Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreIHOP has denied that it invited a far-right Republican candidate to campaign at its restaurants after he was banned from all Waffle House locations in Florida.James Fishback, who is seeking to replace Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, shared an image that appeared to be a direct message from the chain’s official corporate account, inviting him to join. “Hey, wanna come over?” the alleged message read.However, a spokesperson denied that the message was authentic and that the company had any ties to Fishback or his campaign.“Since our founding, IHOP and its franchisees have been committed to providing warm and welcoming dining experiences for all guests. We are not working with James Fishback or his campaign in any capacity,” the spokesperson said in a statement.“Additionally, we have confirmed that the image circulating on social media is not authentic.” The Independent has contacted IHOP for comment.open image in galleryIHOP has denied it invited a far-right Republican candidate to campaign at its restaurants after he was banned from all Waffle House locations in the state of Florida (Getty Images)Fishback announced he had been banned from Waffle House locations earlier this week, having previously planned to visit every store in Florida to “meet voters where they are.” He announced the plan during an interview with MAGA stalwart and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.“This morning, Waffle House abruptly revoked our permission and criminally trespassed us from all of their Florida locations,” Fishback wrote in a statement on March 3. “I am disappointed in Waffle House’s decision, especially since they had given us explicit permission to visit their restaurants just 3 weeks ago. “I want to thank the Waffle House staff who greeted me and our supporters with warmth, kindness, and awesome food.”The Independent has contacted Fishback’s representatives for comment on the alleged IHOP invite.open image in galleryJames Fishback has claimed IHOP invited him to their restaurant after he announced he had been banned from all Waffle Houses in the state (James Fishback/ X)The MAGA newcomer has been heavily criticized for his controversial stances, including pushes for the banning of immigrant visa programs and preventing students from abroad from enrolling at colleges in Florida. He has also previously claimed that the only “systemic racism” that exists in the U.S. is against white Christian men and proposed burning down abortion clinics.In January, Fishback faced backlash for referring to his rival for state Governor, Byron Donalds, as “By’rone” in social media posts and claims that his opponent was seeking to turn Florida into a “ghetto.”“His undisguised racist comments describing a Black candidate’s vision as ‘Section 8 ghetto’ and referring to Byron Donalds as ‘By’rone’ and a ‘slave’ are deliberate, offensive, and beneath this state,” Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly said at the time, adding that other candidates should “denounce, deplatform, and dismiss” Fishback.
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