Can Ronald McDonald be considered a mascot?

Question

Me and my officemate made a bet and the question is if Ronald McDonald (the old guy) is a "mascot" or not.

http://www.boingboing.net/MCDONALDS4.jpg

Answer 1

Yes, Ronald McDonald is a mascot. A mascot does not have to be an animal.

Answer 2

Most definitely. A mascot is an animal or someone who has been adopted by a company or club to represent them in a sense.

Ronald McDonald certainly represents the food chain of McDonalds. He is present at all of the functions and their advertising. And don't forget how recognised he is by the children. Despite the other characters invented by McDonalds I have to say that Ronald is by far the most prominent.  

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

He is a spokesperson for the franchises!

Usually the leader in all those commercials.

Except when McD's put in real live people actually looking like they are eating and enjoying the food. One shot of a women looked like she wanted to puke/spit out the food; if one more take of the commercial occured. Only obvious she was only putting the food (french fry) in her mouth and looking across the table and smiling. So much BS advertising!

No more McD's for me! No longer brainwashed!