Biden Camp Sells Out Of 'Truth Over Flies' Fly Swatters, PETA Offers Humane Alternative

The Biden campaign's swift move to capitalize on the buzz around the fly that made a special appearance during Wednesday night's vice-presidential debate — and sat on Mike Pence's head in full view of the cameras — has paid off, with the campaign running out of the fly swatters it rushed to market. But then, animal rights group Peta has also taken notice, and offered a humane alternative to the campaign to market.

Minutes after the debate wrapped up, the Biden-Harris campaign tweeted a photo of the "Truth Over Flies" fly swatters and a caption that read "Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly." The campaign sold nearly 35,000 swatters following the debate, according to USA Today.

The $10 fly swatter came after a fly landed on Vice President Pence's coiffed hair and stayed there for more than two minutes as he debated Sen. Kamala Harris, D.Calif. The incident was captured on camera, and the footage quickly became viral.

Two hours later, the Biden campaign website posted a photo of a blue fly swatter with the words "Truth Over Flies" printed on the handle.

"We saw the internet and our supporters sharing a viral moment online, so our digital team came together on the fly to show that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will always choose truth over lies, science over fiction, and unity over division," Zach McNamara, merchandise director for the Biden-Harris campaign, said in a statement.

"Whether it's a t-shirt, yard sign, or fly swatter, our store of made-in-America, union-sourced merch always reflects these values and brings people together during energized moments like the debates," he added.

Various t-shirts reading "fly will vote" and "truth over flies" were also made available on e-commerce website Etsy, CNN reproted. Artemisa Clark, an Etsy seller, said she had already sold over 1,600 face masks that featured a photo of Mike Pence and the fly. Other sellers have made shirts and mugs of Pence and the fly available for purchase.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) took note too. It sent the Biden campaign one of its humane bug catchers in that hope that they will "market these cruelty-free contraptions to kindhearted Americans."

The bug catcher can help people "safely transport uninvited bugs back outside." It is the top seller on the Peta Mall.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum also announced the pre-sale of a Mike Pence Fly bobblehead for $24 each plus shipping. The bobbleheads are available through the museum's online store and are expected to ship early 2021.