The tradition of rolling an orange with a question written on it up the aisle of a campaign jet and receiving a written answer back from the candidate dates back to the days of late President Ronald Reagan. Reporters who embed with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, traveling with the Democratic vice presidential candidate, continued this tradition by asking him who his dream dinner guest would be. The answer written on the orange by Walz in response to this question was “Bruce Springsteen,” a well-known musician whose music the governor has openly expressed admiration for.
The attempt to roll the orange with the question up the aisle of the Boeing 757-200 was met with some obstacles as it hit another passenger’s seat. After the orange was further rolled by the passenger and seemingly lost, it was returned to the reporters in the press motorcade with Walz’s answer. Springsteen, who has been a vocal supporter of the Harris-Walz ticket, endorsed them last week in a video where he emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and respect for everyone, regardless of differences. This endorsement highlighted the shared vision between Springsteen’s music and the candidates’ political beliefs.
In a similar fashion, reporters embedded with Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, also participated in the orange rolling tradition by asking him his favorite song. Vance’s response, “Led Zeppelin Ten Years Gone,” was promptly returned to the reporters, adding a light-hearted moment in the midst of an intense presidential campaign. This tradition provided an opportunity for both reporters and candidates to momentarily break away from the seriousness of the campaign and engage in a fun and interactive activity.
The engagement in this quirky tradition reflects the camaraderie between the reporters and the candidates they are covering, showcasing a more human and personable side to the campaign trail. Despite the stress and pressures of the presidential race, moments like these allow for a sense of connection and camaraderie among those traveling together on the campaign trail. This tradition serves as a reminder of the lighter side of political reporting and the relationships that are fostered between reporters and the subjects they cover.
Overall, the rolling of the orange up the aisle of the campaign jet and receiving a written response back from the candidate serves as a unique and fun tradition that helps to break up the monotony of the campaign trail. It provides a light-hearted moment for both reporters and candidates, offering a glimpse into their personalities and interests beyond the political realm. By engaging in this tradition, both parties are able to connect on a more personal level, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect in the midst of a high-stakes political environment.
