It’s a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon, the Eagles game is on and everyone is outside grilling some delicious hamburgers and hotdogs. Next to the grill sits a bottle of Heinz ketchup, but what if the people who want to use this condiment are Republican? Are they going to feel left out that because there is not a ketchup brand out on the market for Republicans to consume?
No need to fear now, Republicans, W Ketchup is here to support the Republican Party, to be “pro-American” and also to be “anti-Kerry,” according to Bill Zachary, chairman of W Ketchup LLC, as reported by Mary Vallis of the “National Post.” The company sports the slogan, “You don’t support Democrats. Why should your ketchup?”
W Ketchup was created by Zachary and his friends when they realized one day that by buying Heinz ketchup they were supporting John Kerry and his campaign. Theresa Heinz Kerry, John Kerry’s wife, is the heiress to Heinz ketchup and owns four percent of the company stock, which is approximately $5.6 million, but has no management in the company.
Zachary still feels that since she has control of that much money in the company, then by buying Heinz ketchup, some of that money will be going towards the Kerry campaign, maybe without the consumer even knowing.
Dr. Jolyon Girard, history and political science professor, says he feels that this campaign has been silly so far because of how many personal shots the candidates take at one another. “This presidential election has been so nasty on a personal level, some humor injected into it is as refreshing as ketchup on a hamburger,” Girard said.
Creating a new brand of ketchup just not to support Kerry’s campaign seemed a little comical to Girard. He said, “I use Campbell’s ketchup, so I’m a political neutralist.”
This brand is not all about bashing Kerry, but does have a good cause connected to it. According to their website, www.wketchup.com, the company gives five percent of their profits to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to the children of active duty service members killed in the line of duty.
Julia Knudsen, president of the College Republican Club, said, “I find it humorous. As long as the money is being used for a good cause, I say go for it. If people have time to make up a new ketchup then go ahead.”
The company as of Aug. 29, 2004, has already sold 100,000 bottles, which is much more than they expected to sell over the internet. The company is internet based and sells a minimum of four bottles for $12, or by the case which starts at $34.
The company even plans to publish a recipe for “Bloody Kerrys,” according to the “National Post.” Dr. James Hedtke, history and political science professor, said, “If they make money off of it, then God bless ’em. There’s no problem with people poking fun at the political candidates as long as it’s in the bounds of the First Amendment.” Hedtke said he would never buy W Ketchup because simply of the cost and that he does not do his own grocery shopping.
According to W Ketchup’s website, taste tests show that their brand of ketchup tasted better than the five leading brands of ketchup. Zachary claims that it has a “sweeter, more tomatoey, less vinegary taste,” according to James Kirchick of “The Hill.” He also added that the president has received W Ketchup and enjoys it.
So when going to put ketchup on that hamburger or hotdog during the Eagle’s game, just remember what political party it is supporting, because who knows, maybe next election mustard will be politically involved and support an independent party.
Posted to the web by Shane Evans
