Generally, politicians on the campaign trail go out of their way to enjoy the customs and traditions of the people whose votes they’re trying to woo.
For example: have you ever heard of a politician running for president who didn’t stop to eat a cheesesteak in Philadelphia? Or enjoy some pork at the Iowa state fair? Or, just north of the border, a smoked meat sandwich in Montreal, or a delicious Nanaimo bar in Nanimo, B.C.?
When it comes to Wisconsin, the chief exports are cheese and the Green Bay Packers, both of which are encapsulated by the iconic “cheesehead” hat – which Ted Cruz declined to wear during a campaign event Monday.
READ MORE: Donald Trump, Ted Cruz make last-gasp efforts to impress Wisconsin voters
Cameras were rolling as Cruz visited Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, Wisc. along with his family.
Cruz’s 7-year-old daughter Caroline attempted to place a cheesehead hat on her daddy’s head which was quickly declined by the Texas senator.
“There is an ironclad rule in politics which is no funny hats,” Cruz told reporters afterwards.
“And any hat by definition is defined as a funny hat. Michael Dukakis demonstrated that powerfully when he put on a helmet and rode in a tank.”
“Don’t you think the people of Wisconsin want to see you in a cheesehead?” a reporter playfully needled him.
“I think the people of Wisconsin wear their cheeseheads so powerfully that I would not presume to intrude on the elegance with which the people of Wisconsin wear those hats,” Cruz replied.
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