Why Does Kamala Harris Continue to Insist She Worked at McDonald’s in 1983?

It is often noted that individuals who make claims they cannot back up with evidence are questioned. Critics often point to the McDonald's claim made by Kamala Harris, a former U.S. Vice President, as an example. However, the discrepancy lies in the underwhelming nature of the claim rather than its significance.

Proof and Truth in Historical Claims

The importance of providing evidence for historical claims cannot be overstated. For instance, a reader might ask, ‘Where were you working in 1983, 41 years ago? Can you prove it?’ Similarly, questions around who a person worked behind in 4th grade can be equally insignificant. The crux of the matter is not in the claim itself but in the willingness to back it up with concrete evidence.

Harris's Claim and Its Credibility

Kamala Harris's assertion that she worked at McDonald’s in 1983 is at least credible compared to other claims, such as those made by her opponents. Her opponent has claimed to be capable of being president, but it is clear that these claims lack any substantive support. Contrarily, Harris's claim is at least believable, as many students worked at McDonald’s during their youth, and this is a common memory.

It is important to recognize that McDonald's, like many employers, often do not retain records for such a long period of time, making it nearly impossible to produce proof of employment decades later.

Trump's Lies and Their Impact on Trust

Conversely, individuals such as former President Donald Trump have a much more troubling record on truthful claims. Trump has been documented lying over 30,000 times during his presidency and continues to do so, as evidenced by his inflammatory and false statements post-presidency. The juxtaposition of these two figures highlights the urgency of holding political figures accountable for their claims and actions.

The example of the Kentish Messenger newspaper serves as a poignant reminder of how difficult it can be to verify historical claims. Having worked there and having several articles published, the author of this piece wished to prove the authenticity of his experience but found it nearly impossible due to the newspaper's defunct status. This is a common challenge that voters face when trying to verify claims made by politicians.

The Importance of Trust in Historical Proofs

Trust in politicians is built on credible and verifiable claims. If politicians repeatedly make false claims and cannot provide substantiation, it erodes trust and undermines their authority. For instance, how can a voter trust a president who lies 'literally every time he opens his mouth'? The tendency to doubt historical claims is misplaced when compared to the egregious and chronic nature of lies prevalent in our time.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding Kamala Harris's McDonald's claim should be seen in the context of broader issues of truth and credibility in political discourse. While her claim might seem insignificant on its own, it represents a broader issue of public trust and the need for politicians to be truthful and accountable. As citizens, it is our responsibility to question and evaluate the claims made by those in power, but we must do so with a critical and informed perspective, rather than with unfounded skepticism or blind acceptance.