In a spectacle that has transformed fast food into a political battleground, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are both vying for what some are calling the “McDonald’s vote.” In the past, candidates might have boasted about their military or public service, but this year, they’re fighting over who better represents the values of a brand synonymous with both American success and decline. Their public sparring underscores a profound question facing voters: is McDonald’s, once the cheerful symbol of upward mobility and affordable indulgence, still emblematic of the American Dream, or is it a reminder of its erosion?

Recently, Trump appeared at a McDonald’s in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, donning an apron and working the drive-thru window. The former president quipped that his brief stint outpaced Harris’s own alleged tenure at the fast-food chain. His theatrics were designed to appeal to everyday Americans, casting himself as relatable, hardworking, and grounded. Yet, the reaction was divisive. Online critics flooded Yelp with snarky reviews, accusing Trump of failing to meet the health code, letting his bronzer spill onto fries, and acting with disregard for public health guidelines. The backlash prompted Yelp to disable new reviews, but Trump’s visit still struck a chord, resonating with a segment of Americans who feel McDonald’s is more than a fast-food joint-it’s a cultural institution.

Harris first introduced McDonald’s into the political spotlight earlier this year, tweeting about her days “working the fries” and her support for fair wages and safe working environments. Her message connected her personal experience with her support for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents fast-food workers pushing for a $15 minimum wage. By aligning with the........

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