For weeks,Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has been telling Americans why his wife, Vice-President Kamala Harris, should be the next president. On Tuesday night, he brought the same wife-guy energy to the Democratic National Convention, using his speech to describe himself as a regular dad and Harris as a tough and reliable leader who “never runs from a fight.”
“She knows the best way to deal with a coward is to take him head-on because we all know cowards are weak, and Kamala Harris can smell weakness,” he said. “She doesn’t tolerate any b.s.”
While other DNC speakers have used this week to focus on Harris’s professional qualifications and history in office, Emhoff talked about who she is as a wife and parent, telling the story of how 11 years ago, while navigating post-divorce life, he nervously called Harris for the first time — at 8:30 in the morning — and left an awkward voice-mail after a client suggested the two go on a date. As Emhoff spoke, the camera regularly panned to his children, Ella and Cole, who famously call their stepmom “Momala.” Ella, in particular, looked proud, nodding in agreement as her dad described Harris. Emhoff’s ex-wife, Kerstin — who has defended Harris against criticisms of her not being a mother — also attended, along with Emhoff’s parents. A video from earlier in the day showed Ella and Cole assuring their dad that he would do a great job with his speech, with Ella saying he’s “kind of a natural.”
Emhoff used his speech to reintroduce himself as the potential first First Husband, telling the crowd about his idyllic childhood and working at a McDonald’s to pay for law school. He also emphasized that his family, like many in America, is a blended one, all in a clear effort to show how relatable and normal he, Harris, and their family are. Cole, Emhoff’s eldest child, also expressed his pride in their family dynamic, introducing his father by saying, “We might not look like other families in the White House, but we are ready to represent all families in America.”
Who’s here? ???? So excited for this week! ???????? pic.twitter.com/USuIfx7rEb
— Kerstin Emhoff (@keprettybird) August 20, 2024
Love you, Dougie. pic.twitter.com/nypKuWJNO2
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 21, 2024
Emhoff pointed out that although he’s Jewish and Harris grew up going to Christian churches and Hindu temples, they respect each other and participate in each other’s traditions. Though he didn’t name names, the comments felt like a dig at the Trump campaign, which has notably downplayed J.D. Vance’s mixed-race family and Trump’s own blended family.
Emhoff also addressed Harris directly, after reminding the audience that she wasn’t at the convention Tuesday because she was out campaigning. “I love you so much. I’m so proud of how you’ve stepped up for us,” he said, adding, “But that’s who she is. Wherever she’s needed, however she’s needed, Kamala rises to the occasion.” Meanwhile, Harris tuned into her husband’s speech from a plane and captioned a photo of herself watching: “I love you Dougie.”
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