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2020 Democratic Presidential Candidates Visit McDonald's Picket Lines


Late last week, four different 2020 Democratic Presidential candidates visited McDonald's picket lines in Nevada and South Carolina, drawing further attention to these striking workers.

For those unaware, McDonald's workers across the country have taken to striking and forming picket lines, in an effort to push for unionization and higher wages, namely a $15/hour minimum wage rate.  These efforts have been met with some success but have gone unnoticed in some circles.  With that being said, a wave of 2020 Democratic candidates for President could soon change that.  California Senator Kamala Harris was in Las Vegas last Friday to join striking McDonald's workers.  South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Texas Representative Beto O'Rourke, and New Jersey Senator Corey Booker were in Charleston, South Carolina over the weekend visiting with striking workers and participating in marches.

This "attack" and increased attention on large scale employers such as McDonald's is nothing new.  (Readers might recall that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has previously taken aim at WalMart in recent weeks.)  With that being said, it is noteworthy that these Presidential candidates are jumping in head first, given that the first caucus is not until next February and the Presidential election itself is still nearly 19 months away.  However, given the size of the Democratic field this election cycle, it is clear that candidates are attempting to court blue collar, working class voters and shore up a key base of support before the first vote is case.  I would expect these candidates (and others) to be seen in picket lines, marches, and other related events over the coming months.  Whether this will result in a tangible benefit for these McDonald's workers remains to be seen.  For the time being, however, it casts further attention and press coverage on the ongoing fight by these workers.


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