In a dramatic rebuke, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for featuring his image in a misleading campaign ad, asserting that he does not support her administration. The ad, released as part of Harris's ongoing re-election campaign, prominently displays Zanoni during what appears to be a public safety event, implying his endorsement of Harris’s policies. However, Zanoni quickly clarified that not only was he unaware of the ad's existence before its release, but he also firmly opposes Harris’s stance on various law enforcement issues.
The controversy arose after Harris’s campaign aired the advertisement portraying her as a pro-law enforcement candidate, a stance that has faced significant skepticism given her administration’s policies that many in the law enforcement community have criticized as being overly lenient. The ad included footage of Zanoni in uniform, suggesting that Harris enjoys broad support from law enforcement officials in California. However, Zanoni was quick to counter this narrative, stating unequivocally, “I do not and will not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Holy Sht ‼️ CALIFORNIA SHERIFF FEATURED IN KAMALA HARRIS CAMPAIGN AD UPSET HIS IMAGE WAS USED: “I DO NOT SUPPORT HER”
“Looking for someone who’s going to support CRlMlNAL justice and law enforcement — that is best represented by Donald Trump and not Kamala Harris.”
Unreal 🚨👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/M2XOabBME5
— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) August 13, 2024
Zanoni, a staunch advocate for strict law enforcement policies, has long been critical of the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to crime and public safety. He accused Harris of attempting to deceive voters by using his image in a way that falsely suggests he supports her candidacy. “This ad is nothing short of misleading,” Zanoni said in a statement. “It’s an attempt to use my image to gain support under false pretenses.”
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the ethics of political advertising and the lengths to which candidates will go to secure votes. Harris’s campaign has yet to issue a formal response to Zanoni’s accusations, but the backlash highlights a growing tension between local law enforcement and federal policies. Many law enforcement officials, including Zanoni, have been vocal in their criticism of the administration's handling of issues such as bail reform, which they argue has led to increased crime rates in major cities across the state.
A California sheriff blasted Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign on Tuesday for using his likeness in a new ad without his permission, according to a new report, adding that he doesn’t endorse the Democratic presidential nominee because she “did nothing to stop people from… pic.twitter.com/eC7Dkfexxe
— TheRealCherokeeOwl (@RealCherokeeOwl) August 13, 2024
Sheriff Zanoni’s public disavowal of the ad has added to the already mounting challenges facing Harris as she seeks re-election. Her campaign, which has struggled to reconcile her past as a prosecutor with her current positions, now faces the additional burden of addressing this controversy. Political analysts suggest that this misstep could alienate key voting blocs, particularly those concerned with law and order.
Harris’s ad is part of a broader strategy to appeal to moderate and conservative voters who may be wary of her administration’s perceived softness on crime. However, the use of Zanoni’s image without his consent could backfire, reinforcing the narrative that Harris is out of touch with the concerns of law enforcement. This incident is likely to fuel further scrutiny of her record and campaign tactics as the election season heats up.
The backlash against the ad underscores the deep divisions between local law enforcement officials and the federal government. Many sheriffs across California have voiced concerns about policies that they believe undermine their ability to keep communities safe. Harris’s attempt to align herself with law enforcement may have been an effort to bridge this gap, but the misstep with Zanoni suggests that such efforts may be too little, too late.
As the campaign progresses, Harris will need to address these concerns head-on if she hopes to maintain her position and win over undecided voters. Meanwhile, Zanoni’s public denouncement serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that law enforcement officials face in navigating the complex landscape of modern politics. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Harris’s campaign, but it is clear that the road ahead will be anything but smooth.
How can Liberals always seem to get away with crap like this? Bravo, Sheriff John Zanoni, for having the cojones to actually call her out on this, not many do but definitely should. That’s the only way that people that continue to support her can get a true/factual picture/proof that most everything she claims or professes to about herself is either hypocritical, a flat out lie, or just a fabrication for her audience to relate to or get attention from. WELL DONE, Sir!