We’re used to corporate titans and other politicians endorsing political candidates. Also pro sports stars and Hollywood actors. But now – for the first time as far as I can see – top celebrity chefs banded together to endorse Kama Harris…
A sample clip from the August 29, 2024, Cooking for Kamala ZOOM event…
Thev have huge followings, and their fans trust them to recommend the best ‘ingredients’, and the best way to do things. But how far can, or should their influence extend in recommending who to vote for?
Big names
Among the dozens of celeb chefs participating in a Labour Day weekend ZOOM event ‘Cooking for Kamala’ included: José Andrés, Tom Colicchio, Cat Cora, Susan Feniger, Nancy Silverton. A cadre of James Beard Award winners. And many more with huge fan followings but not necessarily the TV notoriety.
The event was organized by a celeb trio calling themselves ‘The Collective’: Suzanne Goin, Susan Feniger, and Stuart O’Keefe — aimed to recruit votes and raise funds for the Harris campaign by celebrating who she is. They say she’s an iconic California foodie AND the best person to lead the nation.
‘Larger than cooking Life’
A select few of the celebs involved could genuinely be described as ‘larger than life’, in the sense that their ‘off-stage’ talents and interests go above and beyond cooking.
Foremost among those ‘giants’ would be José Andrés, founder and current front man of World Central Kitchen. It’s a worldwide network of thousands of chefs, technicians, logicians and culinary practi-tioners who respond to feed victims of natural and social disasters (such as the war in Gaza) when chaos strikes.
Andrés’ endorsement alone would be a major plus for Harris among food lovers, food supply chain workers, foodservice employees and… Just about anyone who appreciates a tasty, well-prepared, nutritious meal.
But is it their place?
Back in 1969, when he was Canada’s Justice Minister, future Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau fam-ously declared, “There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” He was referring to his proposed reforms to the Criminal Code concerning homosexuality, birth control, and abortion.
Variations on the statement have been used in many contexts, by many other politicians, in the inter-im, when making the case for their own controversial proposals.
Therefore, I feel I am on solid ground suggesting, “There is no place for the state in the kitchens of the nation.”
How many times has a warm, cheery, comforting family repast crashed and burned because some-body brought politics into the conversation? I think we can all relate…
Celebrity factor prevails
Nevertheless, the so-called ‘celebrity factor’ prevails. Why do we tend to believe celebrities un-questioningly when they give us thier opinions on almost any issue?
No less an authority than the Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) (Uttar Pradesh, India), provides a clear, succinct answer: “We tend to believe that if a celebrity has achieved success and recognition in their field, they must know what they are talking about. This perception of expertise lends credibility to their endorsements, making us more likely to trust their recommendations.”
So it’s reasonable to accept that ordinary folks stand to be influenced by an idol – whether it’s Albert Einstein or, say, Guy Fieri. (Note: Fieri was not involved in Cooking For Kamala. But from a writer’s standpoint, he makes a more colourful, starker contrast with Einstein than any of the chefs who were…)
My take
Before I go any further… It bears mentioning that Kamala Harris is a well known foodie. And she counts a number of big-name chefs among her many friends. Furthermore, MSNBC has gone as far as to acknowledge, she’s been working quietly to ‘lock down Food Network voters’.
I have a great deal of respect for those well-known, successful chefs who took part in Cooking for Kamala. They earned their celebrity status by excelling in their craft and exhibiting strong business and organizational skills.
I also beg to point out, a sound knowledge of ‘politics’ is a huge asset when dealing with the myriad personalities found among the members of the average kitchen brigade. And the diverse belief systems behind them.
I freely admit, celebrity chefs are entitled to their opinions and their votes, just like any other American citizen.
But I wonder how appropriate it is for them to wade into the political swamp – unless, of course, they’re running for some office themselves?
(Disclaimer: Harris has vowed, if elected, to act decisively to knock food prices back down to where they belong. But food prices are not a mainstream election issue, by any means…)
~ Maggie J.