Perhaps the Iowa State Fair during campaign fever is not the most best time to write a critique about politics and American cuisine. However, for newspaper editor Toby Harnden it was an eye-opening experience and a huge payday. After taking the photo of Bachmann tucking into the foot-long corn-dog, a shot which has surpassed Michele Bachmanns’ Newsweek cover, Harnden was free to wander the fairgrounds. Admittedly, the fair generally has something for everyone, without the inclusion of politicians in their most folksy garb, dropping ‘g’s’ and admiring hogs.
We understand that it is the closest thing to Carnival for the entire family. Perhaps that is why vendors have elevated the art of deep-frying to include butter this year. Everyone has their favorite ‘sin’ food – be it deep-fried Snickers, Elephant Ears, deep friend ice cream and of course roasting ears smothered in butter and more usual fare.
Harnden came, he saw, he conquered with the sought-after photo of Michele and Marcus rolling from one scene to another in their golf cart. Mr. Harnden, please go home and tell Jamie Oliver that we have not completely reverted to this way of eating! The well-intentioned lad seemed dispirited at American’s lack of enthusiasm for steaming our veggies, this – I fear would send him over the edge.