Starbucks promo prods lawmakers to 'come together'

WASHINGTON -- Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz wants lawmakers to come together to resolve their political gridlock. And he's giving away free coffee to customers who set an example how to do it.

From Wednesday to Friday, the coffee chain is offering a free tall brewed coffee to any customer in the U.S. who buys another person a beverage at Starbucks.

Schultz said in a memo to staff that the offer is a way to help fellow citizens "support and connect with one another, even as we wait for our elected officials to do the same for our country."

A retail analyst says the offer won't likely do much to change attitudes in Washington but could make for great marketing.

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barack obama, john boehner, republicans, obamacare, health care, health insurance, congress, government shutdown, furloughs, business

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