This Sunday, former President Donald Trump will a campaign stop at a McDonald's in Philadelphia to engage with staff and supporters. The visit is a strategic move, responding to recent discussions surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris past job at McDonald's – a point of criticism and praise in political circles. Trump reportedly plans to work the fryer during his visit to the fast food restaurant, according to NBC Philadelphia.
Trump's love of fast food is well known – he served at Clemson University football team McDonald's and Wendy's when they visited the White House in 2019. However, this visit continues a long tradition between presidential candidates and presidents. Fast food restaurants have often served as informal backdrops for politicians looking to connect with voters in a down-to-earth, down-to-earth way.
Several presidents and candidates have used these everyday restaurants to portray similar images. Bill Clinton did one stop at McDonald's during his 1992 presidential campaign, a moment caught on camera that reinforced his universal appeal. Known for his love of burgers, Clinton continued to frequent McDonald's throughout his presidency.
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Recently, during a visit to a McDonald's in Arkansas, a staff member confused Clinton for President Joe Biden, emphasizing the recognition of these prohibitions in the public consciousness.
The boss was stumbling for @KamalaHarris in Georgia and had to stop by old stomping grounds, @McDonalds. pic.twitter.com/CannimWqJB
— Angel Ureña (@angelurena) October 13, 2024
In February 2000, at the beginning of the presidential campaign, candidate John McCain stopped at a Hardee's in South Carolina with his wife. His visit to the fast-food chain, where he ordered breakfast and chatted with diners, was part of his effort to casually connect with voters.
Mitt Romney was also no stranger to fast food during his 2012 presidential bid. He made a visible stop at a Wendy's in Ohio, ordering a Frosty and talking to customers. Romney was also known for passing outside McDonald's to his staff. According to ABC NewsRomney's father, former Michigan governor George Romney, had a “free McDonald's-for-life” card, which Mitt Romney said was issued by Ray Kroc.
John Kerry and John Edwards visited Wendy's with their wives during the 2004 presidential campaign. According to New York Timesthe visit doubled as an anniversary date for the Edwards. During the meal, which was seen as a way to connect with ordinary voters and break with the formality of the campaign, the group ordered cheeseburgers, Frosty's and chili.
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Trump's upcoming visit to McDonald's in Philadelphia not only continues this tradition, but also highlights how fast food places can become political stages. For some voters, they serve as a symbol of connection, providing a way to engage with constituents outside of formal events.
As Trump works alongside McDonald's workers this weekend, he reminds us of the unique role these everyday American institutions play in politics.
Read more: NBC Philadelphia
