The DNC's mustard bottle giveaway serves as a reminder that politics doesn't always have to be so... bland.
CHICAGO — At the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), amid the usual fanfare of policy debates, campaign speeches, and networking, there was one item that stole the show: a mustard bottle. But not just any mustard bottle — this was a condiment fit for a Congressional icon. Yes, Representative Jamie Raskin's very own mustard bottle was the unexpected star of the event, leaving attendees asking, "Did you get your Raskin relish?"
The bottles have quickly become a hot commodity, with some delegates taking to X to post their swag, which included the bottle of mustard. One DNC attendee thanked Raskin for the "strong & sweet Democracy mustard" as he prepared for his midday snack. Adding, that "it does, indeed, agree with my Constitution."
Another attendee said how much he liked the mustard with one person commenting, "Babe are you okay? You've barley touched your Jamie Raskin Democracy Mustard."
With yet another commenter, befuddled as to why Raskin was associated with the condiment, said, "I need to know more about the mustard. Like is Jamie Raskin known for loving mustard? I'm very confused."
And our research shows this isn't the first time the mustard has made an appearance. Back in 2020, Montgomery County Council President Andrew Friedson posted on X that he would be adding the mustard to a turkey sausage he made himself for lunch. He agreed that Raskin does have "unimpeachable taste," and that the mustard itself did taste pretty good. With another post in 2019 showing off the bottle of Raskin mustard which said "not Trump's favorite brand."
Made myself turkey sausage today for lunch between Committee sessions and Zoom calls and decided to try the @jamie_raskin mustard I have from his birthday last year. He does have “unimpeachable taste” — and I must say, it’s got a pretty solid constitution and tastes pretty good! pic.twitter.com/fstbHopBtq
— Andrew Friedson (@amfriedson) July 13, 2020So why mustard? Well, it might just be a nod to the good old days of "Dijongate." Remember when President Obama scandalized the nation by opting for spicy Dijon mustard on his burger instead of all-American ketchup? Fox News sure did—Hannity called it elitist, and some folks even questioned his patriotism over that spicy spread. Who knew a burger topping could cause such a stir?
As a staunch supporter of Obama, Raskin's choice of offering "Democracy Mustard" could be related. Or it could have something to do with where it's produced, at the National Mustard Museum. Some sources say Raskin is related to the owner of the world's only mustard museum, Barry Levenson. Levenson served as Wisconsin's Assistant Attorney General and according to the company's website, while in D.C., Levenson argued a case there with a bottle of mustard in his left pocket and won. This cemented his unwavering devotion to mustard.
These rumors are not verified though.
Want a taste of what all the mustard fuss is about? You might not score the exclusive Raskin-branded bottle, but the next best thing is just a click away. Hop on the National Mustard Museum’s website, type in "sweet-hot stone ground mustard" to find it.