A day after President Joe Biden was spotted wearing a Philadelphia Eagles shirt while relaxing in Rehoboth Beach, Del., it briefly seemed that the NFL franchise had officially endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, for the presidency.
Early Monday morning, advertisements were spotted at SEPTA bus stations throughout Philadelphia displaying an illustration of Harris wearing an Eagles helmet and holding a football, revealing Harris as the “official candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles.” The advertisements also feature a web address to philadelphiaeagles.com/vote, the official voting outreach program of the franchise.
Shortly after the advertisements spread throughout social media, the Philadelphia Eagles took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to deny any involvement. The team’s account stated, “We are aware counterfeit political ads are being circulated and are working with our advertising partner to have them removed.”
This official statement from the team did not prevent many on social media from showing their clear disdain for the advertisement. Conservative political commentator and internet personality Laura Loomer responded to the false advertisements stating, “All Democrats know how to do is CHEAT!”
The artist behind the false advertisements, Winston Tseng, has previously used the branding of ice cream company Ben and Jerry’s in a political manner to protest Biden being pulled out of the presidential race. Tseng has also used the logo of Pepto-Bismol in another advertisement placed in Washington poking fun at 1968 Wharton graduate and former President Donald Trump and the events of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.
The bogus Eagles advertisements supporting Harris have been confirmed to be placed at 16th and Spring Garden streets, 18th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, and on Penn’s campus at 34th and Walnut streets.
The fake advertisement on Penn’s campus, found across the street from Fisher-Bennett Hall, garnered significant attention from those passing by, as many stopped to stare at and take photos of the SEPTA stop.
One passerby, who desired to remain anonymous, proclaimed she wished the advertisement was real, describing it as “great.”
College senior Dominic Woods, a fan of the NFL, was initially confused by the advertisement before the official confirmation of its invalidity.
“I kind of had a feeling it was fake, because I know the NFL doesn’t really endorse political candidates like that,” Woods remarked. “My biggest question is, though, how did it get there?”
As Pennsylvania is gearing up to be pivotal in yet another presidential election, one thing remains clear: The way to Philadelphians’ hearts is through their sports teams and city culture. Although these advertisements were not commissioned by the Philadelphia Eagles or the Harris campaign, those living in the city can still look forward to two more months of politicians ordering cheesesteaks and pandering from both sides of the aisle.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate
