Gather 'round because today we've got an intriguing story about one of the most powerful women in America: Vice President Kamala Harris.
Now, you might think you know everything there is to know about her—her groundbreaking career, her rise to the vice presidency—but did you know she once worked at McDonald’s? Yes, you heard that right! The very same Golden Arches that have been a first job for so many.
This surprising detail came to light during an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show where Harris casually confirmed her time at McDonald’s, much to the astonishment of Drew Barrymore herself. But here's the twist: this little nugget of information, which now seems to be a key part of Harris's life story, didn't really appear on the public stage until her 2019 presidential run.
That's right! For decades, this job was nowhere to be found in her public biography—not in her campaign speeches, not in her books, not even on her résumé. So, what's the deal?
You see, politicians often lean on their humble beginnings to connect with everyday folks, and Harris’s team seems to be doing just that by highlighting her time flipping fries. But, unlike others—like former President Obama, who famously worked at a Baskin-Robbins in his youth and had that story plastered everywhere—Harris's McDonald's stint feels like it came out of nowhere. It wasn’t until a labor rally in 2019 that Harris mentioned her McDonald’s job, and since then, it’s become a talking point in her narrative.
Now, why does this matter? Well, when someone like Harris, who has built a career on being tough and competent, starts talking about their time working in fast food, people start asking questions. Where did this story come from? Why didn’t we hear about it sooner? And is it all as it seems?
The story’s timing raises eyebrows, especially since there’s no trace of it in earlier accounts of her life. Even those close to her, like biographers and lifelong friends, didn’t mention it. Plus, Harris’s campaign has been pretty tight-lipped when asked for more details about her McDonald’s gig, which only adds to the mystery.
So, while it’s entirely possible that Harris did work at McDonald’s during a summer break from college, the lack of documentation and the campaign's reluctance to provide further details have led some to question the authenticity of this tale.
Is it a genuine part of her history, or is it being amplified now to bolster her image as someone who understands the struggles of working-class Americans?