6:03 p.m. | Updated

The public’s reaction following the bankruptcy announcement by Hostess Brands has been overwhelming. On one side are politically minded readers discussing the merits of unions and private equity firms. On the other side, a group of people who have become inexplicably overwhelmed by the potential loss of a nostalgic childhood treat that they haven’t eaten in decades.

Twinkies and Ding Dongs are likely to find new owners if the company trademarks are put up for auction. But that hasn’t stopped people from a public display of affection that is usually reserved for long-lost relatives or NFL playoff games.

Even Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, whose girth has been a subject of much debate, was dragged into the discussion.

“It’s bad that I even said the word ‘Twinkies’ from behind this microphone,” Mr. Christie said in declining to answer a reporter’s question during an speech on Friday in Newark. The governor’s office later posted video of his comments on YouTube.

Below are a few of our favorite Twinkie posts from Twitter.

OK who’s gonna get this Kickstarter for the new Twinkies going? I got $ 5 on it.

— Jonathan Marino (@JonMarino) November 16, 2012

I hear Hostess is liquidating its business. Is that how they make the white stuff in the middle?

— Matt Besser (@MattBesser) November 16, 2012

Hostess goes out of business right after marijuana is legalized? Bring it on Mayans clearly we want the world to end.

— Kelkulus (@kelkulus) November 16, 2012

Worst part about Hostess going out of business is now there’s nothing to eat to cope with Hostess going out of business.

— Ben Schwartz (@rejectedjokes) November 16, 2012

If Hostess Snack Cakes can’t survive in a world that includes Me, Chris Christie & Honey Boo Boo, something is very wrong.

— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) November 16, 2012

Hostess is bankrupt; kale gets 15 yards for celebrating in the end zone

— Brian Gaar (@briangaar) November 16, 2012

Hostess was Michelle Obama’s Osama bin Laden.

— Steven Amiri (@StevenAmiri) November 16, 2012

11yr old sings about his sadness in “Ode to Hostess” #SaveTwinkies youtu.be/8BY24yRPeNs #SaveHostess

— Leslie Drechsler (@ppcbuyers) November 16, 2012

Why do banks get a bailout and Hostess doesn’t? They’ve both been accused of causing inflation.

— Indecision (@indecision) November 16, 2012

I just got the Hostess news. As you can tell from this photo, I am going to be heartbroken. instagr.am/p/LoKh_5IwqY/

— Mia Aquino (@SocialMia) November 16, 2012

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