The Cheesesteak Factor: 2008 Democratic Nomination
Uh oh.
You may remember my previous post on the subjects of the importance of Cheesesteaks in the National Election.
It seems that both Democratic Presidential Candidates have shunned the Cheesesteak in their recent trips to Philadelphia’s Italian Market District.
Philadelphia Daily News: Obama: I’ll try that cheesesteak next time
As I’ve suggested in my previous post, the cheesesteak test is perhaps a little hidden gem in political forcasting:
- William J. Clinton: Passed
- Bob Dole: Failed
- George W. Bush: Passed
- The haughty french-looking Massachusetts Democrat, who by-the-way, also served in Vietnam: Failed
- Mitt Romney: Failed
What, no whiz?
Sen. Barack Obama sampled $100 ham, but didn’t chow down on a cheesesteak during a visit to the Italian Market yesterday.
In fact, neither Obama nor Sen. Hillary Clinton, his rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, has made the traditional stop at South Philly cheesesteak establishments Pat’s or Geno’s.
But Obama last night told a crowd of supporters gathered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, “I’m going to get a cheesesteak the next time I come.”
Clinton spokesman Mark Nevins said he wanted her “to have an opportunity to visit the Philadelphia landmarks, including the great cheesesteak places.”
Are cheesesteak stops more risky today than in the past?
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., was mocked for ordering his sandwich with swiss cheese during his 2004 run for president. And Geno’s has recently come under fire for hanging a sign that demands patrons order in English.
“I think some of the places that were must-stops, aren’t must stops any more,” said political analyst Larry Ceisler. “I think that the Kerry experience was certainly a bad experience and I think the candidates look at that. Also, I don’t think they want to take the chance of the immigration issue.”
The Geno’s Story can be found here.
Yes, I still think the Cheesesteak Test is an Everyman Test. Presidential Hopefuls would do well to heed it. Even with Joe Vento’s stance on English as the primary language.
- Hattip: Michelle Malkin
No word yet on McCain’s showing in the Cheesesteak Test.
Obama passed on a cheesesteak opportunity… clearly he is not presidential material. That’s it, I’m not voting for him.
Comment by Chan — April 6, 2008 @ 3:32:34 PM
Maybe he was concerned about the Hops Shortage?
Comment by Jeremy — April 6, 2008 @ 4:32:36 PM
[...] But seriously: So Rural, down-and-out Pennsylvanians are characterized by: guns, clinging to religion, antipathy, and xenophobia. (All bad things to the Audience of the California Elite) at least according to a man who turned down a Cheesesteak. [...]
Pingback by Jeremy-Gilby-dot-com » Total Slam on Pennsylvania out of NoWhere! — April 11, 2008 @ 4:40:48 PM
Addendum: It seems that Barack Obama is Waffling on Cheese steaks.
Comment by Jeremy — April 23, 2008 @ 12:24:37 AM