The viral video of JD Vance’s awkward campaign stop at a donut shop sparked a lively discussion about food as a political prop. In politics, every gesture is scrutinised, every word dissected, and every bite savoured. Yet, despite the high stakes, politicians across the globe continue to venture into the treacherous territory of public dining as part of their electoral charm offensive. The result? Occasionally, it’s less of a gourmet experience and more of a farce.
The Great Philly Cheesesteak Debacle: John Kerry (2003)
Philadelphia is a city of history, passion, and cheesesteaks. So, when then-presidential hopeful John Kerry stopped by in 2003, he decided to try the local fare. But instead of asking for his cheesesteak “with” (the standard order featuring Cheez Whiz), he committed the cardinal sin of requesting Swiss cheese. The Swiss cheese faux pas became emblematic of Kerry’s perceived elitism, reminding us all that sometimes it’s best to go with the flow.
The Taco Bowl That Wasn’t: Donald Trump (2016)
In 2016, Donald Trump attempted to win over Hispanic voters with a tweet featuring him eating this culinary creation at Trump Tower, accompanied by the declaration, “I love Hispanics!” Unfortunately, the gesture appeared more of a gimmick than genuine affection. The photo was widely mocked as an insincere attempt to connect with a diverse community over a meal that isn’t exactly a cultural touchstone. The taco bowl became a symbol of how not to do culinary diplomacy.
The Bacon Sandwich Blunder: Ed Miliband (2014)
Labour leader Ed Miliband’s attempt to enjoy a bacon sandwich became the stuff of legend—for all the wrong reasons. In 2014, Miliband was photographed mid-bite, looking as though he were wrestling with the sandwich rather than eating it. The image, splashed across newspapers and social media, didn’t just show a man eating; it showed a politician struggling with the basics of breakfast, feeding the narrative that he was perhaps not quite prime minister material.
David Cameron’s Hot Dog Dilemma: Eating Etiquette Gone Awry (2015)
David Cameron, with his polished demeanour, seemed to forget that there’s a time and place for cutlery—and a hot dog stand isn’t one of them. During a 2015 campaign event, Cameron was caught eating a hot dog with a knife and fork, prompting eye-rolls across the nation. It was an awkward reminder of his privileged background, reinforcing the idea that he might not fully grasp the art casual dining. After all, when in doubt, ditch the cutlery.
Boris Johnson’s Ice Cream Incident: A Cold Reception (2019)
Boris Johnson is no stranger to culinary capers. In 2019, while Cornwall, Johnson was handed an ice cream cone. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, quite a lot. The photos that emerged showed Johnson awkwardly attempting to lick the ice cream, leading to a series of unflattering (and unavoidably hilarious) images that quickly went viral. The incident encapsulated the bumbling, often chaotic public persona that has come to define Johnson’s political career.
A Lesson in Culinary Caution
What’s the takeaway from these gastronomic gaffes? For politicians, the message is clear: proceed with caution when combining campaigns with cuisine. The intention to appear relatable and down-to-earth can easily backfire, leading to moments that are more cringe-worthy than charming.
As an example of how to do it right, have a look at Vance’s immediate rival as a potential VP.