Pritzker Endorses Malort as Unofficial Shot of Democratic National Convention

Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has endorsed Malort as the “unofficial shot” of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is taking place in Chicago this year. Malort, a bitter liquor that has become synonymous with the city, was introduced in the 1920s and has seen a resurgence in popularity. Pritzker made his endorsement public on social media platform X, sharing a clip from an interview with MSNBC host Jen Psaki, where he emphasized the cultural significance of the drink among Chicagoans. In the interview, Pritzker stated, “You come to Chicago, every Chicagoan knows you gotta have a shot of Malort,” acknowledging its unique taste. He humorously noted that while it may not be the best-tasting liquor, it serves as a rite of passage for those wanting to prove their mettle. The clip features both Pritzker and Psaki taking shots of Malort, with Psaki commenting on its notable after-effect. The DNC has experienced significant changes recently, particularly with President Joe Biden stepping back from his reelection campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris has received Biden's endorsement and will be a key figure at the convention. Despite his withdrawal, Biden will still address the convention alongside First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Other prominent speakers include former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as Hillary Clinton and Harris’s vice presidential candidate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota. Harris is set to accept the party’s nomination on Thursday night.