Staff Reports
In a delightful twist on traditional political polling, a bakery in Pennsylvania has become the go-to spot for tasty election predictions. Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro kicked off a cookie-centric election forecast back in 2008, and much to the delight (and amusement) of cookie lovers, they’ve managed to predict presidential outcomes ever since accurately. As the 2024 election season heats up, the cookie order frenzy is hotter than ever, with former President Donald Trump enjoying a commanding lead over current Vice President Kamala Harris in the most delicious way possible: through sprinkles.
This year’s cookie poll is not just a sweet diversion; it has Trump trouncing Harris in an unofficial tally. As of now, the former president has garnered a whopping 12,558 “votes” through red sprinkle cookies, while Harris is lagging far behind with only 889 votes from her blue and white sprinkles. This bakery has set a new standard for political engagement, proving that a sugary treat can sway elections—or, at the very least, offer a lighter take on the grueling campaign process.
A Philadelphia bakery has sold 4,228 Trump cookies vs 369 Kamala cookies.. PA loves Trump!
pic.twitter.com/68BtiSlu4h— aka (@akafacehots) September 11, 2024
The mechanics of this unique electoral process are simple yet effective. Each custom sugar cookie reflects voter sentiment, with cookies decorated in a Harris theme signaling support for the Vice President and those adorned in Trump’s colors indicating favor for the former president. With Pennsylvania poised to be a key battleground come November, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s safe to say that any candidate would love to add a few extra cookies to their tally, especially in a state that is crucial for securing electoral wins.
Kathy Lochel, a third-generation baker at the establishment, noted that this cookie concoction is purely for fun and absolutely non-scientific. In an age where political campaigns can be overwhelmingly negative and severe, this approach offers a refreshing change of pace. Most people are just looking for a sweet escape amidst the intense election season buzz, and what could be better than cookies to lighten the mood?
Incredibly, the response has been nothing short of astonishing, with the bakery struggling to keep up with demand. Folks have been known to drive hours to snatch up cookies before they hit the shipping queue, clamoring for their chance to partake in this unofficial polling method. With back orders stretching potentially up to four weeks, it’s fair to say that Lochel’s Bakery has become an election season phenomenon, proving once again that the way to a person’s heart may very well be through cookies—and perhaps a clever election strategy, too.
