Barbie Launches Presidential Bid

Barbie is running for president. Mattel recently revealed that the classic doll is setting her sights on the White House. The I Can Be… Presidential Barbie Doll was unveiled today and will hit stores later this Summer.

Mattel’s VP of Barbie Marketing in North America, said:

“The Barbie brand’s career-focused line of I Can Be… dolls often shine a pink spotlight on professions that are historically underrepresented by women… We hope that Barbie will inspire girls to be leaders – be it in their schools, classrooms, or communities – with the President doll. We know that role play often becomes real play….and when better to plant the seed of leadership in a girl’s mind than during play time.”

The New York Daily News reports that the Presidential Barbie is being released in partnership with The White House Project, a nonprofit that encourages women to seek positions in politics.

Tiffany Dufu, the organizations president, said:

“Barbie is the most powerful brand for girls, and to create any social change you need to find them where they are… During play we begin to make connections with what we aspire to. Barbie motivates girls to aspire to be anything—including President.”

Forbes reports that the doll’s new outfit was designed by Chris Benz, who has also worked with Michelle Obama. The doll, which will come in four different races, Hispanic, Caucasian, African-American, and Asian, is expected to his shelves in August.

Barbie has had more than 130 careers in her life. This will be her fifth presidential bid. Barbie previously ran for the Oval Office in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2008.