In September 2024, unauthorized posters appeared on Philadelphia streets, falsely suggesting that the Philadelphia Eagles endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. This incident sparked confusion and controversy, highlighting the intersection of sports, politics, and media in the lead-up to the November 2024 election.
The posters, featuring the Eagles' logo and an illustration of Harris in team attire, were spotted in at least seven locations across the city. They included a link to the Eagles' voter registration page, which does not endorse any candidate. Social media users quickly shared images of the posters, with some calling for a boycott of the team.
In response, the Philadelphia Eagles swiftly denied any involvement. On September 2, 2024, the team posted on social media platform X, stating they were working to remove the "counterfeit political ads." Intersection, the company owning the affected billboard spaces, confirmed that several bus shelters had been vandalized with unauthorized content replacing paid advertisements.
Winston Tseng, the artist responsible for the artwork, clarified that it was intended as parody. He expressed unawareness of how the posters ended up in Philadelphia bus stops. Meanwhile, Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for Harris' campaign, stated they were not involved with the advertisements.
This incident occurs as Philadelphia prepares to host the September 10 presidential debate between Harris and Donald Trump. The city, known as the birthplace of American democracy, has a rich history of political significance. It was the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800 and has hosted numerous political conventions, including the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Philadelphia, often called "The City of Brotherly Love," is home to many symbols of American independence, including the Liberty Bell. The city's sports culture is deeply ingrained, with the Eagles being a significant part of its identity since their founding in 1933. The team has won three NFL Championships and one Super Bowl, with their home games played at Lincoln Financial Field since 2003.
As the sixth-largest city in the US, with a population of approximately 1.6 million, Philadelphia continues to play a crucial role in American politics and culture. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between sports, media, and political discourse in modern America.
"We are working to remove the counterfeit political ads and have not endorsed any candidates for the upcoming election."
The unauthorized posters and subsequent reactions highlight the potential for misinformation in the digital age, especially during election seasons. As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, this incident underscores the importance of critical media consumption and fact-checking in maintaining the integrity of democratic processes.