BARBIE® DOLL, IN A PRESIDENTIAL BID, CHALLENGES BUSH AND GORE TO ENDORSE A PLATFORM THAT INCLUDES GIRLS’ BILL OF RIGHTS

BARBIE® DOLL, IN A PRESIDENTIAL BID, CHALLENGES BUSH AND GORE TO ENDORSE A PLATFORM THAT INCLUDES GIRLS' BILL OF RIGHTS
Forty-one-year-old doll declares herself the candidate of tomorrow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2000

She's run for President before, but this time, “Barbie” Millicent Roberts of Willows, Wisconsin has emerged with a platform that champions the rights of girls. From gender equality and the care of animals, to education and the environment—and most important a commitment to girls' rights—Barbie is confident her platform will speak to the voters of the future.

“Grownups often get hung up on my shoes (more than a billion pairs) and wardrobe (over one hundred new outfits a year),” says Barbie doll, “But I have a college degree, a very high approval rating among girls, and I'm better known internationally than either of the other candidates. If elected, I will marshal the power of girls to create a world in which we all get along, are kind to animals, have the best schools, and keep our air, water, and neighborhoods clean.”

Girls will not only be able to vote for Barbie at polling booths in Toys R' Us stores but will also be able to voice their opinions about the Barbie for President 2000 platform online at Barbie.com. Barbie doll will hit the campaign trail in May (and will be available exclusively at Toys R' Us). As a result of the Barbie brand's three-year collaboration with Girls Inc., an advocacy organization for girls, each Barbie for President 2000 doll will have the Girls Inc. Girls' Bill of Rights inside its package (attached). The Barbie for President 2000 is a collaboration between Mattel, Girls Inc., and the White House Project. Girls Inc. began working with Mattel's Barbie brand in 1996, encouraging the company to incorporate the idea that girls are “strong, smart, and bold” into its marketing and product development. The two organizations entered a strategic alliance in 1998 and have been collaborating on using Barbie's influence with girls to deliver real-life messages of empowerment and aspiration.

Barbie has been a favorite with millions of girls since she first appeared in 1959 in a black-and-white swimsuit and signature ponytail. Barbie has had more than 75 careers — including astronaut, “Summit” diplomat, business executive, airline pilot, surgeon, engineer, dentist, and marine corps sergeant. In her free time, she's also managed to be an Olympic downhill skier, WNBA Basketball player, NASCAR racer, and Women's World Cup Soccer player. Clearly, her life experience far outstrips that of either George W. Bush or Al Gore.

“Barbie's become more real and more relevant, ” says Isabel Carter Stewart, President and CEO of Girls Inc. “And her current platform sends a strong message to girls: that they can achieve their dreams, insist on their rights, play with their Barbies, and become president, too.”

Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth development, research, and advocacy organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold(SM). For over 50 years, Girls Incorporated has provided vital educational programs to millions of America's girls, particularly those living in under served areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and complete lives.

Mattel, Inc. is a worldwide leader in design, manufacture, and marketing of children's products. With headquarters in El Segundo, California, Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and markets its products in more than 150 nations throughout the world.

The White House Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public awareness campaign to change the political climate so that women can launch successful campaigns for the U.S. presidency and other key positions. The project is committed to raising awareness of women's leadership in American politics and mobilizing Americans of all ages to participate in civic life.