‘Truth Over Flies’ fly swatters and ‘I’m speaking’ shirts: Joe Biden campaign, Etsy sellers capitalize on VP debate

Many viewers were quick to send tweets, with some joking that the fly should get time to respond to the questions. USA TODAY

If you want a lasting memory of Wednesday night’s vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, several items are for sale, including “Truth Over Flies” fly swatters and “I’m speaking” shirts.

Along with the fly swatters available for $10 on the Joe Biden campaign website store, there are mugs and T-shirts to memorialize the several minutes a fly sat on Pence’s head during the debate being sold on sites like Etsy, such as one that says “The fly doesn’t lie.”

Some of Harris’ comebacks to Pence, including “I’m speaking” and “Excuse me, Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking” also are being marketed by Etsy sellers on shirts, face masks and other products.

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Biden’s Twitter account tweeted a photo of the former VP with a fly swatter, referencing the fly.

“Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly,” the tweet said. Biden several minutes later also tweeted the website, “flywillvote.com,” which redirects to iwillvote.com, a website where people can check if they’re registered to vote, as well as get information on how to vote by mail or in person.

Several Twitter accounts were created for the fly before the debate was over. 

Many were also quick to pop off tweets, with some joking that the fly should get time to respond to the questions and others saying that the fly needs to quarantine or be tested for COVID-19. There’s also a campaign to get “The Fly” actor Jeff Goldblum on “Saturday Night Live.” 

Merriam Webster wrote in a tweet that the word “fly” was trending on its website “for quite possibly the first time.”

The fly swatter was for sale quickly.

“Everybody on @TeamJoe deserves a raise after tonight’s epic trolling fundraising bonanza #VPDebates2020 #flywillvote #flygate,” Twitter user @taradublinrocks tweeted.

Actress Kerry Washington tweeted she purchased a fly swatter early Thursday morning.

The debate memorabilia aren’t the only new political collectibles for sale this week.

Coins commemorating President Donald Trump’s fight against COVID-19 are already available for preorder at an online gift shop. The $100 “Trump defeats COVID” coins are for sale on the website of the White House Gift Shop, which is not affiliated with the White House.

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Contributing: Rebecca Morin and Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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