Vice President Kamala Harris visited Penzeys Spices In Pittsburgh on September 7, 2024, to promote her campaign activities in a debate with Donald Trump. She shows her vision regarding the need for unity during this visit. she started ” It’s time to move beyond the divisiveness”.
The reason for choosing Penzeys Spices in Pittsburgh has several reasons; her advanced team has gone through research on local businesses that go well with her campaign’s values. They go through local shop owners’ backgrounds, worldviews, social media posts, etc. to make a clear perspective.
When candidates visit a city they choose a locally owned business because they have nostalgic emotions attached to cultural values. It helps to draw people together.
Penzeys Spices shop owner Bill Penzey is a good fit for it, who ran her business for several generations and a Democrat who is safe for the candidate.
She has a strong stance for anti-Republicans and shares the ” Republicans are racists” weekend special for Martin Luther King Jr Day in an email that shows clear criticism of the Republican Party and its supporters.
Also, her company website features an “about Republican” page that condemns the party’s actions and describes them as nonsensical and harmful to national progress. All these actions made the shop a politically charged choice for her visit.
Harris’s visits aimed to showcase her love for cooking and connecting voters on a personal level. during the visit, she purchased several spices and engaged with customers to reinforce her message of unity amidst political division.
She also appreciates Penzey taking a public stand against divisiveness which aligns with her campaign narrative.
A Wahington Post report took to X to share their observation regarding Harris’s visit to the Penzeys Spices.
“Kamala just went to Penzeys Spics and bought Creamy Peppercorn Dressing Base, Fox Point Seasoning, Trinidad Lemon-Garlic Marinade, Turkish Seasoning, and Tuscan Sunset Salt-Free Italian Seasoning.” the reporter posted on X.
In a post, The Associated Press wrote a headline with” Harris turns to her favourite foods in an effort to show a more private side and connect with voters.”
But following Harris’s visit, the store’s Yelp page was showering with negative reviews from conservative customers, clearly reflecting the polarized reaction to her appearance in the shop from conservative critics.
It also highlights the ongoing political divisions in the country, her choice of venue draws criticism for being at odds with her message of Unity.