Candidates Stump for Laughs with Hallmark's Political Cards

Greeting cards parody political players with sound and motion

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 18, 2008) — Political sound bytes, chanting crowds and energizing music: all of these elements of campaign excitement are now part of Hallmark’s new political humor card line. The cards parody political players, often by using their own voices.

One card depicts Barack Obama saying: “You’re a year older? No one could ever tell.” When the card is opened, the listener hears the campaign rally cry: “Yes we can! Yes we can!”

Another card features a birthday greeting from John McCain debunking the myth that he is too old to run for office. It reads: “Another birthday’s no big deal. At our age, we can still run for Senator... run for President...or run for the bathroom… Looks like you’ve gotta go out and celebrate!” When opened, the card plays the rock group Queen’s song “Pressure.”

“Political parodies have a close following and this is the first time we’ve offered cards that play an original recording of a politician speaking or a rally,” said Steve King, editorial director at Hallmark.  “By putting the humor in greeting cards, consumers can share a laugh over lighthearted political satire.  It’s a way Hallmark is helping people connect through humor that is both timely and relevant.”

The political humor cards are available at Hallmark Gold Crown® stores and other fine retailers where Hallmark products are sold.

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Kansas City-based Hallmark has been helping people communicate, celebrate, and connect for nearly 100 years. Hallmark greeting cards and other products can be found in more than 43,000 places in the U.S. alone, with the network of Hallmark Gold Crown stores providing the very best selection. The Hallmark brand also reaches consumers online at Hallmark.com, on newsstands through Hallmark Magazine, and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and the top-rated Hallmark Channel. In addition, Hallmark publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them in 100 countries across the globe. The company’s Crayola subsidiary provides fun and imaginative ways for children to colorfully express themselves. In 2007, privately held Hallmark reported consolidated net revenues of $4.4 billion. Charitable giving of $16 million a year focuses on the well-being of children and families, vibrant arts and cultural experiences, and basic services for people in need in the communities where Hallmark operates. For more information about the company, visit http://corporate.hallmark.com.