Introducing ‘Sarah Palin in Your Pocket’

Brett Michael Dykes
·National Affairs Reporter

South Carolina Senate candidate Alvin Greene may be campaigning on a proposal to revive the economy with his own line of action figures — but the Republicans have again headed off the Democrats in a key test of private-sector innovation. That's right: Even before a minor-league baseball team in South Carolina jury-rigged a line of Alvin Greene dolls, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin had debuted in the form of a voice-enabled keychain, called, sensibly enough, Sarah Palin in Your Pocket.

The gadget is actually the latest in a line of novelty chains that debuted back in 1997. That year, New Orleans-based entrepreneur Steve Winn struck gold with a little toy called Cajun in Your Pocket, a keychain that spouts lines like "you gotta suck da head on dem der crawfish."

The product quickly became popular not only in south Louisiana but nationwide. (Singer Ani DiFranco and rapper Mystikal used phrases from the device in separate songs, which then sparked copyright lawsuits from Winn.) In 2005, Winn spoofed New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin's post-Katrina gaffes with Da Mayor in Your Pocket. Later entries in the "in your pocket" line included Mr. T, Mr. Rogers and the Three Stooges.

As Winn tells it, Sarah Palin was a natural move in his brand-extension strategy.

"I didn't know much about her politics, but she was always coming out with these great catchphrases," Winn told The Upshot in an interview. "Every time I would see her she came out with a great quote, so she fits perfectly with what I do for a living. She's adorable."

So Winn has created Sarah Palin in Your Pocket, featuring audio clips of Palin's many signature one-liners, including "We eat, therefore we hunt," "You can see Russia from Alaska," "Doesn't it split the cheechakos from the sourdoughs?" and, of course, "You know they say the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull: lipstick."

Here's a sample one-liner from the device:

Winn told NewOrleans.com that he doesn't expect any legal challenges from Palin's camp.

He's marketing the gadget in independent toy stores and novelty shops as well as selling it online.