By michael vivar
The position of United States President is one of the most important roles in the country. To succeed, a political leader has to stay well fed.
US presidents have used food to humanize themselves. Rather than a celebratory feast, George Washington opted for a sedate dinner at Delmonico's in New York City (still open) to quell comparisons to the monarchy just overthrown.
Taking a different tack in 1829, Andrew Jackson presented himself as a man of the people by inviting a multitude of supporters to the White House. A raucous party turned into a riot and people had to be lured away with ice cream and whiskey punch.
Today, the unofficial kick off to the American presidential campaign season is the Iowa State Fair where candidates partake in deep fried goodness. Let's swing to some campaign food destinations in swing states.
President Bill Clinton stopped here in 1999 and ordered the Fiesta Chiquita appetizer platter that included two mini-tacos, two mini-chimichangas, two mini-tamales and a side of beans. It's been a go-to for candidates ever since.
The 2024 campaign put this place on the map when First Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, made an appearance. He stood rapt at the smoker and had slow-cooked, succulent brisket with jovial owner, Michael De Los Santos.
Since his 2008 campaign, former president Barack Obama has never missed going to this popular breakfast spot. He and Michelle love the crispy on the edges, fluffy in the center quasi-crepes. Kamala Harris followed suit during the current race.
Mitt Romney was infamously labeled as robotic and out-of-touch during his 2012 campaign. He did avail himself well at the Atlanta burger and dogs joint where he ordered onion rings and hobnobbed with locals.
Attempting to make inroads with the Muslim community, Donald Trump was given a warm welcome by patrons at this café/brasserie. It's not reported if he ate anything, but they offer Mediterranean favorites like shakashuka and tawook kabob.
Jacky Rosen is a strong Harris surrogate and in her own close race for re-election in a crucial Senate seat. She drummed up support at this Mexican seafood eatery where she had flaky seared salmon over pasta.