The Broccoli Chronicles: A Thanksgiving Reflection on George H.W. Bush's Famous Aversion
As Americans across the nation gather around their Thanksgiving tables, a certain food may find itself the focus of both celebration and disdain. For some, it’s turkey and stuffing that dominate the feast; for others, it’s the green vegetable that has become emblematic of a presidential dislike—broccoli. This article delves into the quirky history of President George H.W. Bush's infamous declaration against the green vegetable, a story that has grown alongside the tradition of Thanksgiving.
On March 23, 1990, President George H.W. Bush made an unexpected statement during a White House press conference: he disliked broccoli. With the simple words, “I do not like broccoli and I haven't liked it since I was a little kid,” he initiated a conversation that would stretch well beyond culinary preferences. This first public acknowledgment marked not only a humorous moment in political history but also revealed a personal trait of a sitting president—his unabashed honesty about his palate.
The reaction to President Bush's disdain for broccoli was immediate and widespread. Enterprising reporters, including Charles Fenasy from US News and World Report, caught wind of the story, which picked up steam globally. Just three days after the president's declaration, First Lady Barbara Bush received an unusual delivery at the White House—a shipment of three cases, or approximately ten tons, of broccoli as a donation to local food banks. At the event, she wittily noted, “the president is never going to eat broccoli,” establishing a clear distinction between her dietary preferences and those of her husband.
In the months following the announcement, the topic of broccoli became a running joke, not just in media outlets but also within the Bush administration itself. The president himself found humor in his aversion. As the 1992 New Hampshire primary approached, he used humor to deflect the public’s curiosity about a previous incident during an international banquet—where he famously vomited on the lap of Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa—attributed jokingly once again to broccoli.
Bush’s remarks soon became a staple in his speeches, appearing at the most unexpected venues—from community college events to Rotary Club dinners. At one point, he even claimed to lead a "national crusade" against broccoli, asserting that its supposed health benefits were overblown.
The broccoli narrative didn’t end with President Bush. As food preferences were passed down, even his son, George W. Bush, acknowledged in a eulogy for his father that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree: “the man couldn’t stomach vegetables, especially broccoli.” This humorous reflection on familial traits solidified the broccoli saga in the Bush family lore.
In contrast, other political figures have embraced the vegetable. President Barack Obama, addressing winners of a children’s cooking competition in 2015, boldly proclaimed broccoli as his favorite vegetable while standing alongside First Lady Michelle Obama. This marked a clear detour from the path taken by his predecessor.
As we reach Thanksgiving, amidst the laughter and connection around family tables, it’s essential to remember the peculiarities that shape our culinary traditions. George H.W. Bush's aversion to broccoli serves as a lighthearted reminder of how food can weave its way into our collective histories, creating both divisive and unifying moments tailored by personal preference.
Whether you love it or loathe it, broccoli has played a role in American presidential folklore that entertains and endears. As we break bread this holiday season, let’s give thanks not just for the food on our tables but also for the stories—quirky and profound—that accompany them. Happy Thanksgiving!
Part 1/6:
The Broccoli Chronicles: A Thanksgiving Reflection on George H.W. Bush's Famous Aversion
As Americans across the nation gather around their Thanksgiving tables, a certain food may find itself the focus of both celebration and disdain. For some, it’s turkey and stuffing that dominate the feast; for others, it’s the green vegetable that has become emblematic of a presidential dislike—broccoli. This article delves into the quirky history of President George H.W. Bush's infamous declaration against the green vegetable, a story that has grown alongside the tradition of Thanksgiving.
A Presidential Aversion
Part 2/6:
On March 23, 1990, President George H.W. Bush made an unexpected statement during a White House press conference: he disliked broccoli. With the simple words, “I do not like broccoli and I haven't liked it since I was a little kid,” he initiated a conversation that would stretch well beyond culinary preferences. This first public acknowledgment marked not only a humorous moment in political history but also revealed a personal trait of a sitting president—his unabashed honesty about his palate.
The Broccoli Saga Unfolds
Part 3/6:
The reaction to President Bush's disdain for broccoli was immediate and widespread. Enterprising reporters, including Charles Fenasy from US News and World Report, caught wind of the story, which picked up steam globally. Just three days after the president's declaration, First Lady Barbara Bush received an unusual delivery at the White House—a shipment of three cases, or approximately ten tons, of broccoli as a donation to local food banks. At the event, she wittily noted, “the president is never going to eat broccoli,” establishing a clear distinction between her dietary preferences and those of her husband.
A Comedic Landscape
Part 4/6:
In the months following the announcement, the topic of broccoli became a running joke, not just in media outlets but also within the Bush administration itself. The president himself found humor in his aversion. As the 1992 New Hampshire primary approached, he used humor to deflect the public’s curiosity about a previous incident during an international banquet—where he famously vomited on the lap of Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa—attributed jokingly once again to broccoli.
Bush’s remarks soon became a staple in his speeches, appearing at the most unexpected venues—from community college events to Rotary Club dinners. At one point, he even claimed to lead a "national crusade" against broccoli, asserting that its supposed health benefits were overblown.
The Legacy of Broccoli
Part 5/6:
The broccoli narrative didn’t end with President Bush. As food preferences were passed down, even his son, George W. Bush, acknowledged in a eulogy for his father that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree: “the man couldn’t stomach vegetables, especially broccoli.” This humorous reflection on familial traits solidified the broccoli saga in the Bush family lore.
In contrast, other political figures have embraced the vegetable. President Barack Obama, addressing winners of a children’s cooking competition in 2015, boldly proclaimed broccoli as his favorite vegetable while standing alongside First Lady Michelle Obama. This marked a clear detour from the path taken by his predecessor.
Thanks and Giving
Part 6/6:
As we reach Thanksgiving, amidst the laughter and connection around family tables, it’s essential to remember the peculiarities that shape our culinary traditions. George H.W. Bush's aversion to broccoli serves as a lighthearted reminder of how food can weave its way into our collective histories, creating both divisive and unifying moments tailored by personal preference.
Whether you love it or loathe it, broccoli has played a role in American presidential folklore that entertains and endears. As we break bread this holiday season, let’s give thanks not just for the food on our tables but also for the stories—quirky and profound—that accompany them. Happy Thanksgiving!