How the 2024 Election was Shaped by Food

Food can play a significant role in a presidential race as candidates attempt to show how relatable they are through the dishes they eat and the restaurants they visit. Not only do Vice President Kamala Harris and presidential hopeful Donald Trump have different politics, they have extremely different tastes in food. 

In this special election episode of Your Last Meal, award-winning New York Times food reporter Kim Severson says if Harris is elected, she will be the first president with a genuine love and prowess for cooking. Severson elaborates on what a big role cooking has played in the Harris/Walz campaign.

American food scholar KC Hysmith joins the show to tell us more about Trump’s tastes, and how big a role McDonald’s has played in both his personal and professional life.

Then we’ll go back in time to learn what was served at the very first American elections and rehash some embarrassing moments from years past, when a politician’s public display of eating went terribly wrong. 

Here's the recipe for the original Election Cake recipe!

Pre-order Rachel’s cookbook Open Sesame, out November 12, 2024!

Watch Rachel’s Cascade PBS TV show The Nosh with Rachel Belle!

Follow along on Instagram!

Get tickets to Food Fight, a culinary game show hosted by Rachel Belle!

Support the show: http://rachelbelle.substack.com

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