Journalists continue tradition of bowling with politicians.

Welcome to the world of campaign trail traditions! The press corps that follows Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on his journey across the country had an interesting encounter involving a decades-old tradition called rolling an orange. This unique ritual dates back to the time of President Ronald Reagan, where reporters ask questions by writing them on an orange and then rolling it up the aisle of the campaign jet to receive an answer written by the candidate.

During a recent airplane ride, reporters embedded with Walz rolled an orange with a question asking him about his dream dinner guest. The response they received was “Bruce Springsteen,” a beloved music icon whom Walz openly admires. Interestingly, in March 2023, Walz even declared a “Bruce Springsteen Day” in Minnesota to celebrate the musician’s influence and contributions to the music industry.

Springsteen, a 20-time Grammy-winner, recently endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket in a video where he praised their vision of an inclusive and respectful America for all. This endorsement added an extra layer of excitement to the campaign trail, showcasing the support and encouragement from esteemed figures like Springsteen.

In a similar fashion, reporters embedded with Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, engaged in their version of the orange roll tradition by asking Vance about his favorite song. The chosen song was “Led Zeppelin Ten Years Gone,” depicting Vance’s musical taste and personality amidst the political chaos of the campaign trail.

Amidst the intensity of the presidential campaign, these lighthearted traditions like rolling an orange provide a much-needed break for both reporters and candidates to interact in a fun and engaging manner. It’s moments like these that bring a sense of camaraderie and laughter to an otherwise serious and high-stakes environment.

So, the next time you see a group of reporters rolling an orange down the aisle of a campaign jet, remember that it’s not just a fruit rolling journey but a unique tradition that fosters connection and humor in the midst of political fervor. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself embarking on a similar orange-rolling adventure with a question that uncovers a surprising revelation from a political figure or a catchy tune preference from a potential leader.