racial republicans. This idea just might have roots in the NRC. This is just the beginning from those who hate and attack good people including their children.
If you think being a family member of the President puts you off limits you realy are dumb. If this is the worst to every happen or be said about the Obama family from here to the end of time they should be happy. The Bush daughters has their moments too. I'm waiting to see if Letterman and Leno have the balls to rag our new President as they did our last. Don't think so though, the NAACP and others will run them out of show buisnees if they even try. Equality for all, I don't think so.
Welcome to public life, Michelle. Get use to it, and don't complaint about it because you asked for it.
I will not be buying merchandise made by the Ty Corp. and they should be forced to discontinue the dolls immediately.
1) Nobody cares.
2) Would anybody seriously buy those?
I think these dolls are a wonderful inspiration for all young girls to make it seem an everyday thing for the father of these two girls, a black man, to be president. It allows much younger children access to the whole concept. The real problem here is the clearly inarticulate spokeswoman for Mrs. Obama who displays an extraordinary lack of education or a very isolated lifestyle: "We feel it is inappropriate to use your private citizens for marketing purposes. " "Your private citizens"????? This is the kind of grammar used by Archie Bunker and people with minimal educations or limited contact with mainstream educated people and it is grossly inappropriate for the spokesperson for a First Lady.
This product by Ty is totally tacky and utterly uncalled for. Ty should be ashamed of itself. Why did we not have the Bush daughters as Ty Beanie babies? It's a matter of very simple respect. Ty doesn't seem to have it.
PROPRIETARY! they are children, not a commercial entity, and aren't for sale in any shape or form.
And furthermore children are to be protected, not exploited.
ok, i've run out of nice words.
To Lawl: Surely you're not comparing what is being here to the Obama girls to Sarah Palin's daughter?! Give me a break!
Who cares? They are public figures, they should have thought of the exposure of the kids long before stepping into the limelight. Zero sympathy.
Who cares? Seriously – dolls make the front page... There is a lot more pressing matters in the world than the first ladies beanie babies...
*************************************************************************
To the Three Amigos: Ernie in LA....... Jon in CA......... Lynn
Loss of privacy is one thing; exploitation is something completely different. Ty is capitalizing on a market created by the popularity of the First Family, and using their most precious treasures; their children, for their profit. That is sick and disrespectful.
*****
Why is it that Republican bashers only dominate the blogs when the subject is "Obama"-related? You really need to find hobbies or do some type volunteer work to get your minds off your loss. You sound like haters of this country rather than citizens. You should be venting your anger on your former president. Look at the mess he left you in!
Jackie,
"All things are lawful...not all things are expedient." Free speech is a right that you are "privileged to exercise. Just because you can say it doesn't mean it should be said. Your comment was in very poor taste.
****************************************************************************
They look Hispanic and they have little boobs. Effin' creepy, Ty. Seriously.
When they started dragging those kids onto the stage and using them in "warm spots" during the campaign the children became notorious persons subject to characterization. The parents, by their putting the children in the limelite, threw open the door for this action and, I dare say, much more in the future.
And we I was thinking we could not have hit a new low...
Hillary should go home, and Michelle should be Secretary of State
is there no fear of government?
go michelle. the kids did not run for office, their dad did. the kids are to be left alone and allowed to be kids. ty was wrong.
Ty should close their doors. How greedy and disrepectful.
Now this is funny! American ingenuity capitalizing on the anointed one once again. This is just as much fun to sit back and grin over as all of the American flags the Obamamaniacs defaced for the inaugural celebration with his face printed on the flags. That was likened to "free speech" and free commerce, so they say, so this must be the same thing as that. So, "Go get 'em Ty! ".
Ty knew what they were doing. What strikes me is the lax reply from the company, and a lot of people.
There were no dolls by a major makers of the Bush twins. I mean TWINS, they could be friends of Barbie.
Or what of McCains seven children. Collect them all!
Would we have seen Palin family dolls? Or is that what is over the line?
This is the new racism in America. We are expecting this First Family to be more taken advantage of and exploited, and then astonished when they say no, not this time.
or it was probaly cnn's moderators. as they are good at doing stupid things. like deleting reasonable comments.
I believe that Barack was clear during the campaign that families were off limits. I agree that families, especially the children, are off limits, both during the campaign and now that the Obama's are in the White House. This action by Ty is just another example of the cruel, self-serving, mean, no-holds-barred attitude that has grown up in corporate America. It is one of the attitudes that this country is sick of, and the country's distaste for it is probably a major reason Barack won the election.
"NO BIAS, No Bull" ? I am very disappointed in one of my favorite anchors. Campbell Brown (and Ed Henry) seem to be getting very
negative (1/23) when reporting anything related to Barack Obama. They choose onty negative observations and report with facial expressions and tone of voice that is even sarcastic. There were signs of that in past reporting but now that seems to be the overeall tone.
Very inapproiate to try to undermine the new administration!
THAT IS BIAS!
After Obama taking big corporate donations.
After he sold the Sunday "public park" concert to HBO for $5million.
etc. etc.
He kinda started the ball rolling on the money train.
He is in office now – time to take responsibility.
Public figures and their families are always mimiced, lampooned, and imitated and made fun of. Why would this be any different?
Are we starting to wake from dreamy fog of the campaign dream?
Michelle...shut up. Thank you.
does wolf blitzer have shares in Ty ?
Oh yeah, I almost forgot...wasn't it inappropriate to exploit Governor Sarah Palin's daughter, Mrs. Obama?
AHHHHhhhhhh, thought so!
Where were you then, Dear?
As far as I'm Concerned, anytime you're in the "spotlight" you're fair game, doesn't matter what it is....In other words, if you're an actor / star / or anyone of that nature, you're making a heck of a lot of money !
And if you can't stand the "paparrazi" or the "picture taking" .....
It's like : "IF you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen"
You're not carrying a "lunch bucket" or taking your lunch to work...
You're into the BIG MONEY Scene, now.....so, in essence, you have to put up w/ it.....
By the way, how about Michelle O. saying that she & the girls are "strong so they will be able to endure their time in the Whitehouse!" Now how is that for gratitude for being elected into the highest station and lap of luxury in our country, and yes SHE asked to be there with her husband. What an ingrate and hypocrite.
Right, "Sasha" and "Malia" are such common names! It's only "coincidence" that those are the dolls' names? NOT! Let's just hope NO consumes will buy them!
Actually, I think the dolls are really cute. But, if the parents are against it, then the dolls should be removed. I would love for my daughters to have their own dolls named after them..... I wonder how the Obama daughters really feel. Are they offended or delighted.? Are they being harmed in any format.? Curious to know their feelings on the subject. Or, could this cause any damage to them.? Just a thought people.
I do, however, respect the rights of the parents.They really should have been asked first. It is just a thought.
Again, I think that the dolls are really, really cute.
The children are featured as children, not as sexual objects. Now, that would REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BE DISGUSTING.
IN OTHER WORDS ......IF YOU CAN'T RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS, STAY ON THE PORCH....
why the heck should the company not be allowed to use these names? first lady needs to chill out.
January 23rd, 2009 7:55 pm ET
Wayne wrote:
"The President of the United States is the public servant and figure, not his family!!!!!"
***********************
Wayne, are you a liberal? Please tell me you are a liberal. If so, THEN WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE MEDIA WAS GOING AFTER SARAH PALIN'S FAMILY!!!??????????????????????????
I love how you all changed the original title of the article. "Angry" probably wasn't the best word to use to describe our new first lady. I'm glad someone let you all know that.
Sue? No. Boycott? Yes.
If these were the children of Republicans, the same people complaining about the Obama children, would not be complaining. I do not believe for one second that you people care for the kids. You are just upset because Michelle is upset.
Get over it! If Palin's kids are fair game, so are Obama's. The Obama's have four years at least, and they are already "offended" after less than a week being in the White House. I hope they have thicker skin when it comes to foreign affairs.
Always loved the TY guy from Santa Barbara, CA ( you all know he owns the town, right!) but it's the last time I stay at Four Seasons Santa Barbara or San Ysidro Ranch. this is tacky cheesy marketing at it's worst, and it's because even though Ty Warner is rich, he has lost hundreds of millions of dollars in the last 2 years. This is an effort to recoup the Beanie Baby Phenomena by co -opting the names of the presidents children. He's a still rich struggling businessman who is going "K-Tel, Fishin Magician" with his marketing to make a quick killing. Has anyone else noticed quality dropping at his "5 star resorts" ...I have and at usually $800-2500 per night he has real $$ problems Greedy and Cheesy if you KNOW THE REASONS
This is just wrong . They are children . I would be upset too if if was my children.
If you cannot see how wrong this is, then all I can say that you are a hateful person who does not see that the kids are innocent private citizens. Shame on you!!
People should boycott this company for lying and exploiting. This is a marketing fiasco–or should be.
Moose Obama would make a very popular doll, and in honor of Her Mooseness I will donate 50% of my earnings to charity for my Moose Obama dolls. Don't be a defensive moose, Michelle, you are who you are, love it and live it.
They wanted it, and now they have it. Deal with it.
we will not be purchasing any, but this is fair game, just as the Bush twins were mocked.
I agree. The kids should be off limits! They are in this situation because their parents chose to be. Leave the kids out of it!
Exploiting children is wrong, no matter who does it. It was wrong when it was done to Palin's kids. It's wrong when it's done to Obama's. Growing up has enough pitfalls. The kids of pols didn't ask to be in the limelight. Press used to be somewhat considerate, let the parents determine when to allow access to their kids, but more and more it's anything to get a story. Some of the derrogatory items sold with likenesses of Palin's daughter were disgusting. And making dolls that just happen to have such common names as Sasha and Mahlia – give me a break! Yes, it is within their right, but that doesn't make it right!
I am so happy with all you nut jobs in here. If this were to happen to the Bush twins, you could care less. You tell Mrs. Bush to get over it and stop her crying.
In addition, to tell people if it were your kids you be upset. First, if it were your kids you do your best to get some money out of the deal.
To most of you liberals you wanting to sue people is a form of lottery! You look for a big payday off the back of someone else’s hard work.
You Democrats always know how to play the victim well. And Mrs. Obama is just being a good old Democrat like the rest of you.
The company has done nothing wrong and if you don’t like it then don’t buy them. Stop acting like big babies!
Guess what? The First Lady has a right to be upset about this blatant exploitation of her girls. Jon in CA, unlike Palin, the Obama girls were only "brought out" during special occasions and weekends. What the TY company did was wrong and those are their children. So to those bloggers that don't get it, I say get over yourself!
I guess Mrs. Obama is ashamed of her country again. What a joke she is. She and her husband made the decision to place their kids in the public eye.
who cares...downgrade the palin kids but don't go near the O's kids...
Sasha and Malia are PRIVATE CITIZENS..they did NOT run for office so TY is out of line..and for them to LIE is another insult...Barack and Michelle are adults and entered into this willingly..the kids did not..
Ty should be shame of themselves.....they couldn't think of any other names besides SASHA and MALIA???Puhleeze
Ty just violated sasha and malia's publicity rights. This won't stand up in court.
Ty is full of idiots to think we are such idiots, but that said, I betcha 'chell has a set of dollies and the girls are tickled to be models.
Personally, I'm more disturbed by the breasts on the dolls, given the ages of both girls.
Ty will take them off the market & the few that sold will be collector's items - worth a mint!
Michelle just needs some Mydol. It's time to spread the wealth.
I disagree.....these dolls are great and my daughters love them.
It's about time we finally have a doll that my daughters can relate to and can be proud of.
Michelle and Barack are wrong on this issue!
Contact Walmart and Toys-R-Us and tell them of your disgust with the dolls and Ty and ask that they refuse to sell the dolls or anything else made by Ty until the dolls are taken off the market.
You go Mrs. Obama! The girls should be strictly off limits just like the Clintons mandated for Chelsey.
The next youtube video should be Chris Crocker crying and screaming "LEAVE THE OBAMA'S ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!" hahaha
To Bob(7:24pm), Tom(7:36pm), and some other commenting idiots:
I think the main thing that is upsetting the First Lady is that Ty did not GET PERMISSION to issue these dolls in the likeness of her daughters. Let's look at it like this: If someone you knew (friend or acquaintance) created a doll that looked like your daughter and was named after your daughter without your PERMISSION, I would bet that would make you feel a little creepy wouldn't it? Just because you are in the public eye does not give someone the right to invade your families space without your permission!! Get a grip and think before you comment. Fools!!
That's totally irrelevant here. Obamas knew that they were stepping into the public arena when running for the Presidency. It comes with the territory.
------------------------------–
Joe the Troll January 23rd, 2009 7:48 pm ET
All these people telling her to "suck it up" and get used to it – you know very well that if it were YOUR children, you'd sue for a piece of the action.
I hope TY is sued to the max for what they have done. Their stupidity and lack of respect for President Obama's and Michelle's two girls is off the charts. In the meantime, suffice it to say DON'T BUY ANY OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
"Too bad, Michelle — you wanted the limelight — you got it!"
Then I think to be fair they should put out a "Bulging Bristol" and a "Purse-totin' Piper".
For the love of Pete, what's the big deal? This seems like a pretty flattering portrayal to me. Its not like TY made Sasha and Malia 'Bratz' dolls and hooched them all out or something. Then I could understand the furor over this.
Look folks, the kids are public figures now and yes, of course, there are personal challenges that accompany that public role. But these two girls will also have a lifetime of benefits made possible by the fact that their dad is President.
To my mind, the dolls are adorable and the portrayal is positive. No harm, no foul.
It's called free enterprise.
As in the past, Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton were not to be pestered by the press. The Bush twins were older and created some of their own drama; however, they were still entitled to privacy.
The Obama girls are also entitled to privacy. Sounds like TY is taking advantage of the situation.
?? – Are the dolls produced in China? Are they safe? Are they outsourced by TY?
You can be sure I won't be purchasing from TY now or in the future.
I think the making of the dolls without the parent's permission crosses the line.
For those who say it comes with the territory. Would it have been appropriate to make dolls of Sara Palin's children? Absolutely not!
I agree with our first lady. If nothing is said, then any company can and will come out with Malia and Sasha bookbags, lunchboxes, pajamas, tee shirts . . . it would get crazy!!
Personally I think these little girls are adorable and I would love to have a likeness of them in my home, but not at the expense of their privacy and without their family's permission.
I won't be buying them either.
I think that it is sick that Ty is using the president's daughters for personal gain. LEAVE THOSE TWO GIRLS ALONE!!!
omg! They should be grateful for the compliment. They are the first ever AA beanie babys, yet setting their own history. It's a freaking compliment! Go figure. You just can't please the AA's.
Don't exploit other people's children without their parents permission.
Consumers should not buy the dolls and immediately the 13 million Obama emailesr should jump on this eny meny mine mo bean baby company. Shame on this company. Greed Greed -more Greed
This is outrageous and despicable! How dare they use two innocent CHILDREN to make a buck, without seeking consent from the First Lady for this???
And shouldn't Malia and Sasha been given the option of saying "No, we don't want to be used for making your shareholders a profit". This is criminal because the First Daughters aren't getting paid a penny for this!
This is a perfect example of corporations thinking of only money and profit, regardless of the lives they destroy.
This is just one more reason whe the American public distrusts business. They skirt the law and lie to the consuming public, I hope they have a case and sue.
Michelle needs to get over it. She needs to realize that when she and her husband decided to let the "cats" out of the bag, that they were fair game to such nonsense. If they did not want their kids to be fodder for such ideas, then they need to keep them away from the limelight – completely. They cannot pick and choose when and where the kids can come out in front of the public, because the dumb American public cannot deal with the whys and wherefores of those decisions. Keep them locked up and away from the public a eye and soon you will have no problems.
Bob, you're a jerk. Fortunately, you're opinion seem to be in a neglible minority. People like you are responsible for the miserable state of this nation. You're so ugly you will even say disparaging things about two little girls and then post your pathetic sociopathic crap on the Net. What can I say. You suck.
This would have been a good idea if Ty made arrangements with the Obamas first and made plans to donate some of the profits to charity.
Being in the public light doesn't make you fair game for marketing.
Maybe Mattel could make a "Cokey Cindy" Barbie doll?
The right wing nut jobs are in full force tonight.
President Obama is a public figure. The First Lady is a public figure. Children under 12? I don't think so.
Ty is way wrong on this one. The appropriate thing to do would have been to approach the Obamas, spell out their intentions, and state that the profits would go to a charity of the Obamas' choice. This is just blood-sucking at its worst but I guess that is capitalism at its best.
lol.......defin. not buying these considering the fact that they wont accept the fact that they are suing Sasha and Malia's names......
It make me sick to know that there are people out there trying to make a dollar by using the girls names on those ugly dolls. I'm with Michelle, back off of her children.
Очень понравилось, даже не ожидала.
The Obama girls are the property of Barack and Michelle Obama, and commonly used for political purposes. The dolls are clearly a trademark violation. They should have licensed the intellectual property.
I guess its okay to use them on a campaign to get her husband elected, though. I mean it's not like a campaign is selling anything. Or the presidency is a public thing. Nah....Just dolls. They're the most despicable thing.
It's simple – sue them for invasion of privacy!
Aren't children under 18 off limits? TY has shown that they have NO morals This is absolutely disgusting!
You people out there that are hating on Michelle should be ashamed of yourself. I am ashamed of you haters. The children are off limits no matter what. If it were your children you would not like it.
Oh please- quit your whining, Michelle. You can't have it both ways. You've used the media for years and paraded your children out there so get over it already. Welcome to public life.
Upset because they are not in the loop like coins, T-shirts, and etc as Oboma is doing with other promotional productc?
I have seen alot of mixed reviews here on this. Yes, no matter what the Obamas do the media and toy market and everyone else is going to use there names and faces on something. Is it right? No it isn't, this toy company must think the public is stupid. Of course these dolls are of the two girls and these dolls have there names. And Mrs. Obama had every right to voice what she felt. And it is a shame that the toy company makes up some stupid story. TY toys you are wrong period......
Raf:
Get your facts straight? The clothes the Obama girls wore were CUSTOM MADE for them by J. Crew. They are not available to the general public. As for Michelle, she had custom made duds as well. How about the $3800 dress she wore on The Today Show? Funny how that's news and Sarah Palin's off the rack suit at Nordstrom IS...I'm just saying...
Their dad being president does not make them "public" figures.
They are children, and are private citizens. This is completely unacceptable of TY.
With our new president's pro abortion agenda the Ty company should be putting out partial abortion dolls. Little broken bodies of Mexican babies slaughtered with American tax dollars.
Should read "NOT NEWS"...
Ty may have taken the names from the Obama girls but they have had the line of toys these dolls are from coming out for a while. They also have dolls named Britney, Hillary and Lindsay as well. You can moan all you want and make a big deal out of nothing because you have misplaced aggression issues. But names are just that... names. You can't copywrite them.
Michelle Obama needs to grow a thicker set of skin fast and pick battles worth fighting or she is going to have a long 4 years in the public eye.
THIS IS VERY EMBARRASING!!! For a nation that is trying to move forward with change and respect for one another. TY is showing their disrespect and ignorance just a week after the this Great Historical event in American History. I do agree with many of you that they should be sued and the dolls should never make it to the shelves. I just hope that all americans will refrain and even boycott the company until they do the right thing. Retailers need to realize with out the american consumers they can too get in line to file bankruptcy as the economic crisis is affecting them as well. They should be more respectful in their marketing tactics!
Boo Hoo deal with it, that's the price you pay just like others in power......
To Raf: Where have you been for the past 2 months that you still refer to Sarah Palin's $150,000 shopping spree, when we all know that this isn't what really happened? Or is it easier to just keep spewing the same old liberal talking points, regardless of the facts?
Really! Michelle seemed fine with putting her children in the public eye during the campaign trail. Surely she must know this comes with the territory!
Does TY really think the American people are stupid enough to believe this was just a coincidence? I have no problems with the dolls themselves or with them naming the dolls after the Obama girls. But, to deny it really strikes me in a bad way. That's what I find tacky.
Ernie in LA , me too. I can't wait to see what else gets people's panties in a wad.
How retarded in this company that they're willing to say that this is all just a coincidence? "Sasha" and "Malia" are not very common names, and so just the fact that they'd chose those names at random for the only two African American dolls they offer is absolutely bull.
Don't censor me, CNN!
BOYCOTT TY NOW! THEY HAVE NO ETHICS!
These are probably the only "First kids" who have dolls named after them. Is this because of the huge history -changing, awe-inspiring impact that their father has already had on the world? In that case, it might be just part of the tsunami of adulation the First Family is receiving. It seems everybody is cashing in on the Obama names. But, especially in the case of the children, one expects that prior permissions etc. are obtained.
Hopefully, this doll idea was not inspired by the fact that the kids concerned are the first African-American First Kids in history? That would be really tacky, especially since it risks being seen as racist.
Can Ty spell GREED? I admire the First Lady's Restraint as in my mind
" Inappropriate" is a extream understatement.
Aww, I see some of the Obama maniacs are offended by the Sasha and Malia dolls. Boo hoo. Where was the outcry when the media made a big deal about Bristol Palin's pregnancy? Oh thats right, Sarah Palin is not a Dem. By the way, the Messiah is sure off to a swell start with the economy. The Dow has been down 3 out of 4 days in the Zerobama administration. (but don't alert the liberal media, they'll just ignore it and pretend Bush is still the president) Yes we can!
You're off our list Ty ~
I suppose it's alright to use your kids as a marketing tool until you win the election.
i definately think we should boycott cause they tried to exploit the first children all to make money. The girls have nothing to do with their fathers election and although we love seeing Photos of them its just not right that the TY company is trying to do this and deny it when i think EVERYONE knows that the dolls are inspired by the Obama girls all around.
The Palin children were mocked and wrote about; where was the outrage? The Obama girls are public figures not private. The Obamas put them out there. How do you think the innocent Palin children felt hearing and reading all the garbage put out about them and their family. HOW ONE SIDED THE ANGER!!!! These dolls are not mean spirited. How is this harming these children?
The Truth
According to who?
Hold on ... it seems I've horribly misread the article, and TY wants me to believe Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia were NOT inspired by the Obama daughters. Can you imagine being the External Relations Director saddled with trying to sell that message? That just might be the only job in America tougher than Obama's.
I don't agree with the Obama's on much, but I do agree with Mrs. Obama on this. This company should be ashamed that it is exploiting the Obama's daugthers to make a buck.
Lighten up, Michelle. You used your kids like puppets during the election, so now they are fair game. The left attacked Pres Bush's daughters and Vice President Cheney's daughter-so get used to it. What goes around comes around.
Hey, Lynn, the GIRLS did not run for public office, so they surely did not invite the public into their private lives. There is a legal issue here. There is something called "likeness rights", and TY is skirting the law by denying the true inspirations for these dolls. TY is lucky they aren't being sued.
Oh, but it's ok to have Obama's image turned into a saint on a votive candle with halo & robe as they were hawking on the streets – what a sacriligious insult. And it's ok to have Obama marketed on everything imaginable – - but's it's not ok to have dolls that may serve as role models for little Black girls. The Obama name is highly exploitable – the commercialization of the Obama's – I didn't hear any complaints about all this paraphernalia peddling and profiteering when it benefited Obama getting elected. Now, all of a sudden the daughters are off limits as soon as they take up residence in the White House? Tough.
Yep, Ty, guess what? My 3 daughters won't be buying another Ty product. Ever. I'm not a Democrat. I'm not African-American. What I am is disgusted that you coincidently decide to make two African-American dolls NOW (with the same names – imagine!), when you think it's in the best financial interest of your company and not because children of all colors would love dolls/toys representing them. You are obviously ALL about the mighty dollar. Great lesson for our children. With the bonus lesson of "if you're famous then you're more important."
get real ty
If it were my daughters, I'd sue – big time – and give the proceeds from the lawsuit to a charity for underprivileged children. I'd make TY hurt financially. Maybe they wouldn't pull this tacky crap again.
You have got to be kidding me Michelle. You should have thought of this WAY before your hubby wanted to be the Messiah.
YOU also wanted the fame and fortune, the power, the world adoring you and wondering what dress your going to wear. Now deal with it, your kids are public figures. The private part of thier lives if off limits, no doubt, school, at home,,, but as far as making little look alike dolls,, fair game baby. If you do not like it, tell everyone not to worry so much about YOUR dresses.
This is a case of bad judgment and poor taste.
So Michelle doesn't denounce the Obama Girl – that OK, but she's bent out of shape about dolls for kids? She is a knucklehead.
Whoosh! This country is going down the toilet.
As a father of four, that is disgusting by Ty. And if they think this is just a coincidence that 2 names, names that are not like John Smith, Jane Doe, Mary just happen to inspire them. I say boycot TY and explain to our kids why we are boycoting them
Get over it Michelle, Barak decided to run for the Presidency, you agreed with him, and in doing so also agreed to all of the publicity and figure marketing that will end up coming out of this. This happens with every public figure, so in deciding to be public, you decided for yourself that your family was fair game for the media and marketers and the like. You agreed to expose your children to the media through millions in ads before the election, to try to hook the public on a family themed presidency, and now you want them all out? Can't have it both ways. Not in today's society, every other president's family has been treated similar, why is yours different?
Unless any of the Obama's signed a licensing agreement with any vendors using their image (just like athletes and entertainers) and are receiving a percentage it is wrong.
Everybody just shut up. You all make me sick for feeding into this nonsense just to stir things up. It is disgusting.
This is no more inappropriate than the plates, T-shirts,etc... from the inauguration. Why not have an official endorsement like sports teams and use the money for our nation??? We could begin paying off our debts with proceeds from official Obama memoribilia!!!
The Obamas did not exploit their children. They only made public appearances five or six times in the entire 2 years he was running for office.
It is tradition to bring the entire family on stage when you are at a convention or receiving a nomination. That is not exploiting.
What bugs me is you know there are sickos out there and when your children are in the public eye you don't want to give sickos anything else to obsess about. The dolls look nothing like the girls so I doubt they will be that popular.
Typical double standards. The President and First Lady used their daughters during the election to help them win votes, now they don't want look-alike dolls made of them? They're no longer private citizens. Get over it.
Liberals attacked Palin's kids during the election, saying awful things about them, even suggesting the youngest was not Sarah's, but her daughter's.
Double standards.
I thought the Obamas' wanted people to worship them.... I am happy to see that they are protective of their children though.
No Hillary = No Obama,
i could not have said it any better.
I would imagine that if Obama's promise of change does not start to show true signs of materialising in the first 100 days, these dolls will up for a Buy-One-Get-One-Free sales pitch in no time.
I think that TY should donate all profits to a charity chosen by the Obamas maybe a Military Wife's charity. The people of America need to understand that we do not own those precious children.
Well, Michelle, welcome to reality. The country is in a financial death spiral, as she well knows, and even if her nest is well-feathered right now, the rest of us are doing what we can to keep the bills paid. Selling babydolls of famous children is not exactly a heinous barbaric activity. I well remember when the Obama kids were trotted out during the convention for all to see and the one girl, probably coached, kept saying "I love you Daddy" over and over again. Apparently that was okay. but marketing these toys is not. Michelle, you can't have your cake and eat it too.
If the Obamas claim their daughters "private citizens" and that they shouldn't be in the limelight, then why did they ever release the letter that Barrack wrote to his daughters? That should have been a private letter... oh wait, he probably only wrote it so he could release it to the press!
The Obamas have already set a precedence for their daughters being "public figures".
My best advice is to get over it. In your position (and that of your family) it is a given that much worse things can come along that will grieve your spirit. Your family is now a target for not only good things, but also actions that can destroy you. The girls will take "their dolls" in stride, just as they will the ugly things that crop up because you have trained them well.
I agree for God sakes let those children be. Take those dolls off the market and find something eles to do.
Michelle Obama you Rock! Keep telling it like it is.......not only was it out of line, but totally nauseating, trying to capitalize off of children. Go bury your head in the sand TY!
Im sorry to say that her daughters are NOT private citizens anymore. Once the Obamas started parading their daughters in front of the cameras while they were campaigning and at every other media event they lost that status. i would be honored if someone made a doll that resembled my child. It would seem that there are worse things to get upset about then this.
Tonya's comment is absolutely right. Ty could stand to lose a few customers!
Children are off limits. Let our politicians serve without involving the children. That means the children of Obama, Cheney, Bush, Clinton, etc. We need to focus on policy not children when watching politicians.
Ty is holding true to the typical corporate smug & greed with their stance. What arrogance and idiots. Given the circumstances, my husband and I have opted to replace all of our kids toys with similar products from another manufacturers, and the one's were chucking won't be donated anywhere... they're being destroyed then dumped in the garbage can. One way or another, corporate America is going to find respect, dignity and responsibility to people and it begins here and now.
Those are cute dolls.
I think I'll buy a set.
Why don't they name a doll after me?
That's just not fair.
No Hillary, unlike the President, who is a public figure, the daughters are private citizens. The first lady is right to make the distinction.
I will boycott Ty
To the Ty Company: It's not too late to take the high road. What would you want if they were your children? The press respects the wishes of the Obamas. We can all do the same.
Who cares? Obama promised jobs – this is a way he and his family can contribute.
No Hilary: You obviously can't comprehend the difference between people creating Obama merchandise and a major toy corporation creating two dolls after two underage children, all the while playing dumb. Ty should be ashamed of themselves. First, they exploit the new First Daughters just to make a profit. Then they can't even own up to it, and chalk it up to a coincidence! Unreal.
These companies will do anything to make a buck. For you out there who say " How does she know it is her children " ? Well, duh ! 2 black little dolls with names of Malia and Sasha that come out within days of the inauguration. Give me a break !
Also, lets stop the propaganda piece out there by the " Bush Girls to the Obama Girls ". It was featured on the Brian Williams show last night. This is pure propaganda for the Bush Family. Check it out!
I wish they would make an Obama doll and then I would get one and hide him somewhere so I could pretend he doesn't exist.
its going to be a funny 4 years, she is taking it so personal.. this is just the start.
This move by TY is entirely out of line – Would the makers of these dolls use their own children in this way ???
I consider this a violation of human rights, an infringement on privacy, nothing short of making a child a commodity!
Ty is so out of line on this it is pathetic, they should be sued and all proceeds going to the daughters and all further sales banned and they should have to pay punitive charges for the girls scholarship funds in the tune of at least a half million each, that should teach unethical businesses such as this a lesson, in fact, lets make it 2 million each daughter, lets set a better example for loser companies.
All of you hateful bigoted republican posters with no brains need to get a life and a real job just like Ty, yeah you know who you are the good ole boys of the GOP (Greedy Old Pigs)
I agree with Michelle Obama, Ty should have not made the dolls, especially without their permission. And for you haters of the first black family ever in the white house–oh and don't forget that was built by slaves, get use to it this is a new day in america a black man is running things!!
Peace
Any person who believes this is in any way right without the legal consent of the parents needs more than just a reality check – they need to reevaluate how they interact with every part of our society.
If Ty doesn't make a 180 by Monday morning heck I'll boycott stores that sell Ty products.
That'll make my 3 little ones real happy.
When I was a little girl, there were no pretty black dolls. The only one my mother found for me was at an expensive children's boutique. While I do not appreciate that Ty used the real names of the Obama's children (they are minors after all), if this finally inspires toy manufacturers to create many, many pretty dolls of color, as opposed to the one "tolken black" American Girl doll, or the sleazy "Bratz" dolls, then I'm actually kind of excited about it.
You're all unbelievable. You say that you don't understand why Obama was put all over the place, but that his kids should be too? Well, guess what? He was a Presidential candidate and was always going to have companies after his face. But, these little girls don't deserve to turn on the T.V or go to the store and see replicas of them sitting on a shelf or in a commercial. You all need to grow up. Oh, and those saying that the Obama administration is doing terrible. They've been in office for FOUR DAYS! Obama even said himself that problems would'nt be solved instantly so how about you all take a chill pill and come talk to us Democrats in 2-3 months. That is all.
As an African American Woman, I really do not see the issue here. Our economy sucks and people are looking for ways of make a living. We need to stop being so uptight
Come on, really, you didn't use the First Families daughters as an inspiration for the naming your new dolls? I think the idea of coming up with the dolls were great marketing but not telling the truth about the naming source is a disgrace. What are you trying to teach our children? I don't expect a toy companies to teach our children anything but this is too much...
These kids are under 18 which is what makes this inappropriate.
For all of the rest of you harping on the Obamas... get over it.. we supported your loser of a president for 8 years while he steered us into the poor house... now we have someone who has the potential to get us out of it... stop hating.
Totally inappropriate! Boycott Ty!!
I see all the Obama haters are whining away on this one. Unfortunately since they are not using the girl's exact images there is no legal recourse. If Ty had been smart they would have donated a portion of the profits to a charity. Now they've shot themselves in the foot. Now Obama supporters won't buy them.
And for all you whining haters...Ever wonder why you never saw a doll of the Bush girls? Drunkard dolls aren't especially popular.
Come on, really, you didn't use the First Families daughters as an inspiration for the naming your new dolls? I think the idea of coming up with the dolls were great marketing but not telling the truth about the naming source is a disgrace. What are you trying to teach our children? I don't expect a toy companies to teach our children anything but this is too much...
Good for Mrs. Obama for protecting her children. I agree.
Its totally inappropriate for a private company to exploit these children – just as its totally inappropriate for Jon & Kate (plus 8) to exploit their children. All these children are private citizens and deserve much better. This is very disrespectful. In the end its all about the money! (BTW – in the early 60's I remember a Caroline Kennedy doll).
It wouldn't be the first time presidential children's names were appropriated to commercial products.
The Curtiss Candy Co. always stood by the story that the Baby Ruth candy bar was named after Grover Cleveland's daughter. If you look at the evidence and the timeline, you see that they were just trying to avoid getting sued by Babe Ruth for whom the candy was actually named.
I'm sorry, Michelle, I agree that naming the dolls after your kids is in bad taste, but this is a free country and tastelessness cannot be banned.
For the first time in my adult life i am proud of my country!
It is very wrong of the Ty company to make these dolls using the girls names. If they wanted to start making dolls instead of the beanie babies they they should have made them in all ethnic groups and use many different names. Even though the First Daughters are public figures it does not make it right to name the dolls after them. Have you seen Bush dolls or any of the other presidents children having dolls named after them. If they wanted to make those dolls they should have first asked permission from their parents, that would have been the ethical thing to do. These dolls will turn off a lot of people who will not buy them and then where does the jobs that is supposed to happen go to. Anyway, if any jobs would have been created I am sure they would have been Chinese ones.
Michele does not need to "get over it".
Her response was appropriate yet measured and restrained. Not what the bigots would have wanted from someone they want to caricaturize as "the angry black woman".
Ty denying that they patterned this off of the Obama kids is absurd and yet some IDIOT lawyer would attempt to stand up and convince the public this is so. Ty lacks ethics and so does anyone that would support them ... lawyer or public citizen. How many of you knew of anyone named Malia ... or could pronounce it properly ... before 2 years ago?
Finally, the Obama's DID NOT parade their children around on the campaign trail. Their children were in school, where they belonged. Hands off ... Obama will be out of office just as the oldest daughter turns 18.
Next Ty will come out with a doll exploiting Palin's retarded son.
I Ty gets away with this.... then the profits should go to a charity chosen by the Obama family...
THIS BEHAVIOR MIRRORS STALKING OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS OBSCENE AND IMMORAL.
IF YOU AGREE WITH MICHELLE OBAMA AMERICANS SHOULD BOYCOTT ALL TY PRODUTS. THAT WILL SEND A MESSAGE TO THEM
Good for you, Mrs. Obama.
I would not like to see my young grandchildren commercially exploited. I don't recall seeing any Caroline Kennedy or Amy Carter or Chelsea Clinton or Jenna and Barbara Bush dolls advertised when they lived in the White House.
lighten up America, oh you want your husband to be president but don't with the spotlight that comes with it, guess what too bad. once he won the presidency your life's became an open forum and all that goes with it so madam president, get use to it. if its ok your me to hear about every ex slaves grandchild that's so proud then its ok to help the economy by getting a good market product out there.
Ty is the tackiest so this does not surprise me at all.
These children are famous now and we will watch them grow up as we have other white house children. Michelle has every right to be upset with these toys. For those of you mean spirited types, they have never used their kids as promotional instruments. The Obamas have done quite the opposite and now have the daunting task of raising their children in a fish bowl while trying to provide them a childhood.
yes, michelle is correct...........ty is usung those children to boost sales. shame on ty...............................dont buy that crap
Good for Ty.
Doesn't it make sense that if we're really going to get beyond racial divisions, that we should have dolls named something other than Sweet Susan, and Marvelous Mary? Hmmm...how about something more ethnic? Hmmm...are there any popular names out there now??? Hmmm...any prediction that there will be a spike in the number of girls named Sasha or Malia now????
The Obama's don't have a trademark on "Sasha" and "Malia," and last I knew, it was a free country.
Hey, DLH , citizen of the world, Bush is gone. Can't you let go? Maybe you're just afraid Obama will fail and have to get that "oh, it was all Bush's fault" excuse ready.
That aside, I do think the dolls are tacky and I would not have done that. This is, however a free market and Ty can do whatever they think is necessary to make money. It is the choice of the consumer as to whether or not to purchase the product.
I am not sure what Michelle Obama means that her daughters are "Private Citizens"
How can that be?
Their father is US President, and that leaves any turn to be adopted about these 2 girls.
Ty has made millions of dolls and if Princess Diana can be chosen as one of these ... then Michele Obama needs to define Free Enterprise to the states at large. Agree?
betty jo
As much as I have been trying to find a decent black baby doll for my child, these two dolls are in no way shape or form close to anything black or politically correct African American. As always people will find an easy way to make money and so the cycle continues....
This is hilarious. Aren't we trying to kick-start the economy? Give them a break.
I totally agree... using these little girls to sell merchandise without their consent and obviously against their wishes is appalling and Ty should be ashamed of themselves.
Why don't they just have the proceeds of the sales of the two dolls go to disadvantage urban youth centers around the country.
I agree with Michelle, they are children; they don't need this type of attention. Besides, the Obama's could sue all these crazy manufacturers.
Won't buy those babies, BETCHA... surely out of line... dispicable..
A. The First Lady has the right to disclose her OPINION of discontent about the dolls.
B. Ethically, the girls should be off limits–in my opinion–as SHOULD have been the case with any of the other offspring in the campaigns, however, we are not ETHICAL beings. If we were, our economy would be in working good shape right now because there would be no individuals or companies taking advantage (cashing in) on the tax payer.
Bottom Line: I don't think Ty has done anything illegal. Disrespectful-yes-but everything these days can be viewed as disrespectful. If the parents of the children of tomorrow think that their offsprings' futures need to be more grounded and less complicated, then they shouldn't buy the dolls. Ty would quit making them if there are no sales, and the consumers have made a statement of change. If the parents of the children of tomorrow think that their offspring have nothing to worry about in the future and buy the dolls, then no change has been made and the route chosen, was made by the futures of the world.
those that say the same thing about Palin and privacy.. her kids were not exploited by the media at least not yet.. only their lives were talked about. But all kids in a high profile family will be talked about. Palin is also.. like a guilty person... crying innocent on alot of her family scandals.
Obamas on the other hand.. they put their daughters out there to show themselves as a supportive family. They will be in the limelight, they will be talked about. BUT... to make something after someone to sell that has not had permission to do so.. can cause alot of legal problems. I dont think TY just came up with these names with dolls that look like the Obama girls and this is something ironic that happend. I do believe they got the idea and mirrored the girls for these dolls. Doing so would have been better if they had approached the Obamas for their permission first.
There is a difference in talking about high profile people, and taking innocent kids that have done no wrong and take their image for a toy and market it without prior approval.
Just my opinion. THose that say tough whatever... put yourself in their shoes. If I was part of a presidential family I know I will get media and watched by the media etc... but to take my image and my name and put it on a toy to sell kids... its a different story.
I cannot believe Ty is stooping so low, and no more Ty products are coming into our house. Ever. If someone could find an e-mail or snail address to contact the company, I'd love to - but amazingly, their website gives no such information! Jerks. It has been a long tradition to LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE, and it needs to continue.
I never take anyone that uses the phrase 'those on the left' seriously.
Let's talk about the fact that the dolls are a direct violation of copyright infringement towards the Groovey Girl line. Those dolls look exactly like the Groovey girls and I am surprised that the Groovey girl company has not started legal action. Ty co. stick to your useless stuffed animals and stop trying to copy other successful toys or dolls. You had a niche if it has past and gone-reinvent yourself. But use your own ideas, not someone else's. The Brats doll line just got sued by Barbie for similiar infringements.
I would sue the company.
If they can I hope the Obamas sue.
Okay– as members of the First Family (with their pictures on just about everything from t-shirts to magazine covers) the girls are public figures and great role models for all children. I'd be more upset that Ty didn't discuss the product with the family first and that both dolls look EXACTLY the same. Which is Malia and which is Sasha? Perhaps they could have gotten the girls involved by allowing them to choose the final design, or the clothes. Otherwise, it's no different than the millions of other Obama products out there. I'm happy that children of all races will be purchasing them. How often does that happen?
The girls are NOT public figures. Michelle – yes because she has an official role to play in the Obama administration. But the minor children should be off limits.
So we wouldn't want any company to be making money now, would we? If they wanted the kids kept private we shouldn't have known who designed their clothes, what they like to eat, where they go to school, who their favorite band is. You cannot have it both ways as a celebrity. But they always want it both ways.
reading again all these comments about "they've been in the press, Palin's children got written about" - that is a totally different matter. Press is hard to control. Multi-million dollar companies taking the names and "likenesses" of two children without their consent and making products out of them - that shouldn't be so hard to control, if said companies had any decency.
One word- Pathetic!
1. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DIRECT ME TO LINKS WHERE THE 'media' ATTACKED BRISTOL PALIN
2. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW COMPARING THE MEDIA'S TREATMENT OF BRISTOL IS EQUIVALENT TO A TOY COMPANY ATTEMPTING TO PROFIT FROM SASHA AND MALIAS LIKENESS.
The Obamas should be thrilled that a toy manufacturer has devised a way to brain-wash more children and bring them into the Cult of Obama and as we know, the Obamas love being admired, so what is the problem?
Michelle Obama is 100% correct. Any marketing concepts, ideas, products that depict or are even similar to the children of the President should be completely avoided. We should boycott this product out of respect for the First Children.
This company crossed the line.
There should be a boycott of these dolls and the TY company.
There were no Bush girl beanie babies dolls, no Clinton girl beanie baby dolls.
This company is just trying to make money on the backs of the Obama girls. It is a disgrace!
the companies that make themselves rich by other peoples names should have to have their permission. greed has no limits.
It is all about the dollar for ty. shame. The girls did not run for office and their parents have every right to protest and protect their daughters. The children of ANY polictial figure should be off limits. PERIOD!!!!!!1
this is outrageous, Is there no law against coopting names of famous individuals
Many people are saying that this is OK and to be expected because the Obama's are public figures. One of the big differences between our country and other places in the world is that WE DO NOT EXPLOIT CHILDREN. We don't use them for child labor and our job as a society is to protect them. Ty did not get the message. Apparently neither did a lot of other people in the country. If your candidate did not win this election GET OVER IT. Would you think it was OK if it was your child? No of course not.
Shame on them. YOU CAN'T BANK ON ANY INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT SHARING ROYALTIES...IT IS OBVIOUS THEY ARE USING THE OBAMA GIRLS. EITHER CHANGE THE DOLLS NAMES OR GIVE ALL PROCEEDS TO MILITARY FAMILY'S CHILDREN!
Mrs. Obama, honey, I feel for you. It would make me mad too. But you and Mr. Obama chose to make this run. You chose to put yourselves– and your girls– in the national fishbowl. You're going to have to accept that your babies are now celebrities– with everything that implies– and learn to deal with it. They will learn from you– God help them if you cope poorly.
How typical. What's the big deal? I bet she is no longer proud of America.
It's time to grow up America. Obama and Michelle publiciaed themselves just as everyother politician has. BUt children, whether thrust into the spotlight or not, cannot make decisions on their own, and shouldn't be blamed or persecuted becuase of that very fact. Lay off the kids, let them be. Ty should pull these dolls and everyone else, leave the kids alone. People Like No Hillary = No Obama obviously don't have children of their own, so do us a favor and don't reproduce. Youe type of ignorance which is willing to sacrifice children for money is one we don't need
I cannot believe how mean spirited some folks are on here. Whether you like the Obama's or not, this is exploitation at its worst!
Because people in public office are in the public eye does not entitle anyone to exploit their children.
The US economy is in the tank as a result of greed and this is yet another example of irresponsible corporate greed...anything to make a dollar! Are there no longer any moral values we as a society adhere to?
I think people should speak out and boycott TY products! Unless we speak out against this type of greed we can only blame ourselves for the type of unethical & valueless society we live in!!
Impeach Now,
On one side you have two girls who are still in elementary school, and havent engaged in such behavior as getting drunk in public, having sex out of marriage and such. On the other side you have the daughter of a publicity hungry individual with delusions of becoming president. She taunts her christian morals, yet her high school daughter engages in pre-maritial sex and gets pregnant. You have a young man who still hasnt married the girl who is carrying his child. I understand that there is no law that says that he has to marry her, but according to the morals that republicans keep bringing up isnt that what he is suppose to do? Wow, you must really be a moron if you actually try to compare the two cases.
wow, the hatred in these letters is really, really frightening. these are children and any parent is likely to object to commercial use made of their child, over which they have no control the dolls are a little creepy but the larger issue is what someone else might do with their images, if no objection is raised. and i have to add that, although there was some media buzz when the child of an anti-sex-education parent got pregnant, i have never heard anything unkind about Trig ever, and except when one of the (adult) Bush girls got caught breaking the law, the press has pretty muc kept quiet about the kids. all of who showed up at some time or another during the campaigns. if you guys are the "Christian" right, you had better start reading and understanding the bible.
I agree...the kids are off limits
MARY, THEY ARE PUBLIC FIGURES BUT THAT DOESN'T GIVE TY THE RIGHT TO PIMP THEM!
As wild and crazy the bush twins are, you never saw them sold as toys or on girls gone wild videos!
Only Michelle should be able to shamelessly use those two girls. She's done a good job so far.
Boycott Ty toys!!!!
Boycott Ty toys!!!
Boycott Ty toys!!!
Say no to exploiting children!!!!!!!!!!!!
Listen to me America, I voted for Obama I am proud that I voted for a man who changed history forever. On the other hand the Obama's are constantly using there children as props through the whole campaign, what did they honestly think was going to happen. Now on to TY, they must think we are completly stupid making up a story saying that it was just by chance they were named that. BULL CRAP!!! I do love that Obama won but they need to understand, if you are going to use your children as props to get elected then you have to pay the consequences later.
To TNmom: Sarah Palin during the elections talk that she had more all-american values than Obama. While her daugther Bristol Palin is an underage teenagers that is having a child, where was Sarah value to teaching her daughter?
Mike: The Bush girls, really? After getting in trouble with drinking under the age many times, just making George Bush look bad.
The Media rip them apart, but they brought on themselves, they should have known better.
Both of you are going to say fair game to for little girls to be use as maketing ploy without the even the parents say in the matter?
i'm not into dolls much, any chance there will be any obama cars soon?
silly americans... weird weird..
I see a quiet law suit, not only for the dolls, but for all that have printed Obamamemorabilia with out permission. Also there is a big security risk if Ty is from outside the country. For example; What are those dolls stuffed with? Is there lead in the paint used? Get smart America and let go of your pettiness and jealousy. The first lady is right on this one and the risk of our security could be at risk.
I don't see what the big deal is.
The outrage about Bristol Palin?
You mean when Barack Obama specifically said to leave Bristol Palin out of the campaign because it's nobody's business? I guess you must have missed that bit of news when it was first announced Bristol Palin was pregnant.
This is a company trying to cash in on two little girls. Unless the Obama children are receiving hefty royalties for the use of their names and likenesses, Ty should discontinue these dolls immediately.
DID MICHELLE OBAMA NOT KNOW THAT HER DAUTHTERS ARE A PART OF THE FIRST FAMILY IN THE WHITEHOUSE? AS SUCH, THE TERM, PRIVATE CITIZENS, DO NOT APPLY, EVEN THOUGH THE FIRST FAMILY IS ENTITLED TO THEIR PRIVATE LIVES? YOUR IMAGE BELONGS TO THE ELECTORS OR PEOPLE. THIS IS THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR THE FORTUNE AND FAME. THE TERMS, "PRIVATE CITIZENS" AND "PRIVATE LIVES" ARE DIFFERENT AS ANY HIGH POWERED ATTORNEY SHOULD KNOW.
D.B. Ferguson January 23rd, 2009 10:43 pm ET
"NO BIAS, No Bull" ? I am very disappointed in one of my favorite anchors. Campbell Brown (and Ed Henry) seem to be getting very
negative (1/23) . . .
-----------
I'm ELATED that some CNN anchors are finally starting to report on what actually IS - and NOT what they WANT it to be! Keep up the good work.
The FBI and the Secret Service should make note of some of the disgusting comments on this website. The venom and palpable HATRED is extremely scary; these are the kind of people who politicians have to be kept safe from.
For every person who's accusing Michelle Obama or Barack Obama of dragging any of the Palin children into the election process in any sort of negative manner, you really need to get your memory checked. It never happened.
Public figures are always recognized in one way or another. The Obama's must understand that they can't protect their children, as the Clinton attempted, from noteriety, the Internet...
The dolls are a bad idea based on corporate greed.
Even my 13 year-old daughter could see this company has used the First Daughters names as the 'inspiration' for these dolls.
Ty, you are out of bounds on this one.
Shame on you, Ty
Me thinks the lady doth protest too much. After all they chose to release that stupid letter he wrote to his kids. Once they do that, or bring them on stage at the DNC, then they lose the right to complain. She needs to get a life, i mean exercise, so she can wear those sleeveless dresses that she prefers and that look so ghastly on her. She must be smarting from all those comments about her outfits that questioned her crowning as a style icon.
It is not illegal and if you do not like it....do not buy one.
Now if we were a facist state then Obama could just have the Company closed down and the owners thrown into a dungeon.
The Obama's have no problem trotting out the girls when the want to score a few points, like that TV interview during the campaign. Yet when it's not them doing the exploiting it's inapproipriate. The need to make up their minds. Either keep them entirely out of the spotlight themselves, or accept what happens. @Raf, the J Crew clothes that the girls wore to the inauguration were custom made for them, not off the shelf. Wanna bet J Crew is also cashing in on that? Michelle, you wanted the job, now live with it warts and all.
People are missing the issue. This is a mother defending the likenessof her children. Palin defended her children, Bush his, Clintons did, Mc Cain did. The office held and the election have no bearing. If TY made a doll of any one of the posters families, they would be upset if not looking for compensation.The fact that so many people on here are still upset about the election or have such hot opinion about anything Obama shows how misguided and angry people are. Maybe the energy could be focused into a btter issue. Read a book with your kids and focus on your own and let them raise theirs.
MICHELLE, YOU COULD HAVE LET YOUR MOTHER ADOPT YOUR DAUGHTERS AND SHE COULD HAVE KEEP THEM UNDER HER CHARGE AND CUSTODY AND OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE, WHICH IS A TAXPAYER MORTGAGED HOUSE. BUT, YOU LET THEM BASK IN THE GLORY OF THE CAMPAIGN AND THE INAUGURATION AND NOW YOU THINK ALL COMMERCIALISM WILL JUST DISAPPEAR LIKE A HOUDINI ACT? MICHELLE, AT 45, YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN THAT, AND A HIGH POWERED ATTORNEY UP THERE WITH OPRAH WINFREY SHOULD DEFINITELY KNOW BETTER. IT'S BUSINESS, ALL BUSINESS. GOOD BUSINESS.
YOU GO MICHELLE!!!
Ty, shame on you.
It's really sad that so many people want to take their frustrations out on two little girls. They did not run for office, their father did. Their parents have taken great measures keeping the children out of the limelight. Those of you whining about the Obama's using their daughters have not been following the Obama's.
As far as comparing Palin's children, SHE, PALIN was the one that dragged her children all over the place. SHE, PALIN was the one who put her daughters business in public when it was not necessary. SHE, Palin is the one who keeps coming out with ridiculous statements to keep herself in the limelight.
Typical, business as usual. I have many Ty beanie babies from over the years, however, if they have done this without permission then they are wrong, wrong, wrong!!!!!
I am not an Obama fan at all. But this is disgraceful. It was wrong when the left attacked the Bush girls. This too is wrong. We the People couldn't get the powers that be to stop their attacks on kids. We the consumer have a call on this one. We need to punish Ty, make them feel it. Then others will think twice before doing this sort of thing in the future.
Discussing the actions of the children of public figures is one thing. Exploiting them for profit is another thing entirely. I think this is absolutely dispicable.
This a major intrusion on their privacy and should be removed immediately..If they want to market the dolls they should remove the names and leave that blank. It is uncalled for to use these young children to make money. To money hungry people nothing is sacred..
i believe the company that is amking the obama girl dolls should stopm amking them and any money earned go directly to charity. they did not get the obamas authrizationfor the dolls.
Whoever behind this idea in Ty is the most insensitive shallow human being. Leave the girls alone! Forget about your $$ making for once.
I'm sure she isn't as upset as you smart Americans have sat there and created in your heads. She's being human. Are Americans really so Simple? Cause these bitter comments are what makes you Not clever to the rest of the World. Get Educated like everyone else that voted correctly!
Humm,
Now, now, Michelle. Me do think you complain too much. You love the attention but blast the Media? Come, come now. Could it be you are again, not proud of your country?
The dolls don't even look like the children. So, who is the company fooling?
the palin children were thrown into the public eye be cause Sarah palin put there, she kept mentioning her autistic son and her pregnant daughter, plus her daughter was the one on the news and she is an adult and there for fair game, these two Obama girls havent hit puberty yet, they arfe children and they are being exploited for Ty's wallets and nothing else. The company should have asked for permission before using the like ness, if the Obamas want this can be taken care of, it is too much of coincidence that Ty came out wit these two black dolls, right after the Obamas take office... Ty should be ashamed and sued for this crap
GET OVER IT MICHELLE!!! You promote you husband as a "saint" and that is purely "stupid" especially coming from you "a lawyer"!! And just because you are a "slimmy" lawyer – I guess next thing is law suit against Ty and all JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN!!! How much lower can you & your husband pull this country????
You should of not had your kids out on stage promoting one as an entertainer and the other as a future lawyer!!!
They are children of the Obama's and it is THEIR decision where they want the likeness of their children to be. They are not the public's children to use in any situation they please. THey should have at least asked.
well first lady michell; it comes with the territory gurlfriend...that's just the way it is.
Personally, I am sick of seeing all of the crap on TV advertising Obama or 9/11 or any other so-called commeratives. Don't buy this junk and these greedy pigs will get the message. Hit 'em in the wallet – that's where it hurts these jerks most. Otherwise, they don't give a darn about what you think of them or their tacky junk.
sniveller michelle, whats the matter bumbed out you werent paid for all thework you did hyping their profiles?
People are bickering back and forth about the right and wrong aspect of the dolls being marketed. It doesn’t matter what you think about the dolls, the fact is the company defends itself with statements that should be a slap in the face to everyone. They are saying they put no stock in the intelligence of the American people. Anyone with an ounce of intelligence can see where Ty derived their “inspiration”.
After what was done to Sarah Palin's children, no democrat should ever, ever complain about their children being the subject of national scrutiny or attention. Michelle should shut up.
I totally agree with the First Lady!
No problems here..Michele needs to get a grip. This is a free country and like it or not the kids are public figures. I suppose now she will have Obama issue censorship becasue he is the pres.
I agree with the first lady – it is tasteless and shameful to exploit the names of the first daughters for monetary gain. While Ty most likely intended the naming of the new dolls to be complimentary to Sasha and Malia, the concept is nonetheless tacky.
I guess the REAL problem with Michelle is that NO ONE WILL BUY THESE DOLLS!!! LOL-LOL-LOL-LOL
And that will show her how not ALL of America voted or wanted them!!!!
After the obvious public backlash we’re seeing, whoever’s responsible for marketing at Ty should probably get ready to enter the job market.
And if Ty really thinks their marketing strategies are aligned with contemporary consumer culture, then the whole company should get ready for a rough, rough ride through the coming economic storm.
TY, Mattel? Who cares to purchase anything, especially a toy made
in CHINA? Wal Mart sells anything cheaply Made in China.
Who needs "expensive toys" anyway. They end up at yard sales.
The kids want them and don't even play with them!!!! AND, some have
lead paint!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a crime and should be treated so. Horrible! If they don't sell maybe they will stop making toys like this. So do the Obama's a favor and don't buy them!
TY, You shold be ashamed and sued.
I voted for Obama but I think Michelle's response is a bit ridiculous. When Barack decided to run for president, their family gave up the whole "private citizen" please protect our privacy thing. If they wanted their kids to have a normal, quiet, private life, they should have remained in Chicago as private citizens.
' Fearful for our country'
How dare you say "...just goes to show you, you can't please AA's"!
How dare you make such a racial slur! You're just another one of those ridiculous racist runts who needs to climb back under that rock you came from. These girls are too young to speak for themselves and I'm sure if your children were being exploited for profit, you would do the same. But then again, maybe not. Maybe you'd be like 'Joe the Plumber', looking for '15 min.of fame' no matter how it comes.
Show some ethical, moral behaviour – until then, please remain beneath your rock!! Twit.
I obamas need to get over it. Not everything is about them and TY is free to use an manes they choose for their product. BTW........tehy are no longer private citizens........guess they didn't read the fine print........and they sire as hell didn't listen to the former families advide for keeping their kids out of the public eye. They used their kids for their advantage and so now they are considered fair game.
"But they wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration for the new figures..."
They don't need to 'reveal the source of their inspiration'. Everyone knows it's green and has George Washington's picture on it. I won't be buying any of their products for any child in the future.
Well Michelle Obama, GET USED TO IT !!!!
It goes with the territory.
Ask the Clintons, ask the Bushes.
You are public proberty now.
No Hillary = No Obama,
are you kidding me? obama is some one who chose public service and opened himself up to it....those girls are minors that are being exploited for profit....i cant believe you have the audacity to even defend some corporation trying to make a buck off underage kids. be careful of the position you take
yep...american are definetely back to their ignorant know all tunel vision political views where everything goes...yep...the hope of a new america was shortlived.....oh well lets see how long before they kill Obama!!!
NO MATTER WHAT OR WHO THEY ARE CHILDREN ARE OFF LIMITS!!
The ignorance posted in response to this is just unacceptable. One would hope that people with the sense to be connected would use their connectivity in a more constructive way. First, this have nothing to do with the First Lady (not Michelle, you disrespectful person) being full of herself. It is not appropriate; but of course, their not little white girls so no harm no foul right?
Forget your personal feelings about having a black President, these are CHILDREN!!! Was there a Chelsea Doll? Amy Doll? Bush Twins Doll? (Even though they gave pretty of material to create a doll.) The answer in no because it's in poor taste.
And for those of you, who stated you wanted the spotlight so it comes with the territory, understand that, unlike many of you spineless, cowardly morons with average intelligence, not everyone can be bought like a commodity. Many deceit Americans (black and white) have morals and believe in a higher calling and purpose for our lives. We believe that the standards should be the same and not change because the color of our skin changes. We also believe in protecting and nurturing our children and not having them exploited because of a decision that we as parents make, particularly if those decisions are in the interest of public service.
Has America not exploited Black people enough? (Enslavement, Jim Crow, NBA, NFL, etc.) It was not long ago that four little girls were bombed and killed in a church basement, a place that was suppose to be sacred. Yet, this company, and many who agree with their actions for whatever reason, has bombed and are willing to violate the sanctity of the First Family, and the natural essence of who these little girls are to make a buck. Are we really willing to give them our blessings to do so?
No more TY products in my House. These children are the only African-American worthy of your attention, TY is not worthy of my dollar.
the obama's put the children in the spotlight so they are fair game. if they didn't want the children in the spotlight, they should have done what the clintons did with chelsea when they kept her off the political stage. the children are now fair game.
Sorry, but the problem many of you fail to understand is that TY is saying the Obama girls's names are not inspirations for the dolls names and likeness. Why didn't they pick Alyssa and Ariana? The dolls just happent to be African American and not white. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! I think Michelle would have cut them some slack if they had been honest about the using the same names PERIOD!!! TY needs to be honest that they picked both of these names based on the Obama girls. They could have picked two other names, but they did not!!!
Let me say this for everyone!!!! This issue does not speak to the fairness that Palin's daughter, the Bush twins, and chelsea clinton were unfairly treated by the press and other supporters!!
THIS SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO A CORPORATION EXPLOITING UNDERAGE KIDS TO MAKE A PROFIT FOR THEMSELVES....this behavior is unacceptable in america whether you are a believer or nonbeliever we do not allow our kids to be exploited for profit!!
I agree that Ty should have gotten permission before they made these dolls. Like is or not, they are public figures but Michelle has the right and the responsibility to protect them as much as she can. I believe she does that. She and Obama will make mistakes in that but this is not going to be an easy life for those girls. The public outrage however is a bit over the top. Where was the outrage when Sara Palins children were hammered by the media. That deserved equal if not more outrage than this blip on the radar.
This is normal marketing - consider it a compliment. I am not of the same background as the girls – but did have an Amasandra doll years ago and see nothing wrong with it. There are those who would love to have the dolls – as a part of our history. They are darling – as are the girls.
This is absolutely nuts and total sillyness to have a story like this
get so much attention, myself included!. I think we are all missing the
point here. Toys made in China, the China debt, and the state of our
sad, sad country. And this story has gotten almost 400 comments!!!
Me included!!!!!!!
I completely agree with Mrs. Obama. I'm happy they responded.
Regardless of private citizen, public image....this is inappropriate. Ty should not cross these lines. Does everything and everyone have to be exploited?
I agree with our First Lady. I agree with Sarah Palin. They are both right that their children are off limits. I agree with any public official holding office or any public figure including the spouse of a public figure that their children should not be used as a marketing tool, mis-represented or maligned in a public forum, or simply discussed as a news topic in any forum. The children are not the public figures. The representation of our president of the US put on a commerative t-shirt, votive candle, or plate or coin is absolutely fine because HE is the public figure. Of course it is greedy and horrific, but is it is also opportunitism and capitalism. We should be glad that we CAN do these things in our economy but TY went too far with the Obama children and the dolls. Shame on them for being so greedy.
It's just wrong. No matter who their father is they shouldn't be used to sell anything. They manufacturer should be ashamed of themselves. Leave those kids alone!
I think Michelle is just upset because she is being left out! Barack has so many items with his likeness on them, now the girls have the dolls. What does she have????
Those are some really ugly dolls. I guess Ty needed a stunt to make them sell!
They may be "public" in a sense, but they didn't pick the job, their parents did. So, they are private. And as private citizens, it looks to me, like selling likenesses of them without permission or paying them royalties is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
What do you think would happen if somebody stuck Miley Cirus's name on something without permission.
What's next? A Ty Bush voodoo doll?
Suggestion: No one Buy Dolls
The fact that a company like Ty would blatantly rip off somebody's name and likeness and say "it's just a coincidence" for the sole purpose of not having to pay royalties is a pretty sad statement about our society. The fact that people will actually buy them is even worse.
And before you people start harping on "image" as opposed to name. Notice how the Tygirlz don't seem to include any other black figures except for these two with the Obama daughters' names. Ty's idiotic smokescreen about the source of inspiration doesn't help. This looks like appropriating the whole image (even though ths is soft doll).
To those complaining about Sarah Palin's kids not getting the same respect:
Obama said when Bristol Palin's pregnancy came out to leave her alone, that President/Candidates children were off limits. So please, do not even tell me that Democrats did not give you the same respect. I heard many times from my fellow Democrats that the Palin children should be left alone because they are not the ones in the campaign. And guess what? After that, you didn't hear much about the Palin children, except when they showed up to an event and people mentioned it, as they did the Obama children, or on celebrity gossip sites (Perezhilton.com) So, please now give us the same respect that the new President gave you. Thanks!
Couple of points: Malia and Sasha are public figures for better or worse, their dad is the President. The girls were brought on stage numerous times during the campaign– was that exploitation! Guess it depends on who is doing the exploiting. There are lots of people selling Obama things, as there were selling Bush and Cheney items. And if Ty has done nothing illegal then this is a "free" country, right? What about the dress designers that Michelle is "exploiting".
What a bunch of cry-babies! Exploit them when you need them, but "protect" them when the election is over. What goes around comes around!
Come on! We elected you because we love you! Don't forget the people who made you who you are today! I don't see what wrong for average people to love and want part of the first family in their houses.
This issue here is the company is outright LYING and also did not bother to make a doll of color UNTIL it would benefit them monetarily.
THAT is the issue.
In a time when young women are selling their virginity to pay for school and it's publicized all over the world... selling Obama daughter dolls is the least of our worries for the future moral standing of this country.
I agree with the FIRST LADY leave her childrens alone, Make your dolls out of someone else
Leave The Children ALONE they deserve a life without the commercilization of their images. Now that they live in the White House, doesn't make them Public TOYS as the industry would like !!!
mark my words; due to this outrage from the public – Ty will be out of business or bought up by another toy maker and dissolved within a year.
Peoples children are off limits! If those were my kids they would have a lawsuit so big they would think a bulldozer was coming.
Ok don't think it is a concidence that Ty named these dolls Malia and Sasha however how is it any different than GAP selling out outifts that the girls wear and ever other Vendor trying to make a buck on Obama.
If you don't like it don't buy it but you can bet plenty of people have made millions on Obama items.
TY is dispicable and disgusting for this. I will never ever purchase anything from Ty. Their distasteful and dispicable behavior will backfire on them. Not only are they exploiters of innocent children, they have insulted the intellegence of the American people, by lying that there is no connection between the First Daughters and those dolls. UGGG this is utterly disgusting. If they know what's good for them, they pull those dolls off of shelves STAT.
I read these blogs all the time, can hammer palins kids but obamas kids are off limit. All any of them did was smile and wave. they made no political statements at all. Ethics isnt a party thing. see wrong as wrong. Change and hope????
Michelle should welcome this, they will sell like crazy, make TY all kinds of money and in return, TY will pay large amounts of taxes and help pay for the stimulus package. They call it redistribution of wealth, and the president is leading by example.
Don't buy Ty products
Don't buy Ty products
Ty of course you picked those names out of a hat?NOT
WOW! what a tremendous double standard a lot of you have! Ty can't use the names Sasha and Malia because those are the names of the Obama kids and they should be off limits? Why weren't the Palin kids off limits? It didn't seem to bother Michelle Obama in the least that members of the media trash talked Bristol Palin 3 months before the election and have yet to stop.
Turn about is fair play Michelle.
Welcome to the world of being in the public eye. You put them there Obama, deal with the repercussions.
i don't like that a company is "exploiting" younger children (though it's not really hurting them in any way - in fact, you could argue that malia and sasha could feel proud that a toy company would want to make a doll in their likeness). BUT FIRST, can any obama supporter please explain why this is wrong but it was okay for Palin's and Bush's children to be criticized/investigated/continually covered by the press, which far more directly hurtful to those children? Please, anyone? Haven't seen one explanation as to why it was okay before but not now?
Ty says "they wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration" Geez, how stupid do they think everyone is?
I think they should make a sour grapes beanie baby for all of the repugnicans who are here whining like giant babies. waaaahhhhh
The Obama's thought they would be viewed as "private citizens"? It did not cross their minds they would be "PUBLIC FIGURES"? Get real! And by the way, TY is out to get a buck.... the world knows that. May the chips fall where they may if they have broken the law.
that's what you get when you are not a privte citizen anymore ...get with the program ...talk about something a little more important ..maybe she really just wants a cut of the profits.
Both sides are wrong.
The Obamas are wrong becasue they did parade their kids around during the elections etc. They also made a big deal about them while moving into the White House.
On the other hand, the company obviously lies when it's claiming that the names have nothing to do with Obama's daughters and that some proprietary "scientific " process was used to determine the names of the dolls.
did ty get premission from the Obama family to make these dolls? xD
low blow TY you should have gotten permission first and offer to donate proceeds to a charity of the Obama's choosing proir to marketing the dolls. But to deny the inspiration do you think we are living under a rock? I even hate to admit it if they had done it correctly and gotten permission it would have been the other way around and I would have loved to purchase one for my daughter who also loves to play with the diverse groovy girl dolls!
TY sell the dolls and donate the money to charity
Well first Mama, get used to the critique by the media and being the center of attention. You and the "annointed one" want the glory, so you get "the whole package", or resign. You aren't "above" it – you used "it" to get where you are.
Where are Bruce, Barbara, Oprah, Al and Jessie when you need them!
Ty is a clueless bottom-feeder if it can't understand why this is inappropriate. No more Ty products in our house.
I'm not a father nor am I one to criticize sketchy business practices however, Ty is 40 miles left of right. There is not rhyme or reason for releasing a product of this nature. If Ty does not face repercussions for their actions I will be shocked and appalled.
Consider ALL products by Ty BOYCOTTED FOR EVER as a result of this IDIOTIC decision.
I will be communicating with the Board of Ty and you can expect all senior persons to be fired instantly for their stupidity and bad taste!
So many of your comments are feigned and simply dumb. Malia and Sasha are little girls–There's no comparison to Sarah Palin's daughter! She had an unplanned pregnancy, while hear own mother is a staunch "Republican". That's fair game! What did Malia and Sasha do? The Obamas never once tried to "market" them before winning the election. Bottom line: Ty should have exercised good judgment–Or, at least, received consent from the Obama family. If not, my feeling is those little girls are entitled to profits generated.
Well FIRST FAMILY this is what happen when you run for office and have small childrens or grown childrens they because the lime light for everyone and thing.
If ALL the PROFITS, from this doll idea, goes directly to the U.S.O./Other Military Family Support organizers, to help families of ACTIVE DUTY and Injuried Soldiers from the current 2 WARS, currently ongoing, then I say SELL AWAY, if it's ONLY "for profit" FORGET IT! , and cancel this idea...NOW!
READ THE COMMENT BY RAF PLEASE BECAUSE IT SAYS IT ALL! UNLIKE SOME VERY SPITEFUL AND JEALOUS PEOPLE WHO NEVER GET THEIR FACTS STRAIGHT. THIS PERSON IS RIGHT ON TARGET AND DID SOME RESEARCH. I AM VERY PROUD TO CALL YOU A FELLOW AMERICAN! KEEP MAKING COMMENTS TO GET THESE PEOPLE STRAIGHT.
P.S. Mary, being a public figure at 7 and 10 is not the same as it is for an adult. These girls are CHILDREN. Get it? The Obamas are parents who have the right not to see their children exploited. The Bush Twins were not. Chelsea Clinton was not. Amy Carter was not. So why them? Because of Ty's corporate greed, pure and simple.
I didn't know the obama has trademarked the name Sasha and Malia. Will I get public stoning if I I name my dog Sasha? Chill up, it's only some stupid names! America will be in deep trouble if the Obama family spend their first week in the office worry about something this insignificant!
Children should not be exploited, laws aside.
The Obama adults' exploitation of these children are nearing the edge of political norms. Now others want to exploit them in a different way. The gossips will want to know all the juicy details concerning each family member and as a whole family.
Obamas, if you do not want more intense scrutiny of your children, stop parading them like prize livestock and normalize their childhood as much as possible under the circumstances. People who publicly display their children get similar treatment in large and small towns across the U.S. The presidents' families will naturally get similar treatment on a larger scale.
Chill out!!! Have a little fun people. They're just dolls. This is America. You're not asked to worship them.
TY should be ashamed, leave them, babies alone!!!
Easily solved Intellectual Property issue. All TY needs is to be served a cease and desist. Although they're public figures (which they are, and congrats to Barack an Michelle who have tried to minimize that), TY has no rights to their names at present, and the case could be made that they will have to turn their profit margin over to the Obama's if intellectual property rights and licensing right have been violated.
NEVER SAW THE EXPLOITATION OF THE BUSH TWINS, KENNEDY'S, CARTER KIDS. DID YOU?
SO WHY PRESIDENT OBAMA'S? GREED!
BOYCOTT — DON'T PURCHASE TY TOYS.
IT'S ALL ABOUT R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Why is it everyone wants to suddenly boycott Ty? Why don't you people show more concern for the real issues with the economy or the housing market? Ty making some money isn't going to ruin your life, but all of these banks folding and such are certainly affecting us. Do you think that any business truly acts in a completely ethical manner?
I also feel that the Obama's were proud to flaunt their children during the campaign. It's unfair to start complaining now (even though Ty is clearly lying through their teeth...).
People, she said it is inappropriate which it is. She is not angry, just highly annoyed as she should be. I am sure that she is aware that her children are now in the public arena. She has the right to voice her opinion when it quit obvious that the girls are being exploited for monetary reasons by a private business. Had she been contacted, and this was for a specific charity she might has reacted differently. As it stands, that is not the case.
I think these dolls are quite cute and I imagine a lot of little girls would like to have them. I do however object to TY not seeking permission from the Obama's to use the girls' likenesses and lying about the "source of the inspiration" for the dolls. It seems like some law is being broken here. I wonder what Sasha and Malia think of the dolls?
Get over it, instead of sitting here complaining about dolls, why don't you send money to the poor kids that need the attention more than Sasha and Malia. That is if you people really cared, but i know you are just obsessed with Obama and everything that has to do with him.
First off, I'm a conservative. Hopefully CNN will post this in spite of my affiliation. Secondly, as a society we've gone overboard with our acceptance of commercialism and exploitation in all forms. The children of any public figure should be off limits. I wonder how my of you commenting on this buy the Equirer, People, Us or any of the other exploitive news rags published. How many of you watch any of the zillions of reality TV shows that exploit. Oh, I bet there are bunch of you who are. Are you upset because Michelle is upset or you upset because a large corporation is trying to exploit these kids? I bet some of the same people complaining are the same ones who would buy one of these rags or what a show to get the scope about the death of the Travolta boy because "you just gotta know". Where's the out cry as the pap hounds anyone of notoriety and forces them to have to hide to get some privacy? As soon as we quit buying and watching this crap the market for it will dry up. Go find something else to do other than finding enjoyment in others misery.
Michelle needs to have Palin consult her on how it feels to have your daughter(s) in the limelight. I am sure that most of the people that commented on this story had no problem watching the media tear Palin's daughter apart...FOR MONEY!
Regardless what their parent's do for a living, these are children. Perhaps if we, as a society, decide to ahow more respect to one another, our politicians will follow.
Leave them alone!!!
The Obama's should sue the company for everything they have and then some.
That just goes to show a republican business man will do anything to make a dollar or avoid paying taxes.
They should be banned from doing business, I do not care if we do need jobs, they should not use peoples likeness or names to sell a product unless the person gave permission and is paid a royalty if they want one.
I agree with the First Lady you should not market the dolls. Remember the Wall Street statement regarding greed: "Pigs get eaten."
Its so sad the TY has to find a way to exploit these beautiful innocent girls. I think, WE THE PEOPLE, ought to take a stand. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. These girls are not acresses. Let them be children for God's sake
i agree with the first lady. unless ,of course, TY doesn't mind paying royalties.
Unfortunately, many people are trying to capitalize on the popularity of our new President and his family. Ty should have: (1) asked Michelle about the dolls, (2) offered to donate some of the proceeds to children's charities.
Hey Michelle it could be worst. They could have made one of you and dressed it in those inaugural gold curtains.
AJ in Florida you really sound like a person with great intelligence and most of all a father .Even though you did not vote for Obama and don't agree on some of his plans I must say I hear no predjudice in your comments.If some of these people commenting could act as adults as yourself and stop allowing their hatred for Obama..(which is what it is) act as mature as you then they could refrain from saying such hateful comments.Those of you who carry such hate for our president you should remember when Bristol 's pregnancy was revealed and the media wanted Obama to comment on Palin's unwed pregnant daughter during the campaign Obama was quite upset and told the media the children was off limits.Hopeful none of you become the misfortune of fame and have your children exploited because it will be only then that you can walk a mile in his shoes and only then will reality hit
I truly believe we are more concerned about these dolls than the Obamas. I'm positive the media went to Michelle for a responsive about the dolls. She didn't call them or Ty. Why give a pedophile a toy that he can eventually harm. Yes, any parent can see this is morally wrong. The Obamas are a tough family and I'm sure they have moved on and so should we. Whats the topic for next week?
I agree that it's inappropriate to use Malia and Sasha to sell dolls....but the flip side of this is positive and shows that children of colour can be marvelous and sweet too. It is good for all children to know that "beauty comes in different colours" even in beanie dolls.
For all you people stating that the Obama's were talking about the Palin's get educated – HE stated that Sarah children were off limit – that all issues involving her children were not to be discussed. Michelle never made a statement about Sarah's children – Please get your facts together before you write false statements
Really? Leaving this non-story open for almost 400 comments, and closing the article about Boehner's interview after 9 comments? The author even asked for commentary in that one. What's the deal, here?
Yeah, and lets make a doll for Sarah Palin shwoing her pregnant, and her baby and Sarah Palin's baby, etc. Lets just exploit everybody.
Get used to it and stop whining. No one MADE your husband run for President.
Obama has hinted at censorship time and time again. Is this where America is headed?
Michelle, if the girls names were Sarah or Amy, would you be saying anything? I don't see O'bama in the name of these dolls. YOU are the one who has brought this down on your girls. I hope this remains a free country. Even if he had added "O'bama" you made your children PUBLIC figures when you entered politics and LET them be splashed all over the news and magazines.
The Ty company used very poor judgement making these dolls and naming them after the first daughters. Something like this is unprecedented and hopefully they will be boycotted. At the least the Obamas should have been asked in the beginning but they obviously knew they would have rejected the idea because it is exploitive and a huge intrusion of the girl's privacy. It is a huge PR blunder and instead of lamely trying to say it is a coincidence that the dolls are named Malia and Sasha, they should apologize and not sell any more dolls. If they legally can sell the ones they have made, every penny should go to a charity that will help poor children in your country. This company should not make a cent of profit off of this gimmick.
The Obama girls were rarely on the campaign trail, Palin drug her children..including the infant everywhere! Palin more so than the Obama's asked for media coverage. Move on...get over it!!
Get over it mamma
I think it is the first lady who can only decide what is best for her daughters. What surprises me is the numbreeof comments on this page. US people are so excited to have the Obamas in the white house. I pray he will be up to the expectations and he brings peace to my beloved country-Palestine.
The family is in the public eye now. They need to get over it.
Some of the comments on here are COMPLETELY out of line. For example, "JO" claims the Obamas would not object if they were getting a cut of the profits. JO, you have absolutely zero basis for saying this and it's therefore slander. How about because you opened yourself to public scrutiny by posting here we take pictures of your kids and make dolls out of them? That would be just as inappropriate. Here's a thought–try being civil (and human) before you post.
I will not be purchasing one of these dolls. Companies exploiting children for their own gain is over the line.
Woaw Top of news...
Outrageous! The Obamas didn't put their daughters on the cover of People magazine just so they'd become pop-culture fodder!
Shame on those who buy such stuff. If no one buys these dolls, TY will not make these. Be responsible consumers and companies like TY will be straightened out.
I'm going with Dennis Lee on this one!!!
(see #2)
It is wrong and the only way to show you think it is wrong is to not purchase the dolls. But, as we all know the mighty dollar out weighs what is right or wrong. These will be all over ebay.
Goes with the territory.
So, don't whine Michelle.
And if you can't stand the heat, go out of the kitchen.
Good issue.
Now go after the Brats dolls. They encourage immoral behavior.
Why is she complaining? The Obama's are used to selling things for money...his old Senate seat (barely used!..just like new with leather!), his votes..you name it. Just give the money to Soros or Moveon...that'll make ya feel better Michelle
Michelle,hate to say it, its just the beginning. You are now public figures so get used to it. Ty....go for it. I think its wonderful that you have finally made little black dolls that black and white children can enjoy TOGETHER. So, you saw a great opportunity and made the most of it. Great. Isnt that what most people do.
I agree with Michelle. Ty try something else.
What did you expect, Michelle? You're in the spotlight now. Are you still proud of America? lol
What Ty did is nothing less than pathetic. But no surprise because this is American capitalism at its finest – - without ethics and anything for the almighty dollar.
dont even look like them come on please leave the girls out of your maket adventure . the dolls are someone else, at leaset make them look like the girls
What people have to remember is that these dolls only share the name they do not resembe the girls. Therefore fair game... they are not advertised as Obama dolls. SO if you carry the arguement to the logical conclusion then any toy with a name similar to that of anybody in power or famous has to be withdrawn or renamed.
All in all.. The Obamas put themselves in the spotlight and were extemely naive if they though this wouldnt happen ... no complaints about the Obama coins plates teeshirts nd other Obama crap. Infact we knw whats going to happen.... Obama will sign an executive order banning the use of his childrens names.
Seems like thats his anwer for everthing seing as though he stated
" I WON"...
If the Obama daughters were sports figures or Hollywood actors they would have attorneys protecting their rights and bank accounts. I don’t remember seeing a doll based on the Clinton or Bush daughters. This subject brings up once again a person’s right to privacy and the difference between what parents do and what children are exposed to. Ty is out to make a profit, if I were the Obamas and couldn’t stop the sale of the dolls, I’d make sure the profits went to needy children. However, Ty has made a huge blunder and should apologize and deal with this situation honorably.
This is awful, TY is trying to make a profit. For all you idiots who think it is okay to exploit these children. This is no comparison to the Palin kids, Sarah Palin exploited her own children. You did not see any other kids on the campaign trail like Piper Palin ( Sarah couldn't afford a babysitter). And TNMom as far as Bristol Palin pregnancy goes, who cares she is just another teenage mother. You guys should mind your own business and worry about your own children.
What this company is doing is perfectly legal as far as I know. It seems to be they should pay the Obama family for the use of the name. While it is legal...
It is unscrupulous and immoral for this company to exploit these two kids in this way. America's children are a special population. They should be protected from commercial exploitation by thoughtful and responsible corporations.
While Mom Michelle desperately tries to keep her two daughters grounded, Ty finds new avenues to give Malia & Sasha ego problems and turn these precious little darlings into the next Lindsay Lohans.
minorities complain all the time when there isn't dolls that match their specific culture, instead having only the "Malibu Barbie" then when a company responds to the current attitude of our country and puts out dolls that are diverse now their our complaints from Michelle Obama? Shouldn't she be proud and see that this gives other little black girls inspirations. STOP WHINING !
These are humans, NOT OBJECTS!!!!!
Wow all you republicans are hating on her because she wants her kids to be of the spotlight, remember the kids are under 18. and comments were made about "if she would like aborted beanies"? what a DUMB & RETARDED thing to say but i guess whomever wrote that comment must feel bad about herself and would comment something so stupid. If this was a palin child or Mccant child im sure you republicans would be defending them with no problems! the story is about 2 young girls people, how would you feel if this was your kids? no child should ever be exposed! so all you haters of Obama get over it we won and thats it, take your anger on bushy since he screwed up this country in 8 years and your all pissed and taking it on the wrong people!
This is just so ignorant on all levels.
These dolls DO NOT represent the Obama's girls in any way, shape or form. This is just pure GREED on the part of Ty and their attempts to "sell out" our First Daughters.
It's utterly disgraceful and despicable beyond words. I myself will NOT be buying this garbage.
Everyone is out for a "quick buck', until it happens to THEIR own children.
Everyone can talk TRASH about how the Obama's are in the public eye now, yadda, yadda, yadda. However, NO ONE deserves their children being exploited. President Obama and First Lady Michelle have ALL the right to decide what is BEST for their children. It does not matter whether they are IN or OUT of the White House.
Every one of YOU in this blog have every right to decide what is best for YOUR child/children. NO ONE has the right to "judge" the First Family's personal decisions least they be judge on how to raise their own child! Bottom line.
It's funny every loves playing judge and jury until the table is turned on their own lives. Hello.
The Real Issue is the "First Lady" has spoken. Americans have an opportunity to think about what was said and do something about it. It's simple, if you agree, do not purchase the doll and if you do agree with the company, buy the doll. Another issue is the company not telling the truth about naming the dolls. Americans, do you want to purchase from a company that does not tell the truth with its marketing. I wouldn't buy it, especially at this present time.
Don't Boycott TY, that would be stupid and unjustified.
Rather boycott this political BS that Washington is always trying to force on us.
poor poor MICHELLE
Being written about is an expected consequence for the children of our highest elected officials, but having a commercial product named for you and receiving none of the profits, and having no say over how your name and likeness are used, is illegal. There is nothing partisan about this. What if, instead of sweet, lovable Ty Corp, it had been the makers of those BRATZ dolls who'd come out with a "Sasha" and "Malia" days after their Dad's inauguration? Would it have been easier to understand how that might have hurt these children?
Ty Corp is lying through its teeth and I think their parents should ask for a cease-and-desist order, or for all profits from these dolls to go to some worthwhile cause - perhaps supporting animal rescue organizations, or something else their daughters can select.
i understand why the first lady is upset why ty have made beanie babies to lok exactly like the first children .the should have asked permision thought Mabye they thought the publicity would be good for the children buts its not .those children are know going to have so many fake friends .i am with the first lady but mabye the ment good tidings like a gift to the first lady and barack and mind you i am barack folower
boycott politicians and political families (Bush, Kennedy, Clinton, Obama....), they have no ethics.
That's a bunch of crap the toy makers are saying.
I don't blame the First Lady. If this company didn't seek the Obama's permission to market these dolls they are more than out of line!
Well Palin lovers why don't we have a pregnant Bristol doll developed by Ty? Would that make you happy? BTW, I don't think the new president's daughters are going to be skipping down the street to school or riding in a normal car. Security is very high and interest in these girls is off the charts. It's better to allow some "controlled" photo ops or then we end up having the British royal family craziness with the Obamas. And you can see how that turned out.
I bet that if Ty offered her money then everything would be fine.
what i dont understand is why would ty make beanie babies to look like the first children. Do i think the first lady is overeacting no beacauseall she is doing is trying to protect her kids and i am with her but first of all
1. the chidren did not run for president Barack did
2. second of all ty has no right to make beanie babies to like the first chidren. I think those children deserve to have all liitle bit of privace after all know that these children will have the press bothering these children but i am not siding with anyone here
Meh... don't really think this is such a big deal. Ty had a great idea and a good way to sell their product and make money. If parents don't buy them then it's a lesson to Ty and other companies out there... I, however, will be buying 5 sets of these dolls so I can cash in on them in 20-30 years.
Think about the future!!! 
that is life, get used to it........you wanted to be in the position, now deal
with the results. it is
unfortunate for the girls, (parents did it).
parents need to think of children before they go out for the big time
Definition of "TY":
An American manufacturer of stuffed toys and plush animals, and most famous for its Beanie Babies product line. Ty is based and incorporated in Westmont, Illinois. TY IS NOW FAMOUS FOR ITS EXPLOITATION OF A DOTING MOM's CHILDREN AND WILLINGNESS TO CAPITALIZE ON THE OBAMA-MANIA AND DO "ANYTHING" FOR A BUCK.
"Where was the outcry when the media made a big deal about Bristol Palin's pregnancy? "
I don't know how you missed it because it was everywhere. Democrats have their fanatics too but the majority of us were very critical of any political use of Palin's children – even when it was the candidate who was using them.
Hmm.... why not?
Excuse me, but these girls were never used as 'tools' during the Election! I believe it was always Palin bringing her children to all these events, flying them everywhere. Not the Obama's. Grandma stayed with them and they went to school. So yes this is just a company trying to make money. Tho on the other hand I do see this family as being wonderful, positive role models for all children and adults. Really nice to have a President and his family instead of celebretys and sports figures as as models! The Bushes certainly weren't!
People, we are talking about bottomline Idiocracy here by the TY.
I think this company just crossed the line
For people who think it is Ok to use the little girls names... then, maybe they should also come up with a Bush Whiskey, Jenna Rum & Barbara Gin.. cause the whole family were drunks.
Who put our country in this situation ???Democratic house and Democratic Senate not the President you people need a reality check.
Obama 's need to adjust there positions and make it clear . What do we know about them or him for that matter . If they want us to know the kids so be it. They are rich kids getting richer and the poor will stay poor it's the politics for years to come he nor any one else will ever change that and if you think you changed it by voting for Obama sorry not goin happen. Stop spending my money for their gain . You all should be more worried about keeping your house than this or your jjob or pension 401K. They will never care about weather you can feed your kids or clothe them. You are beneath them. WAKE UP AMERICAN!!!!
Totally out of line.This company will never see a penny from me.Let these precious girls live as normal a life as possible.
Parents who wish to protect their kids' privacy don't pose with them on the cover of People magazine or agree to interviews with Access Hollywood.
This is how it works in America. Get over it. That being said, Ty should make these dolls in the USA (I suspect these are chinese made). At least that way Malia and Sasha could get credit for creating some American jobs. That's the real tragedy here.
I think that the Obama children should be totally off limits. The media and papparizi should leave them alone for security reasons. The more that they are exposed to the limelight the more chance there will be for predators of all kinds to learn their habits. Once these people learn the children's habits and routines it will leave them vulnerable.
get over it.
no mother would deprive her daughters of this chance of a little lifetime. let them enjoy the business. my dad made a deal about me over a tom collins martini. men can sell, michelle. period. enjoy the business.
If TY had come out and said "These children are public figures and popular which will help us sell these dolls," I would say they have interesting argument. I may not agree, but it is at least a defensible rationale. But don't say that the only pair of black dolls put out for sale just happens to have the names of the first children by coincidence. I can respect someone I disagree with but I can't respect someone who believes I am stupid enough to believe that.
I bet ther are a lot of people out there looking to make money off of the Obama's
Dave extramoolatoday.com
While all the while, our men and women in uniform are dying in the illegal Iraqui war and the forgotten Afghan war. Sad commentary on today's society that dolls are getting the front page attention instead of Bush's impeachable acts, and our soldiers dying because of it.
I would suggest that the Disney Company enter into a good will agreement with the Obama family. In exchange for exclusive rights to all of the images of the Obama family, Disney will not use the images until 25 years after the death of the last surviving member of the family. However, in the meantime, Disney will aggressively pursue any infringement on their rights.
Disney is perhaps one of the most protective of their copyrights and has tremendous experience in doing it. This proposal has the advantage of a for-profit firm protecting its intellectual property rights while the Obama family could not do so without sounding petty.
I feel the Obamas have every right to take any measures to protect the privacy of their family.
Oh yeah... great idea... lets boycott a company while our economy is in the crapper. Gosh, you fellow Americans are sooooo super duper smart.
Is this Priority 1 for this adminstration? Don't worry, Obama will shrink the private sector so that nobody will be selling anything soon.
both the dolls look the same, with different hairstyles. Not very impressive and the first lady is correct in stating that the company is out of line. People, don't be fooled by these idiots trying to profit on the backs of a popular president.
Give it up Michelle! Get a life – do something for needy people!
You and Barack have been selling your girl's images for a very long time! Barack even made his supposedly private letter to the girls available for public consumption!
People should not but the dolls. They are very ugly too.
I think this is a lot of hullabaloo over something that is pretty common in a consumer driven society.
BTW, has anyone seen the new Chia Pet? Obama's head frowing green hair. I thought that was kind of humorous. About the girls, I am not so sure.
Sick. I will never ever buy TY products again, nor will I accept them as a gift. I will tell all of my friends and family to boycott. Yes, the Obama family may be in the media light now, but that doesn't give any good reason to expoilt two innocent girls just so a company can make a profit. I hope their plan doesn't go through.
Using the image of a person under the age of 18 without their parent/guardian's consent is wrong, end of story. I don't care that some people on here are arguing that they are now "public" figures, that's irrelevant. It's funny, I don't remember Ty releasing dolls of the Bush twins 8 years ago. I don't remember Ty releasing dolls based on Palin's children. Michelle Obama is well within her rights as a parent to call Ty out on this bad decision.
If companies choose to use images of people over the age of 18, that's up to them and the lawyers to figure out. I hope their cheesy marketing ploy backfires. I, for one, won't be buying Ty products again. Using the economy as a reason for being ok with this decision is also ridiculous – job creation through questionable ethical decisions is not the way to go about "creating" new jobs.
And for the record, President Obama doesn't have much of a choice about what is being marketed using his image. I'm sure he's not getting a percentage. It would be useless to try to stem that tide, and he's not complaining because he CAN'T really complain, can he? But he and Michelle can do whatever they feel they need to do to protect their children from similar circumstances.
While it is deplorable for the worship of money to precede dignity , restraint and decorum (words which have practically lost their meaning in America), I see this as just another storm in a teacup. At least there is nothing negative or derogatory about these dolls, and little girls will see them as an important part of history (maybe). Better than T-shirts being sold in the fresh vicinity of the WTC disaster.
1. This company is trying to market a product that is obviously named after the first children. they should be ashamed.
2. If this were a story about them -I dunno_ getting caught drinking underage or getting knocked up while still in high school, it would NOT be expoitation. There's a difference between making money off of a story and making money off of a product.
3. Why did Ty wait until NOW to come out with the doll? If anything they should have saved face and renamed the dolls.
4. On the flip side, was this REALLY unexpected? I have seen so many commemorative Obama crap that it's ridicuous. EVERYONE including our local newspaper is trying to cash in with rarely-seen-before packages. This is an exciting moment in history and everyone wants their piece of it, and its not shocking that everyone will take advantage of it in any way they can.
Did someone tell Michelle Obama that being in the White House is a PUBLIC position? I think MIchelle Obama should develop a thick skin real fast.
If using children for advertising purposes is so offensive, where is the outrage against McDonalds Corporation? They've been aiming ads featuring children, aimed at children , for decades. And their products are a lot more destructive and immoral than a couple of black dolls.
If Ty had asked permission, donated some of the proceeds to worthy causes OR at LEAST admitted these dolls were modeled after the first children it would be acceptable.
As is - poor taste Ty. You're lucky there are no lawsuits.
Now hush children (whiners)....just do your job Barack...ignor the greedy marketeers ... they put us where we are now...in an economic mess....be sure you and yours keep your heads high and work like the good Americans.....give me a call if you have questions.
NO HILLARY=NO OBAMA-HILLARY LOST. NOW SHE WORKS FOR OBAMA LET IT GO. WHY DON'T YOU READ A BOOK AND TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD
I used to like the Ty products, but will no longer buy any more and I encourage ALL Americans to boycott Ty. Those dolls and their names are not a coincidence and the exploitation of our president's daughters' likenesses is unforgiveable. Who I primarily blame are the people who buy them. When people learn to develop an ounce of dignity and morality towards things like this – and that includes book and movie deals that are all about sensationalizing and oftentimes harming others – companies will stop making these deals. I have never bought or read an unauthorized biography, or stupid book deal, never watched a movie that was not authorized by the family and is exploitive, and will not only not buy these dolls but wlil boycott Ty until they both pull the dolls AND donate all of the profits to a charitable use that the Obamas should be permitted to choose. Shame on you, Ty.
if you dont like the doll just dont buy it,. no one is making you.. im sure you old farts didnt cry when you got your elvis doll as a kid..
i think they were smart and there just ridding the money train ..
I strongly disagree with anyone who says that Sasha and Malia are public figures.
Because their father succesfully ran for president they must be subjected to every media coverage and people have a right to that?
Nonsense, they have not asked for this life. THEY did not run for president.
Of course, as president's children they will be subjected to media, that is unavoidable, but they don't owe us just because they live in the White House.
Their father is a public figure, as well as their mother, but Sasha and Malia are not. They are kids and I believe it's up to their parents to decide what is good and what is not.
This is exactly why people criticize politicians who run for office (especially the White House) when they have small children. It's one thing if your kids are grown up, but to drag a couple of toddlers thru the rigors of the White House is irresponsible parenting.
I wonder if she isn't more upset because they wanted to make deals that would benefit them personally, instead of a company...
I agree whole heartedly with our First Lady. The First daughters should be off limits. They are too precious for this nonsense.
Independant "you", and the others, what are you talking about: "if TY increases production, this would create jobs" ??? Is that so? If you decided to sell drugs, you would be creating jobs too... right???
I think Mrs. Michele Obama is completely intitled to be "furious" and everybody should be going after this Ty company, already exploiting the names of those two little girls. If this goes on, what's going to come after Han? Any company could be using those two little girls names on whatever they want?
Anyone with a conscience and ethics will boycott Ty. They should actually be sued. Period.
And by the way, when did being "a public person" alowed company to use your name without your authorization? Would Ty have dolls called and copying Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Tina Tuner, Elton John and so on, and claim that "it's a coincidence"? Get real, people.
I love that Ty won't reveal its inspiration for the dolls. I think we know where it came from...what idiots!! I agree that it's extremely inappropriate. If I were a Ty customer, I would immediately boycott its products.
Calm down, cool your jest Mrs. First Lady. I would feel honored if I were you. Guess who are going to buy these 2 little dolls if not those kids and their parents who were all inspired and awed by this revolution of American election.
If you ask Sasha and Malia, I'd bet they love the idea.
I find it perplexing that the company can say that the information they use to come up with product names is "proprietary", when the name of the products happen to be the names of the President's daughters...
A very pathetic an weak response.
She's right, but by the same token the way in which Obama has reveled in being branded invites that sort of thing. There is a bit of not having your cake and eating it too, nevertheless leave the little girls out of it.
Get real. You have no right to complain. You used your skin color, lies, money and anything else you could do to win an election but once you are in office your kids are off limits? You didn't say a word when Palin's daughter was being trashed did you?
When you ran for the election you knew it was open game.
with all due respect to the First Lady... they are no longer private citizens, they are part of the first family. Like having the Jonas Brothers appear at the White house for them, like that would happen for private citizens. This is the fish bowl they will be in for the next 4 years, hopefully they will be able to have some part of a "normal" life. And on the plus side they may become role models for other children in learning how to speak clearly and how to act properly, as you and the President, have done to date, such a great job.
Michelle Obama should reconsider IF....TY admits they lied about the naming of the dolls and all profits go to a charity or some type of fund for our nations public schools.
Please remember that the other kids have been at the receiving end of some vicious sniping by the Democrats and particulalry Obama fans. The attacks on Chelsea, the attacks on the Bush girls, the attacks on Palin's kids. This is a compliment to Obama's girls. It is not a vicious and ugly Democrat attack. Maybe Michelle is just a little unhappy that she missed out on a campaign contribution for the next election.
Some people call it the "Bill of Rights" and little could be done in this regard. The First Family are now public property. Look at the issue with benefit... black dolls now can influence people of all races to "reinforce" the notion of pride in the African-American community. If Ty Co. gets bad publicity in America, the rest of the world will buy them. Are they for sale already?
TNmom- EVERYTHING ABOUT THE PALIN CHILDREN WAS AND IS TRUE.Are U NOT SMART ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND THAT?
Ty makes a doll named Abby and I have a daughter named Abby...should I be mad? Is that inappropriate? Should I even care? (I don't care and neither should Michelle Obama ) Did TY use the name Obama? Are the Obama girls the only girls named Sasha and Malia?
How about we all complain that TY only makes caucasian dolls. Then we can complain when they make African American dolls because we don't like the names they chose. YAY for us, we are Dems who love to complain!
The bottom line, the company had lied about the naming of the dolls being a coincidence. That is by itself is very shameful.
Shows Ty has no Integertity and no origanality of its own..........
CNN, this is bs, a non-story and you ought to close comments already.
Oh wait, you've already accepted the dollars from the corporate freaks that own you.
Wolf, Campbell, Crowley, and the rest of you hacks are cut from the same cloth as Hannity and the jerks at Politico.
Grow a pair, drop the sensationalist stories and try JOURNALISM.
ALL OF YOU OBAMA HATERS,GET OVER YOURSELF. YOU'RE JUST MAD BECAUSE HE CAN DO WHATEVER HE LIKES.
Sorry Michele you have not been annoited Goddess of America yet. Where was all of this anger about Palins family???
I'm trying to remember if Tyco came out with some "Barbara" and "Jenna" dolls after Bush took office the first time.
Nope. Don't think so.
This should be stopped in its tracks.
The exploitation of two young girls is unnecessary, and totally inappropriate.
Judging from the comments thus far, the only people who will buy these dolls are Republican trolls. And, of course, they won't.
I hope people boycott ALL of TY's products until they withdraw these and apologize.
No matter whether the Obama's like it or not, they've transformed their kids into two of the most famous children in the world by becoming the First Family. That's why most politicians wait until their kids have grown up before they put them thru the wringer. Sasha and Malia, by virtue of being Obama's kids, are probably more famous than Hannah Montana is right now. Fame is something you can't take away. Just because Obama doesn't want his kids to be famous, doesn't mean that they aren't. Like most politicians, he used his kids as political tools (to soften his image or what have you) and put them on a national stage. They've been all over television, magazines, newspapers and up on stage with their dad, etc... Basically, just because you say something doesn't make it so. Obama's kids are famous, thanks to him, whether he likes it or not.
If these dolls are not off limits then neither is a Downs Syndrome look-alike doll named Trig.
I can't believe TY. I would be furious too! I'm with you Mrs Obama!! NO EXPLOITATION!!!
She should stand up and say to marketers and everyone else, our kids are off limit, they are not my husband are me. Let them live their lives while they are kids, and by the way why do I keep hearing Mr. Obama are Barack Obama as of January 20th 2009, did he not become the President of United States. So President Obama are President Barack Obama, is that not the way he should be respected.
V. C.
Georgia
It would be one thing if the parents had been given the opportunity to sign a contract allowing the girls to collect royalties on all sales OR to decline the "opportunity" to turn the girls into a commercial venture.
Regardless of how you feel about the Obama's decisions regarding their children...the bottom line is they are THEIR children. This should not happen to any child without parental consent.
All the Brittany Spears and Miley Cyrus dolls were money makers and done with legal contracts. Why should these children be treated any differently? Dolls are money makers. If a company is going to profit, the girls should benefit IF thier parents feel it is even appropriate to have dolls in their likeness.
I don't buy that Ty just "happened" to be "inspired" to create two African-American dolls who coincidentally have the same names as the President's daughters. Get real.
AND BOYCOTT.
And...I think it's nice having children in the White House again. It brings a sweetness with it...if only everyone would play nice.
Good for First Lady Michelle – we need more people to take a stand and speak out. I hope people will boycott TY toy's and unite in respecting the children's privacy while they grow up in a very public place. I hope through the steadfast dlilgence the First Lady uses in raising her children that the example she sets will become an example to all families in raising their children.
Capitalist Pigs once again encroaching on individual rights,no wonder the rest of the world looks away from us,...
I'm not buying TY dolls for my daughter.
As far as the clothes thing, which people are still bent on, there is a huge difference form having a clothing company say, "We will make clothes for you at our expense", then going to a high end store and spending $150,000 of RNC government issued MONEY (ie our tax dollars), as well as Government money for family members, instead of using allocated funds to run their champaign.
HUGE difference. That no one will pay attention to.
Michelle...get used to it........this is your "public" life!
LOL
THESE PEOPLE ARE OUT OF PLACE TO BE USEING THE FIRST DAUGHTERS TO SELL THERE DOLLS. I AM A MOTHER AND I WOULD BE OUT RAGED TOO.
I really don't think they are being malicious about this. They saw a marketing opportunity and yes of course away to make a buck or two. BUT, they were out of line in not getting permisson to do so. Shame on them. A way out of this is have ALL the proceeds go to a charity of the girls chosing. A tax deduction for TY and a way for little girls of colour to have a piece of history, and someone to look up too.
Obama should sue them and use the money to pay for down the deficit.
The First Lady has every right to be upset. She's not only defending her girls but all African Americans across the world. The Ty Toy Company has never created two African American Dolls and African American Citizens please don't be fooled.
And For those who keep repeating Sara Palin (She will Never BE The WOMAN) of First Lady Michelle Obama. She's alot educated with the society today...
God Bless
I don't see the big deal with having some dolls with likeness of the Obama's children. What I am offended by is the way Ty acts like people are dumb enough to believe their BS that the naming of these dolls has nothing to do with the Obama's children. F–k them. They're -ssh–es for thinking they're smart enough to get people to believe a load of s–t like that.
CONSUMERS,,,,,,,,,,,HAVE,,,,,,,,A,,,,,,,,,,CHOICE,,,,,,,,,,,,DON'T,,,,,,,,,,,,BUY,,,,,,,,
IF,,,,,,,,,,,DON'T,,,,,,,,,,,,,,SUPPORT,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,IT
I wonder if Michelle thought it was inappropriate when newspapers and tabloids made money off selling photos of the Bush twins...I doubt it.
Well, after the new CPSIA law goes into effect on February 10th, unless these "dolls" are CPSIA certified they will be considered "hazardous", thanks to our wonderful clueless lawmakers.....and as far as the dolls? VERY poor taste....
Since Michelle has finally gotten around to "being proud of America" for the first time in her life, perhaps she will catch up with the fact that the taxes paid by Ty from the sales of these dolls will help fun her husband's attempts to "lead" America out of its troubles. In addition, I think its quite a compliment to the girls that they are already being made into role models. Michelle should get a life. She's apparently a bigger harpy than Hillary. Good Grief!
Shame on Ty you know better.........Michele Obama's wishes regarding her children should be respected by all, no exceptions. They are children and should not be exploited by anyone.
I and my friends have agreed to mobilise people to boycott the companies products. How disgraceful of them to exploit such innocent children. Some people who are anti obama want us to believe it is ok if it were their children being abused in this way.
What a whiner she is.....she needs to get laid, big time.
Who cares. Michelle Obama doesn't like it, fine. I'm not buying them. Big deal.
I am not for Obama and not a symphatizer of Palin either, but don't you fol?s read that during the campaign when media start jumping on Palin children, Obama defended Palin by saying that her children should be off limit?
Tyco is quite out of line but what would you expect? They are obviously unethical and more interested in making a buck than in respecting the first family and their privacy. No wonder American kids are so often completely selfish, unethical and clueless. Their adult role models are often completely selfish, unethical and clueless.
What's next, Mrs. First Lady? Do you want to copyright your dress and gown that you wore on inauguration day as well? Stop whining.
I'm not a big fan of Obama, but this is ridiculous.
I agree with Michelle.
Ty may have pulled a major public relations fiasco with this one. I realize times are tough for all businesses in this econony but it's a bit much for me to believe this was a "coincidence".
The only way companies will understand things like this are unacceptable is for the public NOT to buy the specific products. If a product doesn't sell, it sends a message to the company. I suppose you could boycot the entire range of products sold by this company, that would send a clearer message to them.
I am offended by the use of the Obama children to sell toys. Perhaps if Ty had discussed this with the Obamas prior to the release of the dolls and had agreed to donate a percentage of the profits to a charity of the Obama's choice I would feel differently. Those children, through no fault of their own, have had their lives irrevocably changed – they will no longer be just "kids", instead they are the "President's kids". I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
be quiet michelle obama i voted for your husband and you all knew what you were getting involved in you know the spotlight you cant just have what you want and pick and choose your pieces
Working Mom are Series :Get your facts straight? The clothes the Obama girls wore were CUSTOM MADE for them by J. Crew. They are not available to the general public. As for Michelle, she had custom made duds as well. How about the $3800 dress she wore on The Today Show? Funny how that's news and Sarah Palin's off the rack suit at Nordstrom IS…I'm just saying…
First of all the McCain administration took Palin on a Shoping Spree worth $15,000 during the bad Economy slump while still campaigning.
As for the Obama Family as my kids they kept it real then Michelle Obama shopped at Target & Wal-Mart. Then Senator Obama wore the same 4 suits for 3months. Now the First Family deserve a littel respect of course she could where a dress $1500 or $2000 now she's the First Lady.
But, I garanteed She will Never For Get Where She Came From... She's Keeping it Real... And you ever see stop by Target once in awhile (Mrs. Working Mom) or should I say "Soccer Mom"...
God Bless
I am in total agreement with Michelle. These are young children and should not be used as marketing products for any company.Mrs.Obama always insisted that her children were raised and will continue to be raised as ordinary citizens. I applaud you Mrs. Obama.Maintain your values and standards as you continue the biggest task in your life and that is to be a good parent to your daughters.
GREAT JOB TY
For all of you throwing Bristol into this, do you remember Barack & Michelle saying that people's children should remain off limits?
Seems many are forgetting that.
The children didn't ask for this attention.
And should not be brought into the media spotlight.
Neither Malia & Sasha, OR Bristol, Willow, Track, Trig, etc.....
As for these dolls, TY really needs to rethink their press release.
No one is buying it.
then why did Obama let himself be marketed adnauseum to benefit dems during the election? they have exploited those children from day one in mags and on tv and radio–give it up.
Surely there must be some logical explanation for this. It must have come up with these a long time ago so they can't be named after O'bama Rama's kids. I sure these have been in the pipe line a long time. As a matter of fact my kids have the same names as O'bama Rama's so you could also say the dolls were named after my kids. Come on, lighten up. What, now that you are in the White House you don't need the publicity anymore?
bad judgement call for TY. These girls should not be used as any marketing stratedgy. Good for Michele to be upset. I would
Get-a-grip woman. You are the most famous in the world . You are in the lime-lite now. As the saying foes –LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
COME ON !!
i think their cute.
Get over it Mrs. Obama. When you were campaigning, it's ok to take your kids. But now that it's over, they are off limits. Get a life!!!
Kate, shut up you sound jealous and stupid, your party lost get over it!
I am sure many people like, or even love, Malia and Sasha Obama. They exude sincerity, confidence and intelligence when they appeared in public. They can be good role models for chldren of the world. I hope their mother considers it a flattery to have dolls named after them.
As for Ty to come up with the dolls and named them Malia and Sasha, they should have been more upfront. It will be a good publicity move if the company donates a share of the profits to an education-related charity in honor of the two first children.
Let the market decide if the dolls will be a success. I am thinking about buying them for my two granddaughters, but I have to find out if I can afford them :>).
LOVE THE DOLLS TY, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
i think they are better role models than hannah montana or barbie.
Hi,
Where was the anger when Palin's daughter was being skewered in the media?! Ty should be proud of what it is doing – making money when other companies are filing for bankruptcy. Ignore the liberals – they are anti-intellectuals, short-sighted racists! Go Ty Go!!
Where can I buy these dolls?
You gotta love it! Ever notice that the people who talk the most smack never use their real name... Cowards!
Honestly – this is no worse than the numerous media articles and photo ops of the 2 girls I've seen written and published so that advertising space can be sold to guess what -> make money. The
The real tragedy here is that these dolls are probably NOT being made by American workers feeding their American families and building America's economy by working on an American production line. That's the tragedy in this.
What do you expect from a toy company in this economy? It's a gimmick.
I highly doubt Ty would have come out with a Bristol Palin doll, but I would buy one. My dogs need a new chew toy.
What did the Obama's really think was going to happen when they got into the White House. They have let the hype that Obama is the annointed one and all the merchandise that goes with that be done. How could you possibly think that your family who has been in the spotlight you created would not be affected. If this is the worst that happens to involve their children in their spotlight, they will be lucky. These children will have to be perfect and then some before the media considers them a non-story. Let either one of them make any kind of error or faux pas, and they will be ridiculed just like everyone else. When you put yourself in the public spotlight, you need to consider all the consequences, and you can't call foul when you get more than you bargained for.
Mike – I was not aware of the left attacking either Bush's daughters or Cheney's daughter. This is news to me.
When you run for president, your whole family runs to be the "first family"
They didn't have a problem putting the girls on stage at political rallies. They got what they wanted, and it's not like they didn't know what the price would be.
Boo hoo. The girls got made into dolls. Better that then what the Palin girl faced.
I AGREE with Michelle. The goal of making money on the names of the Obama daughters is truly malicious and disgusting! The Beanie Baby business should be ashamed of itself. I love the way the Obamas parent their darling girls...AND I will NEVER AGAIN BUY anthing that this company sells.
Shame on them! Big time!
K. Kraft
It's sad to see ALL THIS HATE still out there.
I thought we had gotten beyond this.
Bright Blessings to ALL
and
PEACE ON EARTH
Hey No Hillary, Obama ran for President of the United States, his daughters did not.
We designed the dolls and feel that the dolls are warrented considering the appeal of toys to children. Why not? These children sould be happy they now have been immortialized as Beanie Babies!
We also accept others point of view, but this has to do with marketing and sells. Ty is in the business to make money. Get over it..
So, letting your husband smack you on your keester in front of the whole wide world to see; now let's see... THAT'S APPROPRIATE???
Real great message you are sending to our enemies, Obamas; total disrespect; for your position in life. You are suppose to be the Head of our Nation; not the King and Queen of the swweetheart dance! You wanted the job, now show some respect for the people who got you there, and act like you have some dignity and self-respect.....and, dressing like Wilma Flintstone going to her prom... not any fashion sense I need to take notice of.... seems to me the dolls are a step up for you.....
I think this is one of those "get over it" moments. There's noting offensive about the dolls. They're not meant as an insult so "BUILD A BRIDGE and get over it"
I would like to say in response to all those who brought up Palin's family, Barack Obama numerous times denounced any attacks on her family as outrageous and insulting. He stated over and over again that family's are off limit in a campaign and said that if any of his staff are found to have used Sarah Palin's family for political purposes, they would be fired on the spot. The Obama's trying to protect their family is not a new thing, this is disgraceful what TY is doing.
This is so inappropriate to use their kids like that!
Question: Did the kids run for public office or did they?
If you remember correctly it was President Obama who asked the press to stop attacking the Palin family.
If I remember correctly he said they were private citizen and off limit to have any personal attack for the palin family
From what I read here all these people who are making statement
"shut up Michelle.. ecttt is bitter, ignorant ..
Question to all of you
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE FOR YOUR KIDS TO BE USED THIS WAY ?
This is disgusting. It's bad enough crooks have been pushing those worthless "Obama coins" and all kinds of other garbage, but this is really crossing the line. Is EVERYTHING for sale these days?
Yeah who is this First Lady's Office, anyway? Oh wait... never mind. It's that whole 'on condition of anonymity' right? Uh huh. Spokeswoman doesn't have a NAME? America, you don't even have to read between the lines there. It's right in your face.
I agree with Michelle Obama!
What they did was just plain out wrong and you people who are still trying to say that Obama was the wrong pick for President get over it, you people have the brain of a bird.
Ty it's a tragedy that you can't let these 2 young girls grow up as other kids do...your company is another example of the corporate greed that has tanked our nation's economy.
People bring up the Palin girls, but you remember Obama was one of the first ones to say the kids were off limits. Whats wrong with some of you people saying kids are fair game. Kids 11 and younger don't have choices in these matters. Don't blame the Obamas, blame Ty.
Good grief! Do we have nothing more to worry about than dolls being named after the First Family's daughters? Last I looked, this country we know as the United States of America is going down the tubes. I am an African American woman with children and could care less about those dolls and crap like this. If I don't want to buy the dolls, I won't. As far as boycotting Ty, I won't do that either. Heck, in our present climate Americans need to keep companies in business, not put them out of it.
Everyone who posted had varying opinions about this subject. The freedom to express ourselves is one of the many things that makes America great.
Suggestion: instead of Mrs. Obama and others whining and complaining about those dolls perhaps you can put your heads together and come up with some real ideas and solutions for moving our country forward to being the great Nation it once was.
What about CNN advertising and selling President Obama's Inaguration t-shirts? Isn't that a conflict of interest? Should a socalled news organization be benefiting from a politician's success?
Michelle that is the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard.
The entertainment business has been using "young private citizens"
for marketing purposes for ions. Can't you come up with something a little better than that? How about..."please do not use the image of our children for marketing persons without their parents permission."
To all of you who are criticizing President Obama, don't we had eight years of hell with Mr. Bush. The economy went from surplus to deficit. He is and will always be the worse president in my lifetime.
Ty should be ashamed, the girsl did not run for president , their father did, leave them alone, they are still small children!
To the loony who said the dow has been down every since Obama took, office it was down way before that, thanks to Mr. Bush.
TNmom: The only Palin child I remember hearing of in the media was Bristol. She was the center of the drama because she was against what Palin stood for and she was irresponsible in getting pregnant at such a young age. I hope Alaska is happy that their taxpayers dollars are going to support an irresponsible child.
Back to the Obamas – It is what it is. You can't do anything about it now so stop complaining. One day, Sasha and Malia will look back and feel idolized because they had dolls named after them. The Bush daughters never did!
HI, no Hillary=no Obama,
Did you bother to comprehend the article before commenting??? The problem is not that the "Obama" name was used. The problem is that the young Obama children are being used as a marketing tool for a toy company. Shame on them for doing that and shame on you for trying to turn this into something its not. RIF
I agree with the First Lady, if permission was not given then the doll maker is shameless in their exploitation of the president's daughters.
I agree with Michelle, the kids aren't animals. Use other names for the dolls. Also, they may be the subject of taunting with these dolls. It is simply wrong.
Now, when the kids become adults and they want to allow their names to be used, and get paid for it, that's different.
For right now, not a good idea, and TY should know better.
The negative comments on this post astound me....some people are so blinded by vitriol that they ACTUALLY believe that Barack and Michelle's love for their children is limited to exploitation! That says more about you than it does about the President and the First Lady.
The Obama girls were NOT out to often during the campaign. One rarely saw them tramping on stage or all over the country as the Palin Kids were. THe Obama girls were in school. So all those people writing that they were being used during thr campaign you obviosly did not follow the OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN..
I agree that it's a bit tasteless but Michelle Obama and her husband chose to be on the spotlight and now they have to live with it. Michelle needs to stop whining.
Too many manufacturers and advertising companies in the United States use children for profit. They don't respect their inocence, much less their dignity.
Have you seen the add that puts a man's voice on a baby and shows him vomiting on TV?
This is the case of this doll manufacturer who cinically pretends to mute the obvious fact that these dolls are meant to be the President's children by alleging private "property rights". You're right folks, this element of fortune is claiming property rights on private people's looks Of course, let's all buy patent rights on our faces so they have to pay us royalties everytime they sell our copied resemblance.
jose
dorado, puerto rico
.
It seems inappropriate to me, even if the girls are now part of the public domain.
The minute Obama and Michelle trotted their daughters out on the stage with them those girls became fair game. You cant have it both ways Michelle, and you should have realized it at the time.
President Obama was very clear in his demand that Sarah Palin's children be left alone and his campaign never once talked about her family. Say what you want but his record on that matter is obvious.
I know that there are people who are very angry about the election, about President Obama and about Democrats/liberals/the left. I get it. But try and separate "the left and the media and the kooky liberals" from the President and his record on matters pertaining to the rights of the children of people who are in the public and political eye. A company should not have the right to make dolls bearing the names of two girls without their permission. And Sarah Palin's children had just as much time on the campaign trail as did Malia and Sasha Obama.
My fellow, Americans, please let us return common sense and at least the appearance of fair play to our debates. Does the right really hate the left that much?
complete with bumps on there chest...what A- holes. Next stop...
Ty :
"we need a bail-out.....toys aren't selling."
come on, naming toys after negro´s is common troughout the world.
Golly Wogs (england) Coonie (america) kunta Kinte (Africa) is normal,.
So what if ty makes dolls after the illegitimate offspring of the Kenyan citizen Barak Hussein Obama (Yes, his parents were NOT married at the spawns birth) so what. if Ronald (The Idiot) Regan can be president, why not some illegal, islamist illegitimate???
(ps editor, i´m sure you won´t print this, because you are also an Illegal Immigrant)
Ty is out of bounds. Bush and Cheney's daughters, and Barack Obama are adults and can fend for themselves and make their own life decisions and suffer the consequences. We're talking about children here, and it's too bad that Ty is exploiting them to make a buck. At the very least they could have consulted with the Obamas first. With opposition from Michelle they probably could have struck a compromise.
Funny how the liberals say that becasue the parents put the girls in the spotlight, they can't complain about it. Wasn't this the same arguement the Dems made about Palin kids, yet the liberals were up in arms about the attacks on them. Lets just all agree to leave the kids out of the media, it's not really a party issue.
We live in an opportunistic world .How about all the coins, and memorabilia thats already getting hocked over the first Black man to run, then become the president?
It isn't going to stop..It's been going on for years..and years..
She needs to just accept her kids are now considered public domain.. And that sucks..
Surely she must have known this would happen~?~!
duh!!
You wanted the job, this is what comes along with it!
No one came to Bush's daughters when they were put through the ringer and he didn't run them out for the election. Now you are going to call foul? Tough darts!
If this isn't representative of the GREED that got America into the current financial mess that we are now in, I don't know what is. To say that this is capitalism at it's best leaves out entirely the subject of ETHICS. Again, the lack of which is responsible for the current crisis we are in. This is the climate that has presented us with a woman who is selling her virginity online and is being offered 3.8 million for it. Ask yourselves: Is this the kind of world you want to live in?
Michelle my Belle is just envious that she is too homely to be made into a doll
Why not make dolls of the Bush twins, circa the college years? Each doll could come with its own bottle of beer.
Unfortunately, even though it's tacky, President Obama made them a 'target' when he decided to run for the most public office in the world. Having 3 sons of my own in addition to my husband having a high profile job, I totally understand Mrs. Obama's outrage. However, think of the consequences to your children BEFORE you make a decision.
The difference between the Obama girls and the Bush girls/Cheney's daughter is obvious: THEY ARE MINORS. Juveniles. Underaged. THAT'S why they should be left alone. Anyone who doesn't get that is either stupid or a Republican. Oh, wait–that's redundant.
"These people are our elected officials. They are no longer "private citizens" The courts have found that paparazzi have every right to capitalize on the rich and famous, Obama dolls,shirts, bobbleheads,pictures,and any items that can be made and sold will be."
i don't remember electing the obama girls to do anything. they never asked to be in this position. and, as far as what the courts say, law and ethics have never been synonymous with each other. the law can't police everything. and, as far as the comment about the bush twins and the publicity they received, you're right. they should have been left alone, and it wasn't right that everything they did, whether right or wrong, was scrutinized. but, that doesn't make it alright for future children.
The girls should sue the toy company.
Oh my gosh! These dolls are terrible – they put these children in a terrible light! How will the girls ever over come the mockery these dolls make of them – Look, these dolls are just toys. They don't show the girls in a bad light. These dolls don't have crack pipes in their hands. Michelle would have been wise to just ignore. I am going to look for these dolls and if I see them, I am going to buy them. They will be a part of history.
How about a Moose Michelle doll?
Sounds like a problem for TY. All the Obamaniacs are opposed to "using" the kids names. The rest of use just have no interest in buying Obama dolls. Who's the market for these?
I can't wait for the Bristal Palin Doll. cool feature- press the tummy and watch it grow.
ty you suck
Oh will ALL of you PLEASE GET A LIFE!
With all the schlock that's been selling with Obama on it, coins, dishes, etc....etc...etc.... now you're complaining about dolls?
Why weren't you all complaining when we were inundated with all the stupid adverts for all that other stuff???
ALL of you, including Ty, NEED TO GET A LIFE and MOVE ON!
Is there NOTHING else happening in the news this week???
I think since the dolls are made with good taste is not hurting anyone. There is still freedom of speech in this country and I think it applies in this case. Maybe Ty ought to give a % of its profits, towards a charity of the girls' choice, maybe the village where their grandpa came from. It could be in the form of equipment to get fresh water so women don't have to go miles to get it or housing materials, or school materials. Many good things could come out of these dolls, if people think positive instead of negative.
To those of you who claim that the Obamas exploited their children
for their own advantage and now complain about the public use of their names, has it occurred to you that maybe the parents wanted their children to experience the fullness of the Presdential Inauguaration – a once in a lifetime experience?
why are you people so harsh. Michelle Obama has every right to get upset about this.
oh sit down and shut up.
To No Hillary = No Obama: Guess you were the only one who felt he couldn' be elected without her. Now he's her boss. Get over it. I agree with Michelle that Ty Warner is exploiting her daughters, but they are not private citizens anymore, they are First Children. They are the top junior role models in America. Personally, I'd buy the dolls, not in entrich Ty, but to honor these lovely youn girls.
No Hillary = No Obama, why don't you get another signature? Yours is outdated and INCORRECT. HE WON!
It is both amusing and sad to see both the far left and right views posted here. The more middle of the road view is the first lady. The Obamas' young children deserve better than this sort of treatment.
The kids should be off limits. Barbara and Jenna were left alone after several incidents that were widely publicized. Has to go both ways for kids of Democrats, as well as Republicans. Off Limits!! Stop your whining about having lost the election. It is so bush/cheney like. We are in this position because of those two baffoons that have FINALLY left the White House. Sit back and watch a leader work.
Turning the First Daughters into dolls and selling them may not seem right, but that's the price when your dad is the President. Whether right or wrong, you lose much of your privacy when you're a high profile celebrity, which the girls are now.
I'll agree with the previous two presidents Clinton and Bush that when it comes to the first families children it should be hands off. Once they are adults that's another story.
Obama and Michelle are one thing, the girls are not, they did not parade them during the primaries and should not be exploited...Palin did parade her kids for all the world to see on stage...
I find it distasteful and greedy. However, the company has a right to try to make money - but it these dolls are not MADE in the USA or possibly filled with lead paint, etc......I think I would cross them off my list. I no longer purchase anything unless it is MADE in the US, and yes at times it is hard, sometimes more expenseve and also sometimes hard to determine, but I am getting better every day. Also saved me a ton of money putting "stuff" not Made in the USA back on the shelves during Xmas.
As to Palin's "young lady", she also was put out on the campaign trail, with the mother touting her policy of zero education on birth control, except absanence. People had a right to point out to the "policy maker" just how it surely did not work.
This article seems to be a tad over dramatic. The president’s daughters are going to be constantly in the public eye now. I would think that Michelle Obama would figure the girls would be looked up to because of her husband presidential election. They have had already been identify as fashion icons for their age. I do not see why Michelle Obama has an issue with have Ty making dolls of her daughters. On Mrs. Obama part, she should expect that marketing/companies are going to ask the girls to be role models and be on future campaign ads. The two girls already have little kids look up to them, and by having a doll of their favorite Obama daughter should feel honored. There are going to be more companies wanting these two cute, innocent girls as role models for the company. It just seems that Ty got to them first. The Ty Company made a smart marketing move for their company by making dolls of the two girls. But in the end, there seems to be more missing in this article. And lastly, I feel that they can just make a doll without asking the parents.
Obama and Michelle are one thing, the girls are not, they did not parade them during the primaries and should not be exploited...Palin did parade her kids for all the world to see on stage...
"No Hillary = No Obama" , are you STILL upset, get a life>>>
I'm so friggin SICK of the stupid Obama "Craze". This guys in ONLY in office because people thought it would be "Cool" to be part of history and vote for the first black (and UNQUALIFIED) candidate. Well you morons, you got it. Now his stupid wife thinks just because you morons elected her husband she has all this power.
GET OVER your stupid self. Even IF TY used them as a marketing idea, so did your husband. Get over your selves and get over this guy who is going to destroy our country.
Corey
Military member and VERY unhappy with the direction our government is taking...
I am pretty pissed at this TY company using the Obama girls to cash in. This is our time people. Let us voice our opinion by boycotting that company for 6 months – just to teach them a lesson. There are enough International companies, I should say there are enough Chinese factories making money with the Obama name and sending that money to China. I don't know what else, where else or who else is taking advantage. People buy american, and use your money wisely. Let the Obamas be. The only way you can help the Obamas is to let them be.
The first lady is correct.
Or you kidding me? to all of you negative people I say "Leave those precious children alone." As a matter of fact your opinions don't matter! Do yourselves a favor and go out and be a blessing to some one in your community. Malia and Sasha are not public citizens they are children who's dad happens to be the president! Leave the children alone! Stop trying to make a $ by using them.
Get over it Michelle. All of your parading of your children, yourself, and your husband for years and as usual Michelle wants to be in the spotlight.....Must be difficult Michelle when you want to be in glow the media, but your husband is........It is going to be a long four years if we have to listen to Michelle and her whining. Michelle is just ticked off because they did not name a doll after her.. Michelle the premadonna.
The Ty company should be made to remove these dolls from the market. This company and it's owner have no integrity. He is such a jerk who created false scarcity of the items, sucking collectors in and charging hundreds of dollars for his crappy animals.
Yes it is ridiculous that Ty would make these for profit, perhaps if they donated all proceeds to a charity it would be acceptable after permission from the Obama parents.
You know the girls are going to want to buy the dolls that represent them.
Notice how Ty didnt make any for the Bush girls!
TNMom- The obama girls were not paraded and as for palin kids there mother paraded them around everytime Carabou Barbie was in the media there were her kids in tow
It is so sad people do no respect privacy.
Dear Lord all I am asking ..please bless and protect our Obama.
I don't think that Ty should be permitted to capitalize on the president's girls with the sale of dolls. Ty, the maker of Beanie Babies, is introducing two new Ty Girlz dolls named Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha soon. I think this is a free market, but when it comes down to it not right in my opinion.
Laura
If they don't want their daughters in the spotlight, stop being so public. When they pose for magazine covers, they are saying to the world that they, and their daughters, are a public commodoty.
No problem with the liberal media dragging the Bush girls through the mud when they were still minors, right? But just try to make a doll that offends the Obamas and it makes front page news. Special treatment because they are black? I'd say. Now, does that make me a racist? You'd probably say so. The media is so in love with the idea of a part black president that the Obamas will get as much special treatment as the Bush's were given libelous slander. The election and the beginning of Obama’s first term looks like affirmative action for the office of the President of the United States. He remains is unvetted and unscrutinized by the media.
For all of you "I still can't beleive you don't like Palin" people: you're a bunch of hypocrites. You're complaining about how her kids were brought out in the spotlight about the pregnancy and whatnot, and SHE had her kids with her. It's not like the media had to go and look for them.
And is it the media's fault that she has a pregnant teenage daughter? No, not at all. She placed her kids in this position and she had every right to complain...and she did.
Now you're getting upset because Michelle Obama is doing the EXACT same thing as Palin?? Get real. You hard right conservatives are all the same. It's only wrong if a democrate does it. But if you do the same thing it's o.k.
Both Palin and the First Lady are mothers FIRST. And both MOMS have every right to defend their children. Both moms knew the impact that would befall their children should they decided to enter into the world of politics. Palin knew that eventually, she would have to defend her daughter's pregnancy. If she wasn't prepared to defend it, she could have very well kept her family hidden in Alaska while she campaigned with McCain. But she had them with her...and brought them on stage with her. It's the way of the media. Discussing and disclosing EVERYTHING...ESPECIALLY if this person has the intent to lead our country one day.
If Obama had a preganant teenage daughter, she would have received the same criticism. But none of his daughters are pregnant. They're just kids. Palin just happened to have had a daughter who was pregnant. It's just that simple. Like I said...if she wanted that to be a private matter...she could have kept her kids hidden. But she didn't.
Some of you people are just looking for anything to use an ammonition against President Obama. Get over it. Instead of whinning and witching, try supporting, so we all may benefit from what has been destroyed or taken away from us as American citizens.
NOw as for Ty, of course this is all about making a profit from these little girls just like some of you that are in this blog if given the opportunity. NO, it is not right what this toy company has done and something should be done about it. I don't care if these children are public figures, the fact is they are still children and exploitation is still exploitation.
For once, can't you people drop your hated for the 1st family because of the color of the skin? When are you ever going to get over that or is the seed from the bowels of hell that deep in your soul?
geez americans are a bunch babies why doesnt he go bomb ty's head office like a american president would do if something happens that he doest agree with boo hoo bunch of babies get f##king over it more important things to worry about
from majority of the comments that i have read , this is not so much as commenting about what TY had done in using the first childrens name , it all about being pissed that we NOW HAVE A BLACK MAN IN THE MOST HIGHEST POSITION/POWER IN AMERICAN .... AND IT IS CALLED PRESIDENT................ i would say GET OVER IT.. TRY BEING PART IF THE SOULTION AND NOT THE PROBLEM. The majority was heard and the results are in....... Obama!!!!! i think that a lot of white folks are afraid that Obama will give the African Americans what they were entited to when slavery was abolished 40 acres and a mule.. then where will white men and have to stand . This man Obama our new president hs only been in office for 4/5 days and yet folks(R) are expecting a mircacle already . the truth is u cant clean up 8 years worth of mess on less that a week, month, year but can definatey start to turn things things around
Wow, so much discussion over such a trivial issue. The family should have been consulted, the company should not have made up such a bogus story. But unfortunately for the two little girls, they are public figures, just as the Bush, Clinton, Carter, Nixon, Johnson, Kennedy kids were. The kids are stalked, guarded, photographed and seem to develop normally. The country has much more important issues than this, you don't like the dolls, don't buy them.
fearul for my country: You are an idiot. Oh, and now you know how the decent people in this country felt when the Bush regime came into power. AA's are a lot easier to please that some whites. And don't forget, it is beause of many whites that Obama is president. It wasn't just AA's who voted for him. For once, America was a rainbow coalition of voters voting for the better candidate.
I find it amazing that there are people who espouse such racial sentiments as appearing in some comments.
Yes, the parents paraded them during campaigning. Who wouldn't show off their kids? But does that mean the kids become fair game? I don't think so. If they had hidden the kids during elections, the world would have negative perceptions. They didn't use their kids to get votes. They appeared with them in public like every family would do. Please have a heart and remember these are two innocent kids. Just because it was done to Palin's kids does not mean it is right or the fact that the Obama's appeared in public with their kids does not mean Ty can abuse them like that. Lets not comment out of hatred for the Obamas. Let's comment based on our moral convictions.
All of you people griping that the Obamas wore clothes specially designed for them by comparing them to the Palins are leaving out a really important detail – THEY PAID FOR THEM THEMSELVES, out of their own hard-earned money, unlike the Wasilla hillbillies.
If the Obama daughters were sports figures or Hollywood actors they would have attorneys protecting their rights and bank accounts. I don’t remember seeing a doll based on the Clinton or Bush daughters. This subject brings up, once again, a person’s right to privacy, as well as the difference between what parents do and what children are exposed to. Ty is out to make a profit, if I were the Obamas and couldn’t stop the sale of the dolls, I’d make sure the profits went to needy children. However, Ty has made a huge blunder and should apologize and deal with this situation honorably.
Inappropriate, yes... to be expected, yes... Maybe Obama should have a different job if they want the kids out of the spotlight... Goes with the territory....
Next Ty Inc. will have the whole Obama family and the new dog in production for sell, would I purchase, don't know, however, I believe Ty has hit a gold mine.
Ty corp is displaying the same mentality of 16th- 18th century slavers
Who believed it was their right to take
The children of black nobility to exploit and use for their personal gain. They would set America back centuries. This is degrading insulting and despicable