Jill Biden Physically Blocks Vegan Protester at Joe Biden’s Super Tuesday Celebration

March 04, 2020 Admin 0 Comments

Plus, Taco Bell adds special kiosk menu for its loyal vegetarians, and more news to start your day

Jill Biden faces off with vegan protesters in protection of Joe Biden

Super Tuesday was undeniably huge for former vice president Joe Biden, who swept up the largest share of delegates among Democratic candidates so far. But it was also a big night for the former second lady, Jill Biden, who became a trending topic after she helped muscle vegan protesters away from her husband as he was delivering his victory speech in Los Angeles.

As can be seen in videos of the event, one protester rushed the stage, brandishing a placard with an image of a cow, and yelling, “Let dairy die!” Almost immediately after a security guard pulled the protester off the stage, another chanting protester rushed the podium, but was blocked by Jill Biden, who grabbed the protester by the wrists. “It’s okay, it’s okay,” the former second lady can be heard saying, as senior advisor Symone Sanders and other staffers hauled the protester off the stage.

The two protesters, identified as activists Sarah Segal and Ashley Froud, represent the animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), which uses non-violent direct action tactics — including animal rescue from farms, as well as attention-grabbing stunts like this — to combat factory farming. Activists from the organization have previously protested at events held by other politicians, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Donald Trump. Segal and Froud targeted Joe Biden on Tuesday because of his legislative support of the dairy industry and big agriculture, according to a DxE press release.

A photo of the tussle between Jill Biden and the second protester, captured by photographer Patrick T. Fallon on assignment for Bloomberg, was widely shared on Tuesday night. Many social media users commented on her technique, joking that she might be a good fit for the NFL.

And in other news…

• Taco Bell — long considered one of the best fast-food chains for plant-based eaters — is launching a new in-store kiosk feature called “Veggie Mode” that lets customers see a 50-item, all-vegetarian menu. [Fast Company]
• Even Pizza Hut is doing a take on Nashville hot chicken now. [Brand Eating]
• Papa John’s is moving phone orders out of individual stores to a centralized call center. [Restaurant Business]
• Impossible Foods is slashing its wholesale prices. In the past, the higher price point of products like Impossible and Beyond Meat burgers has kept some consumers from trying them. [CNBC]
• Solo diners are going to restaurants more, primarily to pick up quick-service orders, according to market research firm NPD Group. [Forbes]

• All AM Intel Coverage [E]