This just caught me by surprise. I wonder how it will go over this holiday weekend? PepsiCo — apparently operating under the assumption that people enjoy both soda and hot dogs, and therefore have no qualms about combining the two in the same food item — is launching a new cola-flavored condiment intended to top frankfurters à la ketchup or mustard. For more about hot dogs, read my post below.
What does a 2024 presidential hot dog look like?
With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, I have a suggestion for
all of the Republican candidates hoping to become the next President
of the United States: Make sure you are seen eating hot dogs — the
great American icon of foods — as often as possible.
Why? Because according to the Recipe Source, more than 150 million
hot dogs will be consumed during the long holiday weekend. No
politician can afford to pass up an audience that large.
Just ask Barack Obama. Back in 2011, he ate a hot dog during a
much-publicized trip to Toledo, Ohio. It was there the former
president told the mayor, “Hold the ketchup.”
When I am not eating hot dogs, I usually find myself mired in
politics. That said, I have begun to wonder where each of the GOP
presidential candidates stands on the all-important issue of “the
dog.”
I don’t expect this to be a topic of conversation during their Aug. 23
debate in Milwaukee; however, I would like to know how each of them
would dress his (or her) hot dog. Not that this will be my political
tipping point, but it certainly will help me separate the true
believers from the pretenders.
So here, as a public service, I offer up the following White House
contenders and their ideal hot dog:
Chris Christie of New Jersey: Say what you want about him, the former
governor is an authentic guy. With this in mind, look for Christie to
pick a Rutt’s Hut original like a “ripper” or a “weller,” topped with
a bright yellow, sweet-hot relish.
Tim Scott of South Carolina: The only U.S. Senator currently in the
race, I’ll bet he likes the Aiken Pool Hall chili dog. What makes
this dog so memorable is the fact the chili is mixed with a
mustard-based barbecue sauce.
Ron DeSantis of Florida: The governor likes an Orlando-style (Vienna
beef) dog topped with tart cole slaw and mild sauerkraut. It’s a
contrast in flavors for sure, just like his position on a number of
issues compared to his primary rivals.
Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas: Chances are the former governor knows
exactly where Hot Dog Alley is in Bentonville, home of Wal-Mart. Just
in case he doesn't like all-beef dogs, he can pick up a turkey or
veggie frank upon request.
Mike Pence of Indiana: I'm guessing the former vice president was a
B&K Drive-In customer when he was young. His dog of choice would have
been steamed topped with Spanish sauce, yellow mustard and onions.
Nikki Haley of South Carolina: The former governor most likely has
stopped by Fenway Grille in Myrtle Beach. I don't know for sure, but
my guess is she has tried the Smoked Sausage Dog that's both gluten
and msg free.
Francis Suarez of Florida: Miami's Cuban American mayor typically
sticks with his roots. That said, I’m guessing his favorite hot dog
is more of a Latin-style, taco concoction with salsa, lettuce, tomato
and cheese.
Doug Burgum of North Dakota: No doubt the current governor has
attended the State Fair in Minot where he's enjoyed battered,
deep-fried corn dogs on a stick.
Larry Elder of Virginia: Don't be surprised if you see the
author-turned politician sampling a grilled hot dog at the Roanoke
Weiner Stand. Their "One With" is topped with mustard, onions and
chili.
Vivek Ramaswamy of Ohio: Despite being of Indian descent, the
successful entrepreneur will have plenty of time to eat several
Hungarian-style chili dogs while he prepares for the first GOP
presidential debate in Milwaukee.
Will Hurd of Texas: I'm sure the former lawmaker knows all about
James Coney Island hot dogs in Houston. Interestingly, their dogs are
grilled and topped with a ground beef sauce that closely resembles
Texas chili instead of Coney sauce.
Donald Trump previously from New York: When last seen eating with a
politician, he was hosting Sarah Palin. It wasn’t hot dogs they were
eating but pizza. Next time 45 is in NYC, look for The Donald to pick
up a Papaya King frankfurter complete with tropical relish and fried
onions.
No matter how it works out for this crop of Republican presidential
contenders, here’s one thing I know for sure: If you want to be the
next commander in chief, you better eat hot dogs and enjoy the Fourth
of July fireworks. It doesn’t get more American than that.
-DF
Clever