I don't know why Barack Obama is getting so much grief for saying that there are 57 states. It's quite obvious to me what was going on, and if you think about it, what he's doing is a rather ingenious form of subliminal guerilla marketing.

I mean, first there was the Abercrombie and Fitch product placement. A&F denied there was anything going on, of course, as did the Obama campaign, but come on!

Some things are too obvious.

As FDR used to say, there are no coincidences in politics. Especially when there's money involved. And there's big money in product placement.

Seen in this context, the 57 "flub" was not a flub at all nor a reference to the states, but a clear reference to the varieties!

Lest anyone think there's the slightest doubt about the forces behind it, take a look at this:

It's a no brainer.

Best of all, it probably doesn't violate McCain Feingold!