On Friday night, Fox News host and former Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow took President Joe Biden to task for a climate policy that will, according to Kudlow, eventually make it more difficult for Americans to eat a burger or steak, even on July 4 (the meatiest of American holidays, as everyone knows). “Get this, America has to stop eating meat, stop eating poultry and fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, and animal-based fats. Ok, got that? No burger on July 4,” Kudlow said. Traditionally, Independence Day is a day to participate in the art of grilling, an ancient pastime that celebrates our country’s origins. Instead, Kudlow warns, Americans will soon have to “throw back a plant-based beer with your grilled Brussels sprouts.”
Chuck Schumer already dunked on this comment (sort of), but this particular culture war apparently remains — sorry — red meat for Fox’s audience, which is deeply concerned about the potential loss of our freedoms, including the eating of meat. As Kudlow said, “I’m sure middle America is just going to love that. Can you grill those Brussels sprouts?” But beer, of course, is not made from fermented animal parts. In fact, it’s brewed from grains, including corn, rice, and wheat — all plants that are widely consumed by Americans in other forms, such as tacos (corn), sushi (rice), or Lucky Charms (wheat).
In fact, most food is already “plant-based.” As it turns out, even meats like steak and pork come from animals that eat plants. French fries are mostly plant-based. Ditto Budweiser, Chips Ahoy!, Doritos, and doughnuts. You may have already eaten several “plant-based” foods, or had a “plant-based” drink, today. Don’t worry: The world hasn’t secretly changed. This is just how food works. It’s fine.
