Corn Dogs and Pork Chops: The Midwest's Irresistible State Fair Fare

As the political landscape shifts, one thing remains constant in the Midwest: the allure of state fairs. From the corncob-dotted fields to the carnival rides, these annual celebrations have become a rite of passage for Midwestern politicians, and Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz is no exception. Walz, tapped as Kamala Harris's running mate, has made a name for himself as a corn dog connoisseur, showcasing his bipartisan spirit and love for the region's culinary delights.

Embracing the Midwest's Eclectic State Fair Cuisine

The Corn Dog Craving

Tim Walz, a native Nebraskan, has long been a regular at the Minnesota State Fair, indulging in the quintessential fair food: the corn dog. In a candid interview, the governor revealed his unwavering affection for this deep-fried delight, stating, "I am a corn dog guy," and admitting to enjoying them throughout the year, not just during the fair season. Walz's love for corn dogs is so ingrained that he even donned socks adorned with the iconic fair treat, proudly showcasing his culinary allegiance.Walz's corn dog preference didn't come without a spirited debate, though. When the interviewer expressed a fondness for Pronto Pups, a fair staple that differs from corn dogs in its flour-based batter, Walz acknowledged the differences but declined to delve deeper, noting that it was "a bit of a discussion." This diplomatic approach echoes Walz's political style, where he aims to find common ground rather than engage in divisive rhetoric.

The Farmer's Union Delicacy

While corn dogs may reign supreme in Walz's fair food hierarchy, the governor also harbors a deep appreciation for another unique offering: the BLT from the Minnesota Farmer's Union booth. Walz described this sandwich as "a little bit different," hinting at some undisclosed flavors or preparation methods that set it apart from the typical bacon, lettuce, and tomato combination. As a self-proclaimed Farmer's Union food fan, Walz expressed his partiality to the organization's offerings, showcasing his commitment to supporting local producers and honoring the state's agricultural heritage.

Pork Chop Perfection

Walz's running mate, Kamala Harris, also demonstrated a penchant for Midwestern state fair fare during her 2019 campaign stop at the Iowa State Fair. While Walz gravitated towards the classic corn dog, Harris opted for a pork chop on a stick, a beloved staple of state fairs across the region. In a clip captured by Iowa PBS, Harris was seen taking a bite of the pork chop and visibly relishing the flavors, her eyes rolling in sheer delight. The vice presidential hopeful even shared her own recipe for seasoning pork chops, revealing a blend of ancho chiles, black pepper, garlic, paprika, and salt – a testament to her culinary prowess and her ability to connect with the Midwest's diverse culinary landscape.

Bipartisan Dining Preferences

The shared love for state fair cuisine between Walz and Harris underscores the bipartisan nature of these Midwestern traditions. Despite their political affiliations, the two leaders have found common ground in their appreciation for the region's beloved fair food, from the classic corn dog to the innovative offerings of the Farmer's Union. This gastronomic alignment serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of political polarization, there are still shared experiences and values that can bring people together, one corn dog or pork chop at a time.