Vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance’s attempt to meet supporters at Pittsburgh’s iconic Primanti Bros. sandwich shop took an unexpected turn when he was abruptly kicked out by an employee.
The incident stirred up a storm among Vance’s supporters, especially since the same chain had recently hosted Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, with seemingly open arms.
A source close to the Vance campaign told Fox News Digital that Primanti Bros. management was aware of their planned stop. Yet, when Vance arrived, the campaign was told, “JD’s not allowed in,” with the employee even threatening to call the police if they didn’t leave. Disappointed voters captured the moment on their phones, while Vance and his team regrouped outside, where he greeted supporters, paid for their meals, and left a generous tip.
In stark contrast, just a month earlier, the Harris campaign had been warmly received at a different Primanti Bros. location. However, that event wasn’t without its own controversy, as locals were kicked out to make way for the private event, with some accusing the campaign of filling the venue with “actors” to create a picture-perfect photo op.
Vance, displaying grace under pressure, told his supporters not to hold the incident against the employee, calling Primanti Bros. a “great local business” and encouraging people to continue supporting it. The restaurant chain later clarified that the confusion stemmed from a lack of advance notice about Vance’s visit, noting that the situation was quickly resolved and Vance was welcomed back inside.
But the drama didn’t end there. Harris’ campaign stirred the pot by posting a video on X showing her triumphant visit to Primanti Bros., framing it as a subtle dig at Vance’s rejection. The move felt like a victory lap for Harris, rubbing salt in the wound just as the controversy around Vance’s visit was cooling down. It was a clear message: Democrats are welcome, while Republicans are not.
This kind of political gamesmanship might score points with the Harris base, but it’s also the kind of petty behavior that alienates voters. Primanti Bros. was caught in the crossfire of partisan politics, just trying to run a business while becoming an unwilling battleground in the culture war.
Vance’s approach was in stark contrast to Harris’. He showed a willingness to move on, understanding that the employee was likely nervous and unprepared. That’s the kind of leadership people expect: humility and a focus on the bigger picture.
As for Harris, her “win-at-all-costs” attitude raises questions about her priorities. Does she really believe in unity and inclusivity, or is she more interested in political point-scoring, even at the expense of a local business? The incident shows the lengths she’s willing to go to in order to maintain her narrative, no matter who gets hurt along the way.
