How Craft Beer Is Winning The U.S. Presidential Race

Presidential candidates aren't reaching the common folk with a glass of Bud anymore. They're pouring themselves a pint of whatever's local and craft instead.

According to The Atlantic, politicians are grabbing the craft brews as "a way of connecting with a much broader set of voters." From photos of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sheepishly pouring a foam-filled glass to Ohio governor John Kasich's appearance on New Hampshire radio show "Pints and Politics," candidates have been trying to show voters that they, too, enjoy a nice cold brew — and one with some real flavor — after a long day on the trail.

Tami Plourde, director of sales and marketing at Wisconsin-based Pearl Street Brewery, told The Atlantic that by using craft beer as a campaigning tool, candidates reach a wider audience: "In craft beer, you're dealing with voters of the whole spectrum, from 21 until they're cold. Our beer drinkers are left, right, Independent. Beer is the x-factor. People might not agree politically, but they can agree that this beer is great."

What does this say about the craft beer movement and our country? It suggests that the movement has made enough of an impact that lawmakers think it to be influential and worth recognizing. Even the White House now has its own homebrew.

So don't be surprised when the presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump (certainly no slouch when it comes to branding opportunities), does the same. You've heard about Trump-brand steaks and Trump-brand wine. Trump-brand beer is simply bound to happen.