Caixin Global, October 22nd (Editor: Zhao Hao) Last weekend, the US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump rushed to the key "swing state" - a McDonald's restaurant to work and campaign, shining the spotlight on this globally famous fast-food chain once more.

On Sunday, October 20th, Trump put on an apron and fried French fries at a McDonald's car restaurant in Pennsylvania, handing meals to "lucky customers" at the window and engaging in simple interaction. He worked for as long as 15 minutes, spending the rest of the time interacting with the media and taking photos with employees.

Trump said, "This is something I've always wanted to do, I enjoy this job." Trump also claimed that this action was to expose the lies of Democratic presidential candidate Harris. Previously, Harris mentioned at a campaign rally that she had worked at McDonald's during her student days, frying French fries and serving ice cream.

Due to the close race, both candidates are eager to find a breakthrough in the "McDonald's state." On Monday, October 21st, McDonald's stated in an internal memo that McDonald's does not side with any political party, and will not in the future, emphasizing that the decision to 'agree to Trump's work request' was made by the restaurant manager.

"McDonald's will not endorse any elected official, and the same goes for future elections. We are neither red nor blue, we are gold." However, McDonald's acknowledges that although the company does not want to be involved in the election, both candidates mentioned McDonald's during the campaign, and the company is proud of this.

McDonald's also mentioned that neither the company nor franchisees have job records dating back to the 1980s. This means that they cannot prove (or may not want to) Harris' claim of having worked at McDonald's. Shortly before the article was published, Harris reiterated in an interview, "I worked (at McDonald's)."

According to McDonald's, on average, one out of every 8 Americans has worked at McDonald's - a wall poster in the background when Trump took photos with employees also mentioned this figure. The company has also stated that almost 9 out of 10 Americans eat at McDonald's at least once a year.

A week ago, former President Bill Clinton, who was campaigning for Harris in Georgia, also visited the local McDonald's restaurant. At first, he was even mistakenly identified as Biden by the staff. Twenty years ago, during his campaign, Clinton often visited McDonald's, and a restaurant in Arkansas even erected a commemorative plaque for him.

Analysis suggests that fast food restaurants are seen as places where ordinary people often go, and candidates appearing in such places can enhance their down-to-earth image. Especially for well-known brands like McDonald's, they can attract young voters and the working class. These groups are usually the main consumers of fast food, effectively expanding the candidate's support base.

In addition, candidates can interact directly with customers and engage in spontaneous conversations at fast food restaurants. This face-to-face contact can make voters feel that the candidates care about their needs and opinions. Given the relaxed environment of fast food restaurants, candidates can use this atmosphere for easy promotional activities, reducing voter aversion to political events.

Moreover, the scenes at fast food restaurants are likely to spark sharing and discussions on social media. Candidates can quickly spread their image and policy positions through this method. Fast food restaurants hold an important place in American culture, representing convenience and universality. By visiting these places, candidates can use this cultural symbol to convey the message 'I understand your life'.

Compared to KFC, McDonald's is considered more 'Americanized'. KFC (mainly chicken-focused) has a stronger Southern influence, while McDonald's menu items (like Big Macs, fries) more easily resonate with American culture. KFC may not have the same national sense of familiarity, and McDonald's customer base is more diverse and extensive.

It is worth mentioning that McDonald's has been the backdrop for political activities multiple times, accumulating familiarity with the public and media. For example, during Trump's first term, due to a government shutdown, Trump hosted the Clemson University Tiger football team at the White House for a 'burger feast'.

Two months later, Trump hosted another feast at the White House - using a table full of burgers, fries, and more to treat the North Dakota State University Bison team. Trump explained at the time, 'I initially wanted the White House chef to prepare the food, but I prepared fast food because I understand you.'

Last year, former President Trump visited the town of East Palestine in Ohio, known as the site of the 'poison train' incident. He went to a local McDonald's where he distributed hats, bought McDonald's for first responders, and purchased food to eat on his return flight.

Although Harris's experience working part-time at mcdonald's is difficult to verify, it can be confirmed that Trump has always loved eating at mcdonald’s, rather than for show. His eldest son described Trump as "the first one to eat the most mcdonald's, second to none".

Son-in-law Kushner also revealed that Trump's favorite meal is two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish, and a large chocolate or vanilla milkshake.