Controversy Erupts as Harris Campaign Accused of Using Paid Actors

Amid intense controversy, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign faces allegations of staging an event with paid actors at a Pittsburgh restaurant, displacing actual customers.

At a Glance

Diners claimed they were kicked out of Primanti Brothers before Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrived.
Republican Committee of Allegheny County chairman Sam DeMarco III shared a video showcasing campaign vehicles arriving.
DeMarco criticized the campaign for bringing in a controlled audience.
Protesters outside the venue expressed outrage over the displacement.

Campaign Staging Allegations

Customers at the Primanti Brothers restaurant in Pittsburgh claimed they were forced out by campaign staff ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s arrival. Reports indicate staff cleared the venue of legitimate patrons, allegedly filling it instead with compensated individuals to create a controlled and favorable environment. Complaints from patrons, who were disrupted while watching a Pittsburgh Pirates game, have brought significant attention to the ethics of such campaign tactics.

A video uploaded by Republican Committee of Allegheny County chairman, Sam DeMarco III, revealed the arrival of the Harris-Walz campaign bus and several white vans. In his critique, DeMarco accused the campaign of bringing in their own audience to create a choreographed event rather than engaging with genuine diners, praising Trump supporters for showing up at the location.

Public Reaction to the Incident

Protesters outside the restaurant voiced their displeasure, with many expressing outrage over being displaced by the campaign event. Notably, Harris’s visit did not go unnoticed by local GOP leaders and members of the community. The contentious event added fuel to the ongoing debate about the ethics and integrity of political campaign strategies. Former President Donald Trump also commented on the incident via social media, highlighting public frustration.

Customers at Primanti Bros restaurant in PA were kicked out to make way for paid actors during a Kamala Harris photo op.

There is no organic support, everything is staged and paid for by the Harris-Walz campaign.

pic.twitter.com/oDbhJIpfdq

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) August 19, 2024

Controversial Choices During the Visit

Additionally, Harris made a brief stop at a local Sheetz convenience store for a quick purchase of Doritos. This action was criticized by Republicans, especially in light of the Biden administration’s previous lawsuit against Sheetz for alleged discriminatory hiring practices. Republican lobbyist David Urban remarked on the irony of Harris’s visit, stressing the legal backdrop involving Sheetz. The lawsuit’s basis on denying applicants due to past criminal convictions intensified these criticisms.

DeMarco suggested giving Primanti Bros. some slack, noting that businesses often rent out for private events.

This incident also garnered reactions from various local and national political figures. Some individuals, like retired Pittsburgh Steelers legend Jerome Bettis, were notably present during Harris’s visit. Despite the backlash, DeMarco suggested that businesses have a history of renting out venues for private events but emphasized that similar treatment should extend to visits by other political figures, including former President Trump.

Broader Campaign Impact

The fallout from these staged campaign events brings to light ongoing concerns over the techniques deployed to influence voter perceptions. The situation underscores the ethical responsibilities political campaigns must uphold to maintain public trust and authenticity. As Harris’s campaign moves forward, it will undoubtedly encounter intensified scrutiny and calls for greater transparency in its operations. American voters deserve campaigns that present an honest and unfiltered interaction with their candidates.

Public perception remains a powerful force in shaping political landscapes. Events such as these have the potential to sway public opinion far beyond the confines of a single venue or moment, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct in political campaigns. The ongoing public scrutiny might influence how future events are orchestrated to ensure alignment with the highest standards of integrity and public service.