Doug Emhoff charms delegates with personal family insights
Doug Emhoff shares humour and family stories with Democratic delegates
Doug Emhoff, husband of Kamala Harris, charmed Democratic delegates in Chicago on Tuesday afternoon with his self-deprecating humour and insights into their decade-old love story, offering a rare glimpse into the personal life of the potential first blended family in the White House. Emhoff, America’s first Second Gentleman and possibly the future First Gentleman, took the stage after a video made by his son Cole and produced by his first wife, Kerstin.
The video highlighted Emhoff’s Brooklyn and New Jersey roots, his Jewish upbringing, his family’s relocation to California, his legal career, his first marriage, the birth of his children, a divorce, a blind date with Kamala Harris, their subsequent marriage, and how his children affectionately call her “Momala.” Cole closed the video with a nod to their unique family dynamic, stating, “We might not look like other families in the White House. But we are ready to represent all families in America,” before introducing his father.
Emhoff received a warm welcome from the audience, who held signs bearing his name. He shared stories of his upbringing, life, divorce, and how he met Harris in 2013 when a client set him up on a blind date. Emhoff humorously recounted calling Harris at 8:30 am, rambling on her voicemail, and how she saved that voicemail, making him listen to it every anniversary. They spoke on the phone for an hour, laughed, went on a date, and married the following year. Thursday will mark their tenth anniversary, coinciding with Harris accepting the nomination.
Doug Emhoff dresse un portrait affectueux de sa femme, Kamala Harris, à Chicago https://t.co/CdtgTwv1lW
— Londot marc (@MarcLondot) August 22, 2024
Emhoff discussed how Harris, a Christian, had deepened his connection to his Jewish faith, and how they celebrated both traditions together. He acknowledged the complexity of blended families, sharing how his children calling Harris “Momala” reassured him. He expressed gratitude to Harris and his ex-wife, saying, “Those of you who belong to blended families know that they can be a little complicated. But as soon as our kids started calling her Momala, I knew we would be okay. Ella calls us a three-headed parenting machine. Kamala and Kerstin, thank you both.”
Concluding his speech, Emhoff praised Harris, saying, “Kamala Harris was exactly the right person for me at an important moment in my life, and at this moment in our nation’s history, she is exactly the right president.” Harris, who was at a rally in Milwaukee, posted a picture of herself watching her husband’s speech on her laptop during her flight back, with a simple message on X, “Love you, Dougie.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hindustan Times reports Doug Emhoff offers a glimpse into Kamala Harris’s personal life, highlighting their familial bonds, shared traditions, and Harris’s compassion, as he campaigns for her presidency.(read more)
- CBS News provides an overview of Doug Emhoff’s speech at the Democratic National Convention, where he praised his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, as a “joyful warrior,” highlighting her dedication to justice and family, and emphasizing her readiness to lead the nation.(read more)
- NBC News reports that Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman, shared a humorous story about his meeting with Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention, highlighting their relationship and her leadership qualities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Doug Emhoff?
Doug Emhoff is Kamala Harris’s husband and the first Second Gentleman in American history.
What did Doug Emhoff talk about in his speech in Chicago?
He shared his life story, his relationship with Kamala Harris, and their blended family.
How did Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris meet?
They met on a blind date set up by a client of Emhoff’s in 2013.
What unique family dynamic does Doug Emhoff highlight?
He highlights their blended family, including his kids calling Harris ‘Momala’ and celebrating Jewish and Christian festivals.
What did Kamala Harris post during Doug Emhoff’s speech?
She posted a picture on X of watching him speak on her laptop with the message, ‘Love you, Dougie’.
