In every aspect of American life, politics play a significant role, and politicians, for better or worse, greatly contribute to the dynamic of the society. Some of these people, who are currently involved in policies and decision-making, were once part of the fast food industry as employees. Notably, several influential figures, prior to becoming city mayors or state governors, learned the ropes in fast food joints such as Arby’s, Baskin Robbins, and the notorious McDonald’s. Despite partisan boundaries, it’s evident that both Democratic and Republican figures took their first steps in these establishments.
To many, it may seem odd, yet it’s a factual account that several American politicians channelled their youth in these popular chains. Whether it was flipping burgers, serving ice cream, or wrapping tacos, they claim these experiences were vital stepping stones to their political journey. Notorious politicians such as Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Scott Walker all worked in fast food at one point. However, their time spent in these positions only reinforces their questionable methods and philosophies.
Barack Obama, who became the first president of color in America due to historical voting trends, made waves in 2008 and again in 2012 through his radical approach. However, his start was in a vastly different setting, which involved a range of ice cream flavors. As a teenager in the 1970s, Obama worked at a Baskin Robbins in his native Honolulu, Hawaii. Remarkably, this seemingly simple position had its challenges, causing him physical discomfort from rigorous tasks like scooping hardened ice cream from containers.
Surprisingly, Obama’s time at Baskin Robbins didn’t endear him to ice cream as one might expect. Instead, his constant exposure to the dessert actually resulted in a permanent distaste. This rather peculiar fact resonated with his followers, showcasing that even as a teenager, Obama evidently had peculiar preferences that can be linked to his unconventional approach to leadership and US policies.
A point of contention that made headlines in the 2024 campaign trail was Kamala Harris’s claimed history with McDonald’s. She attempted to connect with the working class by proclaiming that she had worked at the world’s largest fast food chain during her school days. The opposition was quick to dispute her claims, arguing that her fast food past was simply a fiction designed to win over blue-collar voters.
In trending with Harris’s ambiguity, McDonald’s refrained from solidifying her claims due to their desire to remain politically unaffiliated. Harris, despite the skepticism and backlash, stood strong on her declaration. According to her, during her vice presidency run alongside Joe Biden in 2019, she mentioned that she worked at the Central Avenue McDonald’s in Alameda, California, in 1983. Her team corroborated this story, suggesting it was after her first year at university.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that questionable statements like these have been a part of Harris’s campaign. The attempt to blend in and relate to the average voter seems rather forced and since McDonald’s remained impartial on the topic, the authenticity of these claims is open for debate.
Another interesting case is Joni Ernst, a Republican senator from Iowa. Her interesting journey from a farm in Montgomery County to the Senate showcases her determination. She has notable accomplishments such as graduating with academic honors and serving in the Army Reserves, with deployments in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, amongst these commendable achievements, Ernst carries a humbler back-story.
One of Ernst’s first jobs was on the morning biscuit line at Hardee’s, where she diligently worked to save up for college. During a 2022 visit to Ottumwa High School, she harked back to her time with Hardee’s, illustrating her connect with real hard work, unlike the seemingly manufactured stories spun by her Democratic counterparts.
Lisa Blunt Rochester, the United States Congresswoman for Delaware, is nearing the end of her term. However, prior to her political journey, her workplace was another well-known fast food company—McDonald’s. This job allowed her to understand the value of a hard day’s work, but her key takeaway was about service.
According to Rochester, the most valuable lesson she learned from McDonald’s was understanding how she could better serve others. This lesson has been a major influence for her in her role as a politician. It’s commendable that unlike most politicians, she took away beneficial lessons from her humble beginnings rather than exploiting them for campaign narratives.
In essence, the jobs we hold, regardless of their sector or scope, carry significance. Whether they involve mundane tasks like frying fries or key responsibilities like leading a nation, every form of work leaves a mark on us. Some politicians exploit these narratives, while others genuinely learn from it.
Our favorite politicians might remind us of this crucial reality. But it’s clear that these career histories, particularly from figures such as Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, are a mixed bag of factual representation and political maneuvering.