McDonald’s (MCD) has always had a unique position in American culture, serving billions of customers annually and acting as a backdrop to many iconic moments in politics. From Bill Clinton’s famous fast-food runs to Donald Trump’s love for Big Macs, McDonald’s seems to consistently find itself in the middle of presidential politics. Now, as the 2024 elections loom closer, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are leveraging their connections to McDonald’s in a bid to relate to voters. Let’s dive into this fascinating intersection of politics, fast food, and public policy.
The Long-Standing Connection Between McDonald’s and Politics
Bill Clinton’s Famous McDonald’s Stops
Former President Bill Clinton is one of the earliest modern examples of a politician closely associated with McDonald’s. Clinton, during his time as Governor of Arkansas, frequented a McDonald’s location in Little Rock so often that a plaque was installed in his honor. This close connection became a point of relatability during his presidential campaigns, with Clinton’s public persona tied to his love of fast food.
A famous “Saturday Night Live” sketch featuring Phil Hartman as Clinton visiting a McDonald’s added to the charm, making the fast-food chain a relatable, everyman symbol in American politics.
Donald Trump’s McDonald’s Obsession
Donald Trump, too, has long been known for his fondness for McDonald’s. Whether it’s serving fast food at the White House or stopping by McDonald’s after key political events, Trump has strategically used the Golden Arches to align himself with everyday Americans. In 2019, when the Clemson University football team visited the White House, Trump famously served them a spread of McDonald’s, showing his penchant for fast food and his belief that this connected him with the average voter.
Kamala Harris: From Employee to Advocate
Harris’ McDonald’s Employment History
Vice President Kamala Harris has also tapped into the McDonald’s narrative, but in a different way. Harris often recounts how she worked at McDonald’s during a summer in college to earn extra cash. She’s referenced this experience in speeches, interviews, and even campaign ads, using it as a relatable point to connect with voters. Recently, she told a crowd in North Carolina that “some of the people I worked with were raising families on that paycheck,” highlighting the challenges of low-wage work in America.
Trump’s Response to Harris’ McDonald’s Story
Unsurprisingly, Donald Trump took the opportunity to challenge Harris’ connection to McDonald’s. Without offering evidence, Trump publicly claimed that Harris had never worked at the fast-food giant, further stoking the rivalry between the two. For Trump, who sees McDonald’s as a symbol of Americana, Harris’ association with the chain challenges his own narrative as the candidate of the everyday American.
The Political Impact on McDonald’s Business
Navigating the Political Spotlight
While McDonald’s has often found itself in the political limelight, the financial impact of these associations remains minimal. Sean Dunlop, an analyst at Morningstar, notes that McDonald’s is used to navigating shifting political winds and adapting to changes in public perception. “It’s unlikely that being featured prominently in campaign ads or being associated with either party should have a massive financial impact — it will be the policy which follows that ultimately matters,” Dunlop said.
Policy Issues Looming Over McDonald’s
More important than the political theater surrounding McDonald’s is the policy landscape that will impact the fast-food industry. Several key issues are on the horizon, both at the federal and state levels, that could significantly affect the company’s bottom line.
Minimum Wage Legislation: A Key Battlefront
California’s $20 Minimum Wage Law
One of the most pressing issues for McDonald’s is the increasing pressure for a higher minimum wage. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 1228, which raised the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour. This legislation has ignited a fierce debate, with fast-food executives warning that higher wages could drive companies out of the state. For McDonald’s, which operates a significant number of restaurants in California, this law sets a precedent that could spread nationwide.
Oregon and Illinois Following Suit
Oregon and Illinois are among the states considering similar legislation, and McDonald’s has already taken steps to influence local legislators in these areas. In 2023, the company made donations to politicians in both states who could play pivotal roles in shaping wage laws. This kind of advocacy is becoming more common as McDonald’s and other fast-food chains work to protect their interests in an ever-changing regulatory environment.
Harris’ Stance on Minimum Wage
Kamala Harris has long been a vocal advocate for raising the minimum wage. During her 2020 presidential campaign, she criticized the wages paid by McDonald’s, stating, “The arches are falling short.” While she hasn’t specifically addressed fast food in her 2024 campaign, her support for increasing the federal minimum wage, currently stuck at $7.25 an hour, signals a potential clash with the fast-food industry.
Unionization and Labor Rights: The Next Big Challenge
McDonald’s and the Fight Against Unionization
McDonald’s has also faced increasing pressure to allow its workers to unionize. The company has spent $1.4 million on federal lobbying efforts in 2023 alone, much of it focused on labor practices. Proposals before the National Labor Relations Board could increase oversight of franchise labor practices or provide more protections for fast-food workers, including the right to unionize.
Democratic Efforts to Raise Federal Wages
Democrats in Congress, including Harris, have been pushing for a higher federal minimum wage for years. If successful, this would drastically change the fast-food industry’s labor landscape. McDonald’s, which thrives on low-cost labor, would be forced to reassess its business model to maintain profitability under stricter labor regulations.
The Battle for the McDonald’s Voter
Harris’ Connection with Fast Food Workers
Kamala Harris’ strategy of connecting with McDonald’s workers is part of a broader effort to appeal to working-class voters. By recounting her experience behind the counter, she positions herself as someone who understands the struggles of low-wage workers. This is particularly potent given the fact that, according to McDonald’s, 1 in 8 Americans has worked at the fast-food giant at some point in their life. Her story resonates with millions of former employees who view McDonald’s as a stepping stone in their careers.
Trump’s Populist Appeal
Donald Trump, meanwhile, uses McDonald’s as a symbol of his populist appeal. Whether it’s his frequent stops at the fast-food chain or his decision to serve Big Macs to college athletes at the White House, Trump frames himself as a man of the people. For Trump, McDonald’s is more than just fast food — it’s an icon of American culture and success, something he aligns with his own brand.
The Future of McDonald’s in Politics
Navigating Political Winds
While McDonald’s is no stranger to the political spotlight, the increasing attention from major political figures raises questions about how the company will navigate these challenges in the future. The focus on wages, unionization, and labor practices will only intensify in the coming years as political campaigns highlight these issues.
Policy, Not Politics, Matters Most
In the end, McDonald’s bottom line will likely be more affected by policy changes than political rhetoric. Whether it’s Harris advocating for higher wages or Trump touting his love for fast food, the real impact on McDonald’s will come from legislative and regulatory decisions made at the federal and state levels.
Conclusion
McDonald’s continues to be a powerful symbol in American politics, connecting candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump with voters who see the chain as a reflection of everyday life. However, beyond the political theater, the real challenges for McDonald’s lie in the policy issues that loom large, from minimum wage increases to unionization efforts. As the fast-food giant navigates these turbulent waters, its ability to adapt to changing political and regulatory landscapes will determine its success in the years to come.
FAQs
- Why is McDonald’s often involved in politics?
McDonald’s has become a symbol of American culture, making it an easy reference point for politicians to connect with everyday voters. - Did Kamala Harris really work at McDonald’s?
Yes, Kamala Harris has repeatedly stated that she worked at McDonald’s during a summer in college to earn spending money. - How does McDonald’s respond to political attention?
McDonald’s typically stays neutral in politics but focuses on policies that affect its business, like minimum wage laws and labor regulations. - Why does Donald Trump associate himself with McDonald’s?
Trump uses McDonald’s as a populist symbol, positioning himself as a relatable candidate who enjoys fast food like the average American. - What are the main policy issues facing McDonald’s?
The main issues include increasing minimum wage laws, unionization efforts, and federal labor regulations that could reshape the fast-food industry.