Trump Leads ‘Cookie’ Poll That Has Predicted Every Election But One Since 1984

Former President Donald Trump received some encouraging news for his third bid for the White House on Monday, thanks to a unique "cookie" poll conducted at a Cincinnati bakery.

The New York Post reported that a bakery in Cincinnati, known for its unscientific but historically accurate cookie poll since 1984, has Trump comfortably ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Based on the latest tally from Busken Bakery, Trump has garnered approximately 54% of the cookie vote (2,953 cookies), while Harris trails with 39% (2,134 cookies). An "independent" smiley-face cookie has claimed 7% of the votes (397 cookies).

“The cookie poll will remain open until Election Day on Nov. 5, so these numbers reflect the ‘early voting’ of customers with a sweet tooth,” the Post reported.

Busken Bakery president and CEO Dan Busken jokingly told the outlet, “We like to say [customers] can stuff the ballot box.”

According to the Post:

Customers contribute to the poll by purchasing the cookie representing their preferred candidate either online or at one of Busken’s four local stores.

Each cookie bought equals one vote, and there’s no restriction on how many cookies one customer can purchase.

Despite lacking scientific credibility, the cookie poll has been remarkably accurate in predicting the results of 10 presidential elections. The only miss came in 2020 when Democrat Joe Biden won.

“Our results, drawn from our four retail stores spread across north, south, east, and west Cincinnati, are fairly diverse,” Busken shared with the Post. “It’s fascinating that in a place like Ohio, especially Cincinnati, this cookie poll has had such consistent accuracy over the years.”

Ohio, once a pivotal battleground state, has trended red in recent election cycles. Trump won Ohio twice — in both 2016 and 2020.

Trump’s 2024 campaign has stood out for several reasons, notably two assassination attempts, but politically, it is remarkable for his ability to attract figures with differing viewpoints.

Trump has gained the support of three former Democrats — billionaire Elon Musk, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently ran for president as an Independent after the Democratic Party passed him over in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris as President Biden's successor.

During a Sunday interview on Sharyl Attkisson’s show "Full Measure," the host asked Trump if he had any “specific positions” in mind for the three former Democrats, should he win the White House again.

"Three people who were Democrats or, in Musk’s case, at least supported Democrats. What positions could you see them holding?” Attkisson inquired.

Trump replied that he had not made any formal commitments yet but praised RFK Jr. for his efforts to improve public health.

“He’s been working on this for years,” Trump noted. “He looks at other countries that use fewer chemicals, and their populations are healthier. The U.S. isn’t exactly known for being a healthy country.”

Trump also commended Kennedy’s environmental stances, which have leaned to the left in the past, while praising Gabbard as well.

“We will be energy independent again — no, we will be energy dominant. We’ll generate significant revenue, reduce debt, and accomplish things no one thought possible. Bobby is excellent,” Trump said.

“Tulsi has always been guided by common sense. I’ve watched her for a long time, and it was an honor when she joined us. She was a Democrat and well-liked in Hawaii. She’s going to be terrific,” he added.

Attkisson then shifted to discussing Elon Musk, asking if Trump had any thoughts on including Musk in his administration.

“Well, Elon is Elon,” Trump replied. “He’s endorsed me strongly, and he believes this election is the most important in history. He’s probably got other things to do, but—”

Attkisson interrupted to ask whether Musk might help eliminate "government waste."

“He’s a big cost-cutter,” Trump said. “He’s always been good at that, and so am I. But Elon would come in and say, ‘This is what needs to be done.’ He’s very focused on cutting waste and reducing fat in this country. And he’s right,” Trump concluded.