DeepSummary
In March 1990, a story broke that President George H.W. Bush had banned broccoli from being served on Air Force One, sparking a nationwide frenzy involving broccoli growers and the White House. Lisa Cork, a 24-year-old produce marketer, spearheaded a campaign to send 10 tons of broccoli to the White House as a response, hoping to change Bush's mind about the vegetable.
Despite initial resistance from the White House, the truckload of broccoli arrived in Washington D.C., and a ceremony was held on the White House lawn, where First Lady Barbara Bush accepted the broccoli donation. The incident generated immense media coverage and public discourse, with Bush embracing his broccoli hatred as part of his image.
The broccoli saga unexpectedly boosted Bush's public persona as someone who took a firm stance on issues, countering perceptions of him as indecisive. It also led to a 40% increase in broccoli sales, demonstrating the power of the presidency to influence public opinion and consumer habits, even over something as trivial as a vegetable preference.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- President George H.W. Bush's disdain for broccoli sparked a national frenzy in 1990, with a produce marketer sending 10 tons of the vegetable to the White House.
- The broccoli saga unexpectedly boosted Bush's public image as someone willing to take a firm stance on issues, countering perceptions of him as indecisive.
- The incident generated immense media coverage and public discourse, demonstrating the power of the presidency to influence public opinion and consumer habits.
- Bush embraced his broccoli hatred as part of his image, joking about it frequently and refusing to back down, even as 79% of Americans claimed to like the vegetable.
- The broccoli campaign led to a 40% increase in broccoli sales, showcasing the influence of presidential actions on consumer behavior.
- The First Lady, Barbara Bush, played a key role in diffusing the situation by accepting the broccoli donation and expressing her own fondness for the vegetable.
- The episode highlights the potential for seemingly trivial issues to gain national attention and significance when tied to the presidency.
- The broccoli saga demonstrated the power of a well-executed marketing campaign and the ability of a small group of individuals to influence public discourse and perceptions.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I do not like broccoli. And I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it and I'm president of the United States and I'm not going to to eat any more broccoli now.“ by George H.W. Bush
- “We feel strongly that a voice that is heard around the nation can influence the public he represents. Before President Bush eats another pork rind, the nation will know broccoli is a better substitute.“ by Lisa Cork
- “Well, I think it did help a little bit, at least in the sense that he was not afraid that people could see. He thought this was funny, and he was not afraid to be funny.“ by Marlon Fitzwater
- “Yes, this will not stand. I got my marching orders.“ by Marlon Fitzwater
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Episode Information
Slow Burn
Slate Podcasts
12/7/23