David Powell
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:03 pm GMT
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, a small-town bakery in Pennsylvania is adding a sweet twist to the political landscape through an unconventional “cookie poll.” Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, is generating buzz with its red cookies representing Donald Trump and blue cookies signifying Kamala Harris. The bakery has seen an overwhelming preference for the Trump cookies, reigniting conversation about voter sentiment in this critical swing state.
The Cookie Poll in Pennsylvania
Since 2012, Lochel’s Bakery has been conducting this informal polling method, tracking the sales of political cookies to gauge public support for candidates. As of Friday morning, the bakery reported selling an impressive 5,200 Trump cookies compared to only 500 Harris cookies. “I think that people support Trump all over,” stated Kathleen Lochel, the bakery’s owner. This substantial gap has drawn the attention of political analysts and casual observers alike, particularly as Pennsylvania often plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of elections.
High Costs and Customer Sentiment
The economic environment appears to be a significant factor influencing voter sentiment, according to Lochel. Customers have shared their frustrations over rising costs that they associate with the Biden-Harris administration. “A lot of people are upset right now with the cost of things; they’re venting to us,” Lochel explained. She further mentioned that grocery prices have created challenges for her bakery, stating, “Prices are very high for us. We’re trying to maintain the prices and have consumer confidence.”
The bakery’s ability to keep prices stable for three years while facing rising costs has become increasingly difficult. Lochel conveyed her commitment to support her customers amidst financial pressures, adding, “My husband says this can’t continue. Things are just way too high.”
Cookies for sale at Lochel’s Bakery highlight the political preference in Pennsylvania, featuring Trump cookies at the forefront.
Historical Context of the Cookie Poll
The tradition of the cookie poll took off in 2012, and Lochel credits the competition with helping the bakery survive the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “In 2020, we were almost at a point where we’re like, ‘Are we going to close the bakery?'” Lochel recounted. The return of political cookies provided a financial boost, which was critical during that tumultuous time.
In the previous election cycle, the bakery saw a surge in sales for Trump cookies, with 31,804 sold versus 5,750 Biden cookies, despite Biden winning the election. This results trend adds further interest to the ongoing 2024 election cookie poll, and once again, the bakery finds itself at the intersection of baking and democracy.
Shipping and Customer Reach
Lochel’s Bakery not only serves local residents but also ships cookies across the country. Approximately one-third of the cookies sold have been shipped outside Pennsylvania, with a significant preference for the Trump cookies. “We’ve only shipped seven packages of blue in the state of Pennsylvania,” Lochel noted. The bakery’s marketing efforts have been bolstered by social media updates, with the shop’s political cookies selling out quickly.
Despite the competitive nature of the polling process, Lochel emphasizes a message of unity. “We love all,” she stated, maintaining that the bakery remains politically neutral despite its creative campaigning.
Political Implications and National Polls
Current national polling data offers a different perspective from the cookie sales. Recent reports indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris holds a five-point lead over Trump nationwide. However, the prevailing trend in Lochel’s Bakery suggests that local sentiments may not fully align with national polling, underlining the complexities of voter preferences in swing states like Pennsylvania.
As the election drawing ever closer, the cookie poll serves as a lighthearted yet telling measure of public opinion in a pivotal state. With Pennsylvania’s historical importance in elections, how the cookie sales trend develops will be closely monitored both by political analysts and the bakery’s local patrons.
The Future of the Cookie Poll
As the election cycle progresses, Lochel’s Bakery plans to continue its tradition of the cookie poll. The approach, while whimsical, has captured the attention of many and demonstrates how small businesses can creatively engage with the electoral process.
This year’s competition presents unique challenges and opportunities in light of fluctuating economic conditions and shifting voter sentiments. Lochel remains hopeful that her bakery can navigate the complexities of the current environment while maintaining a focus on customer service and community spirit.
As more sales numbers come in, a fun cookie poll at the bakery is giving us a peek into what voters might like as Election Day gets closer. While these local cookies can’t really tell us how everyone feels, they do show some tasty hints about what people in Pennsylvania are thinking!
