Staff Reports
The saga of Vice President Kamala Harris claiming to have flipped burgers at McDonald’s has taken a turn that even Ronald McDonald couldn’t stomach. Just when Harris thought she could serve up her “working class” credentials to the masses, McDonald’s has stepped up to the counter and issued a definitive “We don’t have you on our menu.” It would seem that the fast-food giant has no record of her employment, which raises eyebrows and prompts a hearty laugh from those on the right.
Throughout her political career, Harris has often leaned into her alleged stint at the Golden Arches, hoping to score points with everyday Americans. Whether or not she aimed to convince voters she knows the struggles of the working class, the latest revelation could make her attempts look about as genuine as a meatless burger at a steakhouse. During her campaign trail, she worked hard to project an image of a hardworking fry cook, but now it appears her past may be more fiction than fry grease.
McDonald’s released an internal statement about Trump’s viral visit to one of their branches in Pennsylvania today.
It notes that Kamala Harris has “fond memories” of working at McDonald’s but they have no records of her actually working there. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/iFeQ0yB0NM
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) October 21, 2024
At the Democratic National Convention, this narrative was fanned by running mate Tim Walz, who couldn’t resist taking a jab at former President Trump by claiming he wouldn’t even be able to operate the elusive McFlurry machine. But then, in a twist worthy of a sitcom, Trump snagged an apron and served customers at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s shortly thereafter. It seems the former president proved his point: he could indeed manage a fast-food joint better than Harris could ever pretend to. When he cheekily declared he had logged “15 minutes” more time at the drive-thru than Harris, it was a light-hearted roast that hit close to home.
McDonald’s wasn’t just looking to catch some free publicity with this whole episode; their response contained a subtle invitation for Harris to come try her hand at burger flipping. The irony is rich, considering that while she reminisces about her “fond memories,” she can’t even back it up with a pay stub. Instead, her credibility gets deep-fried while the fast-food chain provides a distinguishing lesson on honesty, no matter how ridiculous it sounds.
Undeterred by the uproar, some Democrats are still trying to cash in on the McDonald’s nostalgia. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has made his own attempts to cozy up to the burger realm, reminiscing about his time in fast food. Perhaps he thinks this will bolster their working-class appeal. Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton hilariously tripped over his own words when one restaurant employee mistook him for Joe Biden. Thanks to moments like these, it would appear the Democrats’ McDonald’s strategy is serving them worse than a day-old McRib.
In the grand scheme of political theater, this might be just another scene on the stage of American politics. But for conservatives watching, it serves as yet another reminder: when it comes to tales of the working class, the left might want to skip the Happy Meal and go for something more substantial—like, say, the truth.
