R.I. soda pop presidential poll: A preference of politics or palate? – The Boston Globe

As the summer simmers across much of the country, it’s enough to make almost anyone thirsty.

For this week’s Rhode Island Report podcast, host Edward Fitzpatrick headed to North Providence, where Yacht Club Soda has recently launched its latest Soda Pop Poll from its bottling works in Centerdale.

It’s a rematch pitting Donald’s Trumpian Punch against Joe’s Bidenomics Berry.

Every soda sold is a vote for that candidate to become the “President of Soda Pop.”

To cool down on a hot day, Ed wanted to know, do customers reach for the red bottle or the blue bottle based on politics, or flavor?

Owner John Sgambato told the Globe that the raspberry-forward red fruit punch has been a strong candidate during the last two presidential elections. So this year, the family-owned business has ramped up the blueberry-raspberry flavor of the blue berry beverage, so it’s on par with the punch, Sgambato said.

But what if neither is up to your taste?

In the 2020 Soda Pop Poll, 11 percent went independent. That reflects customers who opted for the Gaspee Point Berrymelon Rebellion, a seasonal flavor that Yacht Club Soda brings back every summer, an homage to the Rhode Islanders who burned the schooner HMS Gaspee in 1772 leading up to the American Revolution.

“We use that as our independent vote because it’s a rebellion, like the Independence of Rhode Island,” Sgambato said.

Results of the 2024 Soda Pop Poll will be released in the fall.

To get the latest episode each week, follow Rhode Island Report podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcasting platforms, or listen in the player above.

maria caporizzo can be reached at maria.caporizzo@globe.com. Follow her @mariacap.