By Sam Spence | The S.C. Republican Party email-blasted supporters Tuesday morning, letting them know to “Get Your Let’s Go Brandon Gear Here!” — a reference to a months-old anti-Joe Biden meme.
The party’s hottest new merch hit inboxes two days before the one-year anniversary of the deadly U.S. Capitol invasion by spurned supporters of defeated former Republican President Donald Trump out to stop the certification of the 2020 election.
“Start the New Year showing Joe Biden how you feel,” the party email said.
Examination of S.C. GOP’s Shopify-hosted store source code shows the party’s “Let’s Go Brandon” products were uploaded last month, but were updated Tuesday morning.
South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson said the apparel is par for the course.
“Are we really surprised? This is the same group that supported a coup to overthrow our democracy,” Robertson told the City Paper in a text message. “It’s the same group who supported treasonous acts against individuals who are carrying out their constitutionally mandated duty. These folks believe in the overthrow of our democracy.”
It’s not the first time, however, that Biden has appeared alongside an expletive on a mainstream political T-shirt. The Obama-Biden campaign sold “BFD” shirts after an energized Biden was caught on mic when President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law.
Spence is editor of the Charleston City Paper, where this story first appeared.
In other recent news:
Virus tops 1 million S.C. cases as positive test rate skyrockets. State health officials say more than 1 million cases of COVID-19 have been documented in the Palmetto State since the pandemic began. Additionally, the percentage of positive tests reported is approaching 30 percent. More: WIS TV.
Governor, DHEC say state shutdown not needed. Gov. Henry McMaster said Wednesday the coronavirus’ omicron variant is not as serious or deadly, so there is no need to shut down school or businesses amid the record number of cases being reported. The state reported more than 10,000 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 on back-to-back days this past weekend — a level never seen even in the sharp peaks of the winter and summer of 2021. More: Charleston City Paper, AP News, WCBD, WYFF.
McMaster puts ethics on his agenda for 2022. The governor, who is facing a reelection bid this year, said he wants to beef up watchdogs in the state to help curb public office scandals. McMaster will package those proposals into his soon-to-be-unveiled executive budget, calling on lawmakers to spend some $3.4 million more per year on measures meant to repair South Carolinians’ faith in their government. More: The Post and Courier.
Students back in school despite surge. Students across the state are returning to school this week as COVID-19 cases are surging. State school officials have updated quarantine and isolation policies to allow students to return more quickly after they’ve tested positive or been exposed to someone with the virus. According to the state Department of Education, they can return five days after symptoms start and 24 hours after having a fever without using fever-reducing medicine. On return, they must wear masks for at least five days. Local districts may have tighter rules. Meanwhile, colleges in the state are also revamping policies. More: WSPA, WYFF, AP News.
State education chief talks hopes, concerns for final year. S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman will not seek reelection in 2022. She spoke with WISTV about her hopes and concerns in this last year, plagued by the Omicron surge of the coronavirus pandemic. More: WISTV.
SCforEd focuses on teacher salaries, contracts ahead of session. Statewide education group SCforEd is working ahead of the coming legislative session to continue its push for higher teacher wages and better working conditions. More: WSAV.
MLK events around the state canceled, going virtual. King Day at the Dome in Columbia and Charleston’s annual Martin Luther King Day parade will go virtual for a second year in a row amid the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Hilton Head’s MLK events were canceled due to COVID surge. More: The Post and Courier, The Hilton Head Island Packet.
S.C. gas prices to jump 3.7 cents this week. GasBuddy announced Monday that prices at the pumps in the Palmetto State rose by an average of 3.7 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching $3.01. Meanwhile, the national average slipped by one cent per gallon, settling at $3.27. More: CBS4.
New S.C. license plate depiction ‘iconic’ image of 1776 battle now available. South Carolina drivers can now signal their pride in South Carolina’s Revolutionary War role with a 250-year anniversary license plate. More: The Post and Courier.
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