In an amusing twist of fate and fast food, President Joe Biden attempted to replicate the unexpected popularity of former President Donald Trump’s impromptu visit to a Chick-fil-A last week. While Trump was met with a chorus of cheers and selfie requests, Biden’s venture into a Cook Out in North Carolina turned out to be more of a non-event, despite being scheduled during peak dining hours.
Upon his arrival, Biden was greeted not by adoring fans, but by a sparse crowd of twelve, seven of whom were confirmed to be his own staff members, there primarily to ensure that someone recognized the Commander in Chief. The only other patrons seemed more interested in their milkshakes than in the presence of political royalty.
In an effort to stir up some excitement, President Biden approached a young mother and her baby, hoping for a heartwarming photo op. Unfortunately, the baby promptly threw up, perhaps expressing a sentiment felt by many Americans about the current political climate. The scene was awkwardly quiet, broken only by the clinking of ice cream scoops and the distant sizzle of burgers.
Attempting to order, Biden reminisced about last year’s prices, only to learn that his favorite combo meal had surged to $7.69—a 28% increase, cheekily referred to by onlookers as the result of “Bidenomics.” Reaching for his wallet, the President found it as empty as the restaurant, save for the nuclear codes, leading to a moment of presidential panic.
Just as the situation couldn't seem more desolate, local celebrity "Cash Fani Willis" stepped in, lending Biden the extra cash with a playful jibe, "You owe me, Joe. and by the way, I don't need a receipt." Despite this small save, the visit concluded with the enthusiasm of a rained-out Pee-Wee Herman concert, leaving Biden to munch on his burger in solitude.
The contrast to Trump’s fast food fanfare was stark. While Trump had been embraced like a rock star, Biden’s outing felt more like a forgotten band’s reunion tour. Observers noted the irony, with one Cook Out employee remarking, "We thought it was just another Tuesday until someone said the President was here... and even then, we weren’t sure which one."
In an age where political fortunes can turn faster than a fryer basket, Biden’s Cook Out caper served as a reminder that not all publicity stunts are created equal. Perhaps next time, he’ll opt for a quieter meal at home—though, one might argue, even the White House kitchen staff might not stir at his approach. As for the culinary campaign trail, it seems clear that in the fast food world, not all Presidents are destined to become menu favorites.
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