October 16-22, 2003

city beat

Fine Print

Less words, more story.

by Audrey Hoffman

A Bush-Lickin' Couple

Tristan Mabry is smartly dressed in a burnt-orange button-down shirt under his black suit. Wearing all black, Holly Temple has cropped blond hair that neatly frames her face. Sipping martinis, the posh pair asks as many questions as they answer.

Both are native Californians who've lived in New York and London but now call Philly home. Mabry's a former CNN producer and Wall Street journalist who now teaches conflict resolution for Haverford and University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his political science Ph.D. at Penn. Temple does freelance graphic design for big-name beauty magnates like Estée Lauder and Christian Dior.

Despite those busy schedules, the 30-something power couple are also working on another project: licking Bush. As in tongue-in-cheek T-shirts that read Lick Bush 2004.

The mantra was inspired by a sticker seen during Bush senior's presidential campaign, a theme also seen on items sold by South Street vendors. (It's controversial with a sense of humor, Temple says.)

The registered Democrats say they wanted to put words into action to rail against a record budget deficit, faith-based policy, military pay cuts, thwarted stem-cell research and reduced federal student aid. Inspired by the region's history and the National Constitution Center opening, they're confident Philadelphia is their perfect venue.

We want to counteract the Ken Lays and Enrons of the world, says Mabry.

Unlike other Bush haters turned merchandisers, Mabry and Temple (their website is www.lickbushcampaign.com) aren't trying to see profits from their shirts, which go for less than $20. Half of the money raised goes to support their political party.

We would donate to Republican candidates but none of them seem interested in licking Bush, says Mabry. I don't care who is in office as long as they follow the Hippocratic oath, that is: Do no harm. We're not looking forward to four more years of damage.