Washington Examiner, August 2024
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff championed his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, during his Tuesday night speech at the Democratic National Convention, saying marrying her was “the best decision I ever made.” Emhoff’s speech at the DNC comes as Harris is scheduled to accept the Democratic nomination Thursday evening — the same day as the couple’s 10-year wedding anniversary.
“I love you and I’m so proud of how you’re stepping up for all of us. That’s who she is. Whenever she’s needed, however she’s needed, Kamala rises to the occasion,” Emhoff said. “She did it for me and our family. Now that the country needs her, she’s showing you what we already know: She’s ready to lead, she brings both joy and toughness to this task, and she will be a great president who we will all be proud of.”
Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president who was introduced by his son, Cole, has been a steady figure during Harris’s tenure as vice president, often serving as a surrogate for the Biden administration to combat antisemitism and reach out to the Jewish community. Now, with Harris having been catapulted to the top of the ticket, Emhoff has sought to personalize his wife through his personal testimony and social media presence, including about how the first met and quipped about her laugh.
