Summer has certainly brought the heat– not just in our weather forecast, but on the political campaign trail, as well!  Having just hosted the DNC in Philadelphia, it’s safe to say that the City of Brotherly Love is fired up- and we hope you are too!  November 8, 2016 will mark the fourth presidential election we’ve seen here at PHAG and, given our experience, we’ve come to expect a certain level of catty conversation and political banter.  And, as business people, we can’t help but look for some good old fashioned capitalist opportunities during each election cycle, so we’re happy to report our warehouse is stocked and we’ve got our political house in order for 2016- do you?

If you’ll indulge us for a quick historical flashback- check out this best seller from the 2004 presidential election…

In fact, we sold so much anti-Bush merchandise leading up to the 2004 election, in hind sight we can say that helping our bottom line is the only historically positive thing the Bush presidency did for the LGBT community!  Speaking of history, let’s take a quick look at the history of the two candidates in the 2016 presidential election to see just how qualified they are for the office of President of the United States:

Hillary Clinton:  A career public servant who has spent the better part of the last three decades in professional positions of service.  Sadly, like any contemporary national politician, she comes with her fair share of questionable or controversial decisions while serving.  She spent 9 years as First Lady of Arkansas, 8 years as First Lady of the United States, 8 years as a US Senator representing New York, and 4 years as US Secretary of State.  Her Politifact rating hovers around 52% True/Mostly true, so her honesty level is in line with most other national political figures including George W. Bush and Barack Obama.  By all reasonable measures, this is a political house in order.

vs.

Donald Trump:  A career business man who has never served the public and has made it clear that “he alone” is in this race to serve himself.  Sadly, unlike many successful modern business leaders, he has at least 15 failed businesses and owns multiple casinos that have avoided paying debts by filing for bankruptcy no fewer than 4 times- not because he had to, but because he wanted to.  His Politifact rating so far has maxed out at 15% True/Mostly true, so his honesty level is at least 35% lower than most national political figures.  By all reasonable measures, this is a political house in chaos.

On merit and experience alone, Donald, it’s unfortunate that we won’t have the opportunity to say, “You’re Fired,” but as business people ourselves, we are Fired Up that you think we’re stupid enough to hire you in the first place!

Notice there’s no mention of political party affiliation in our comparison?  NEWSFLASH:  That’s because it doesn’t matter!  What matters is the candidate’s ability to do the job.  Period.  Suffice to say, here at PHAG, we’re seeing this election a little bit differently than those of the past- actually, a LOT differently, if we’re being honest.  In the words of comedian Chelsea Handler… “Do you know the difference between an erection and an election?”  “If you make a bad choice one will F*@k you for 4 minutes- the other will F*@k you for 4 years!”

Sure, we like a good pun, and we like to have PHun, but make no mistake- while one candidate in the race for the white house is clearly a BIG joke (and a bigger liar), leading our great nation is serious business, and that’s no laughing matter.

We must vote!  The stakes are high and we cannot take this election for granted.  At PHAG we know a house in order when we see it, and we’ve never seen a well designed house divided- because we’re stronger together!  Like Hillary Clinton, we understand that, “It takes a village.”  For us, the choice is clear.  We most definitely have OUR political house in order, and we’re with her!