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In the aftermath of the incident, Primanti Brothers issued a statement aimed at alleviating the confusion. The establishment underscored its commitment to the Pittsburgh community, stating, "Primanti’s prides itself on being a staple of the Pittsburgh community and a proud American business that has hosted sitting presidents, politicians, and political candidates from across the spectrum for over 90 years." [Antoinette DelBel, Yahoo! Voices] They clarified that their staff was unprepared for the event, noting, "Without any advance notice, today’s campaign stop caused some momentary confusion for our staff." [Hindustan Times] Subsequently, the restaurant welcomed Vance and his supporters inside, attempting to quell the chaos that had unfolded.
Despite the restaurant's efforts, the initial rejection incited frustration among Vance's supporters. A campaign insider recounted that an employee informed the media, "JD's not allowed in," [Sarah Rumpf-whitten, Fox News] further exacerbating the situation. Many patrons within the establishment even canceled their orders upon learning of Vance's denied entry, underscoring the palpable tension that characterized the day.
Vance addressed the crowd outside, striving to alleviate their discontent. He stated, "We paid for everybody’s food, we gave them a nice tip," [The Times of India] and urged his supporters to continue backing the local business, demonstrating his intention to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere despite the circumstances. This incident highlights the delicate balance restaurants must strike when navigating the intersection of local commerce and political engagements.
The differing treatment of political figures at Primanti Brothers has also sparked discussion regarding perceived double standards in hospitality. Just a month earlier, the restaurant hosted Vice President Kamala Harris during her campaign visit, which necessitated an early closure for what was described as a "private event." [Sarah Rumpf-whitten, Fox News] As one local recounted, they were informed it was "last call" [Sarah Rumpf-whitten, Fox News] long before expected, suggesting that the establishment was willing to accommodate Harris’s campaign in a manner that was not extended to Vance. This disparity prompted some supporters to question, "Why the different rules for Kamala Harris?"
Critics of the restaurant pointed out that while Harris was received warmly, Vance faced resistance, leading to accusations of bias. A supporter expressed their incredulity, stating, "Primanti's hates money," conveying frustration over the restaurant's handling of the situation. This juxtaposition has led to calls for a boycott among some of Vance's supporters, emphasizing how political affiliations can significantly influence local businesses.
Interestingly, despite the backlash, Primanti Brothers sought to clarify their position, asserting, "Our doors are open to all patrons who wish to dine with us." [Brian Linder, PennLive] However, the narrative surrounding their treatment of various political candidates continues to reverberate, prompting questions about how businesses navigate political affiliations and public sentiment.
For JD Vance, this incident represents yet another obstacle in a campaign already scrutinized for its advance planning and public perception. He remarked, "It’s alright, don’t hold it against [the worker]. She just got a little nervous," attempting to deflect any negative sentiment directed at the restaurant staff onto himself. This response indicates his strategy of maintaining a favorable public image while connecting with his supporters despite setbacks.
However, the online backlash and calls for boycotts could pose challenges for Vance as he strives to solidify support in the final stretch of the campaign. Observers have noted that this misstep may reflect broader issues within his campaign operation, with some social media users suggesting that he "has the worst advance team in modern election history." [Mike Bedigan, The Independent] This incident could serve as a wake-up call for Vance's campaign team, urging them to refine their approach in engaging with voters.
As the election cycle intensifies, the ramifications of such incidents will be critical for all candidates. Vance’s ability to transform this setback into an opportunity for connection with voters may ultimately dictate how his campaign navigates the intricate landscape of political engagement within local establishments.