*"No, you can make a figure of a politician who's currently in office, but not one who's gone back to private life. "

*I believe you are in error on this.
Both the likeness AND the historical events/behaviors remain in public domain. Nothing excludes past, present or even future political or satorical speech. No time limit exist.

From now untill eternity Bush will be fare game for political or satorical writings and images. The same also now include Arnold S, George Washington, James Polk or Richard Nixon. No time limit exist.

Forever and ever they (and there likeness's) remain in the public domain because they were once in the realm of politics. Fame does not equal "celebrity".

It's just one of the cost of a possible political life. It's not even a requirement that you WIN to have this happen. Just RUNNING for political office (even dog catcher)  you loose all rights to your images, likenesses and writings forever.

Mr Penguinisto got it right in one--

*"So why are politicians different? Well, the ridicule and parody of any government figure and/or institution is totally cool under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. This extends to commercial products with the name and likeness of said politician or organization.

Otherwise, a politician or institution could use existing copyright or trademark law to stifle dissent very quickly."