by Benjamin Lomax

Created on: October 09, 2009

Halloween is traditionally a time for costumes celebrating one of two things, people or concepts we admire or something scary. However, an important part of costuming is the art of satire, something that Americans are famous for. Halloween is the perfect time to embrace this concept, and one of the best ways is by having a laugh at the expense of the politicians!

The trick to a successful political costume, particularly if the costume is not an easily identifiable one, is to spout slogans. Here are some great examples of politicians absolutely rife for costumed satire, with the accessory comments included:

Rod Blagojevic: Because of the hair alone, this one will be popular, especially among the uninspired or those who decide to go late to the party. A moppish Beatles era wig parted on the side and pulled down in the front is all it takes. A self-righteous defensive posture works, but knock this one out of the park by offering to sell free things like seats at a table or refreshments from the cooler.

Sarah Palin: Undoubtedly the most popular female political costume of the year. This is performed mostly with attitude, but the key costume elements are the Tina Fey glasses, brown hair tied up in a fashionable bun, and wear something expensive (or expensive looking) that shows off your legs. Pose a lot for imaginary photographers, wink, then make sure to say things like I know foreign policy because I can see Russia from my balcony.

Barrack Obama: While his popularity has taken a bit of a beating in the polls, every president is a popular costume (note that Bill Clinton, while not on this list, remains an insanely popular mask at Halloween), and Obama's distinctive looks make him an easy one to target for costumed fun. Go above and beyond the mask with very deliberate speech. To cement this costume, make sure and bail out anyone in financial trouble at the costume party.

Joe Biden: This one is easy to pull off without a mask. Just grey hair (if you are lucky enough not to have it already, some temporary spray dye will do), along with a conservative suit with a bright blue tie. Loud and inappropriate comments close the deal on this costume, but make sure that the target knows you are in character!

Hillary Clinton: This will be especially popular for those accompanying a costumed Bill, but certainly can be done without. Overdress, controlled coif, and a severe and somewhat forbidding smile along with an exaggerated laugh will pull this off. To cement this one, take advantage of Amy Poehler's impression by alternating between pained joy and barely controlled hostility.

John McCain: Masks work on this one as it is tough to pull off the battle-weary pseudo-smile McCain utilized in his election campaign. A plain inexpensive suit and a lot of thumbs-up gestures will add to it, but saying Maverick a lot will close the deal.

George Bush: This one has probably played itself out, but those who aren't terribly original will still go there. The mask is easiest, but it can be done with graying hair, shrugging shoulders, maybe a nice Texas belt-buckle, along with a lot of heh, heh. Look confused and make up words in casual speech. Will Farrel fans might utter the phrase, You're welcome America.

All of these are fairly straight-forward, but can be as clever as you want them to be. Just watch a little video, or even better some impressionists (the Saturday Night Live impressions are some of the best and easily accessible on Youtube) who exaggerate them to make them easier to identify with. While these costumes can miss the mark for unsubtle people, those aware enough will appreciate the effort.

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