The Great Norwegian-American Bake-Off: Politics and Porridge
Ah, the charming world of Spring Grove, Minnesota, Decorah, Iowa, and Westby, Wisconsin. You walk in, and it smells like a fusion of lefse and sour cream porridge — basically the Norwegian version of a fancy café. The walls are adorned with paintings of rosy-cheeked folks in bunads just to remind you that you are, indeed, deeply rooted in the past, while simultaneously trying to figure out if a vote for Trump or Harris might be the greater betrayal.
The Pulse of Norwegian-Americans: Uff Da!
As Nettavisen rolls through this Scandinavian trio of states, they’re not just shoving lutefisk down their gullets; they’re grappling with a political thriller of Shakespearean proportions. For anyone who’s ever tried to broach the subject of politics at a family gathering, you’ll know it can get hotter than a sauna.
Take Jill Storlie, for instance, in Spring Grove. “I’m tired of all the Trump signs here,” she laments. I mean, who wouldn’t be? It’s like decorating your house upside down for Christmas. Yet, talk about politics in this town, and it’s a ‘do not pass go, do not collect $200’ situation. Who knew that the left could be *so* right?
More Trump Signs Than Leftovers at Christmas
According to the Republican strategist Patrick Ruffini, the voting landscape for Norwegian-Americans has shifted faster than a rickety barn in a Minnesota blizzard. “Once leans more Democrat, now getting cozy with the elephant in the room — and not the friendly one!”
Picture this: one “Harris/Walz” lawn sign next to three “Trump/Vance” signs. At this point, it’s like the town’s making an art project out of party affiliation. Jill isn’t about to risk the wrath of her neighbors, yet Kathy Rosendahl is leaning towards Harris simply because, apparently, her kid is part of the trans community, and she can’t bring herself to pick a party that feels like it’s in the 1800s with their attitudes.
The Silent Majority: A Little Too Silent?
As we navigate these politically charged waters, the whispers of Gerald Stuart echo — “Both parties are completely ridiculous.” Ahh, the sweet, sweet melody of bipartisan frustration! The poor chap feels he’s living in a reality show where both contestants are buffoons. He might as well be a Norwegian-American in a really bad sitcom.
And let’s not forget David Storlie, who’s politely feigning a Republican lean. It’s like being in the *worst* game of “Hide and Seek” where you’re hiding from politics. “Don’t tell anyone here,” he urges, likely glancing around as if the political police might burst in at any moment.
Minnesota and Iowa: Political Predictability with a Side of Crazy
Statements abound claiming that voting for Trump in this region has almost become a rite of passage — like serving lutefisk at Christmas. Jenna Bremer described it beautifully: “It’s madness that we continue to nominate this man who is obviously not sane.” There you have it, folks. Nothing like a bit of lunacy to spice things up!
Wisconsin: The Swing State Tango
Now, as we glide over to Wisconsin, things get a little spicier. Norwegian Americans here have a historically progressive streak. But just like last year’s fashion trend, it’s shifting again. The Democratic camp is holding its breath, hoping the Scandinavian crew doesn’t decide to take the plunge into the Republican pool. The drama is palpable, and popcorn is needed.
But let’s be clear, if Harris can thread her way through the progressive elements while dodging the lure of Trump’s raucous rallies, she’s going to need more than just charm. She might need to whip up some of that legendary Norwegian hospitality — perhaps serve a little lefse with a side of common sense.
Conclusion: Caffeine, Politics, and a Dash of Humor
As we gear up for November 5th, keep an eye on those small-town cafés serving lefse and coffee for insights — because sometimes the best political conversations come after a little caffeine and a lot of porridge. So here’s to watching what unfolds! And remember, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, there’s always one more sign to hang. Uff da!
Because nothing says “democracy” like a light-hearted roast of political absurdity, right?
SPRING GROVE IN MINNESOTA/DECORAH IN IOWA/WESTBY IN WISCONSIN (Nettavisen): The cafes offer lefse and sour cream porridge. Pictures and paintings of rose paint and people in bunads adorn the walls.
We are present in the districts of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, where the Norwegian-Americans live and the national romanticism runs rampant.
Behind the scenes, things are moving towards a thriller election in the United States. Where do Norwegian-Americans really stand in this year’s choice of destiny?
Nettavisen went to Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin to take the pulse of Norwegian-Americans before the presidential election on November 5. Photo: Helle Svendsen
The Republican strategist and pollster Patrick Ruffini points out that Norwegian-Americans have traditionally leaned towards the Democrats to a greater extent than voters from other origins in the districts.
However, he has seen a change in recent years.
– The party polarization has probably shifted Norwegian and Scandinavian voters to the right, like their neighbors from other backgrounds, says Ruffini to Nettavisen.
LEFSE AND ROSE PAINTING: Several Norwegian traditions are close to Norwegian Americans, but Norwegian politics let them stay in Norway. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
This change is also evident when driving on the country roads in the states.
For every “Harris/Walz” sign Nettavisen sees, it feels like three “Trump/Vance” signs follow.
– I’m tired of all the Trump signs here, says Norwegian-American Jill Storlie to Nettavisen.
She lives in the small town of Spring Grove, in southeast Minnesota, where the first Norwegian settlement in Minnesota settled down. Here, the residents prepare for the annual “Uff da party” when Nettavisen visits the town.
UFF DA: Spring Grove flies both the Norwegian and the American flag on the city border. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
There will be a garage sale, barn dance and not least a competition in throwing lutefisk.
Talking about politics, on the other hand, is not so popular in Spring Grove.
– I’m worried about talking about politics in this city because I don’t want people to get upset. They get upset, Storlie points out.
UFFDA FOR MARKETING: “Uff da” is a popular expression that appears on everything from signs to coffee cups. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
Storlie, who has been to Norway countless times, believes the Republican machinery has succeeded in spreading fear about immigration and the southern border.
Jill believes Donald Trump creates fear so that citizens do not make informed choices. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
– I don’t like any of the options
Kathy Rosendahl nods.
– I don’t like any of the alternatives we have, but because my child is trans, I feel that I have to vote for Harris, says Rosendahl to Nettavisen.
Kathy wishes there were other candidates running for office this year. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
The women believe the residents of Spring Grove are divided on who they are voting for this year. Trump won the majority in the city by 4.1 percentage points in 2020, according to New York Times.
Norwegian-American Gerald Stuart has nothing left for any of the options.
– Both parties are completely ridiculous. Most Americans are more toward the center. It is frustrating, he says to Nettavisen.
FRUSTRATED: Gerald Stuart is not happy with either party in the US. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
– Don’t tell anyone here, though
Storlie says that she doesn’t talk much about politics with those closest to her anymore either.
We therefore get to know before her what her brother David Storlie thinks about this year’s election.
He sits at a brewery in Iowa, a 20-minute drive from Spring Grove. David lives in Spring Grove, but is a member of the Norwegian-American men’s choir Luren, which practices in the town of Decorah.
Unlike his sister Jill, David Sorlie leans Republican. But Trump still doesn’t get his vote. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
Decorah has been referred to as Iowa’s little Norwegian town.
– Don’t tell anyone here, but I have traditionally leaned towards Republicans, says Storlie.
Decorah is a small blue town in a Republican state. Right here, Biden won by more than 35 percentage points, according to the New York Times. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
Left from Norway for more opportunities
– One thing that has surprised me is that Norwegian-Americans seem far more conservative than I thought. The theory was that because you have Norwegian ancestry, you lean towards the Democrats since we Norwegians are to the left of both the Democrats’ and the Republicans’ policies.
– I doubt it because they fled Norway to get more opportunities, Storlie points out.
From 1836 to 1915, over 750,000 Norwegians emigrated to North America, according to Large Norwegian encyclopedia. Most of those who emigrated had a rural background.
Conditions were bad in Norway. We struggled with overpopulation and poverty. At the same time, the US tempted with cheap farmland. If you committed to living and cultivating land for five years, you received 650 acres of land.
– They wanted to have their own farm and work on their own. It leans more towards Republicans and conservatives, says Storlie.
Scandinavians were lured to the US with cheap farmland.
– Our ancestors had to work very hard
Local politician, Republican and Norwegian-American Brad Finstad grew up on a farm in the city of New Ulm.
He explains that the lifestyle in the farming communities throughout the ages has had a focus on God, contributing to the local community and avoiding waste.
It is more in line with conservative values, the Republican believes.
– When our ancestors came here, they had to work very hard and they sacrificed so much. They gave blood, sweat and tears to create the American dream. That is probably what has made this society more conservative, says Finstad to Nettavisen.
He himself today represents Minnesota in the United States Congress.
In the Urland cemetery in the county of Goodhue, the Berg, Tommeraas and Flaaten families rest – to name a few. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
– Crazy that that level of crazy exists
Norwegian-American Jenna Bremer thinks it’s crazy that voting for Trump is still considered an insider.
– It is madness that we continue to nominate this man who is obviously not sane. He lies, but people get hung up on him. It’s crazy that that level of crazy exists, says Bremer, who will vote for Harris this year.
CRAZY: Jenna Bremer thinks it’s crazy that the American people want Trump as a candidate. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
But in Minnesota and Iowa, the result is almost already clear.
Both campaigns already count Minnesota as won by the Democrats, and Iowa as won by the Republicans.
You won’t see either Harris or Trump visiting the states frequently in the coming weeks.
– Has shifted Norwegian and Scandinavian voters to the right
But in the swing state of Wisconsin, on the other hand, Norwegian Americans – and Americans with Danish and Swedish ancestry – can have a decisive effect.
– Scandinavian Americans were some of the strongest supporters of the progressive movement that started in Wisconsin in the early 20th century. Even after decades of assimilation, the political culture in western Wisconsin leans much more Democratic than other rural areas of the state, Ruffini says.
He believes that voters in western Wisconsin are now balancing a left-wing labor policy with Donald Trump’s populist appeal.
– Although these areas have moved further towards the Republicans, they still vote more for the Democrats than in other rural areas. It is because of the political influence Scandinavian Americans have, says Ruffini.
The tourist center in Westby is a storehouse, but social democratic values do not seem to run rampant here. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)
But there is still a chance that Harris will lose ground this year.
– In a state like Wisconsin, where the candidates are very evenly matched, the group can potentially be decisive. Will Harris manage to keep them in the fold, or will Trump succeed in getting them to vote more in line with other rural voters? asks Ruffini.
In the center of the small Norwegian town of Westby in the tipping state, Norwegian-Americans Mike Lium and Randy Mikkelson sit enjoying drinks at three dollars a piece.
– You probably don’t see such prices in Norway, the men joke.
– It is a silent majority here
Mikkelson thinks Trump will win in Westby.
– If I were to guess here, 60-70 percent vote for the Republicans here, says Mikkelson.
He will vote for Trump and sees the election as a choice of destiny.
– Our country is going in the wrong direction with all the illegal immigrants. I’m for immigration, but it has to be legal. I hope that Trump wins so that things go back to the way they were four years ago.
In the city, 52 percent voted for Biden in 2020, and 46 percent for Trump, according to the New York Times. Lium and Mikkelson do not think the Norwegian-Americans are holding Trump back in Wisconsin any longer.
– Westby is not as Scandinavian as it used to be. I grew up here and then it was 90 percent Scandinavian. That part has changed significantly, Lium points out.
– There are many Trump signs here. There is a silent majority here, I think. Trump is quite popular, Mikkelson concludes.
A GREETINGS FROM WESTBY: What are Norwegian-Americans voting for this year? The summary comes from 5 November. Photo: Helle Lyng Svendsen (Nettavisen)