[Amy Klobuchar Hot Dish]Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images * In the months leading up to the Iowa Caucus, Amy Klobuchar has used a classic Midwestern meal, "hot dish," as a means to gather voters and talk about her campaign. * The practice of "wining and dining" for votes can be traced back as far as ancient Rome and Greece. * It hasn't always worked. Here's how politicians have used this strategy throughout history and during the 2020 presidential race. * Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Americans may be at each other's throats when it comes to talking politics. But at the end of the day, there's one thing we all have in common: food. And our representatives are well aware of that. Political figures have been using food as a means to boost their public image and recruit new voters for thousands of years. Some politicians, including Julius Caesar and Hannibal, placed emphasis on the simple diets of rulers and emperors, as a way to highlight personality traits and demonstrate temperate behavior. In 1758, George Washington bribed voters by campaigning with gallons of booze in order to gain a seat in the Virginia House of Burgesses. And in the late 19th century, massive political barbecues in New York were used to sway voters with oxen feasts. Though it's technically illegal to use food or drink as a means to bribe voters in the US today, political figures have found savvy ways to win over the hearts and stomachs of the American people. In the current election, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been touring Iowa with "hot dish," a classic midwestern recipe, trying to draw voters into her corner. The Monday night caucuses will determine whether the strategy will work. From hot sauce to hot dish, here are some notable examples of how politicians have tried using food and booze to boost their image and gain votes. IN 1758, GEORGE WASHINGTON SPENT HIS ENTIRE CAMPAIGN BUDGET — A WHOPPING 50 POUNDS — ON 160 GALLONS OF LIQUOR IN ORDER TO SWAY VOTERS ON ELECTION DAY. VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images This commonly accepted method of bribing was referred to as "swilling the planters with bumbo." _Sources: National Constitution Center, Smithsonian Magazine_ IN NEW ENGLAND, THERE'S A TRADITION OF MAKING "ELECTION CAKE" TO DRAW IN VOTERS AND BOOST TURNOUT. Business Insider/Aly Weisman The cake has a long history. In 1771, one man even sent a bill to the Connecticut General Assembly to cover the cost of making cakes for Election Day celebrations. _Sources: NPR, New York Times_ IN 1777, JAMES MADISON LOST A SEAT IN THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES FOR REFUSING TO PARTICIPATE IN VIRGINIA'S LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF "CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF SPIRITOUS LIQUORS, AND OTHER TREATS." National Archives / Handout / Getty Images Once his opponent brought whiskey for the voters, Madison didn't stand a chance. _Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, Library of Congress_ SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER SEE ALSO: * All 9 Oscar best picture nominees this year, ranked * 5 photos of the royal family that you've probably never seen before, according to their photographer * 13 details from the Grammys red carpet that you might've missed SEE ALSO: CAN KLOBUCHAR BUILD A LATE SURGE FROM A LONG DISTANCE? DON'T MISS: FROM WHISKEY TO VEGETABLES TO CUPCAKES, HERE ARE THE 2020 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES' FAVORITE CAMPAIGN TRAIL COMFORT FOODS
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