Introducing Doug Emhoff: Dad-in-Chief
The second gentleman’s remarks sought to portray Harris as more than just a policymaker; they highlighted her as a successful woman managing both her professional life and family responsibilities.
TroibNews 
The White House could soon see its first-ever "first gentleman" if Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, steps into that role.
During a speech on Tuesday night, Emhoff offered the public a glimpse of what he might be like as the first gentleman, presenting himself as a relatable figure, deeply devoted to his wife, who is currently the vice president.
Throughout the event, various speakers championed Harris, projecting her as a defender against threats to democracy, rising living costs, and restricted abortion rights nationwide.
On stage in Chicago, Emhoff presented an alternative view of himself as a slightly nerdy father figure, enthusiastically supportive of his wife. He sought to portray Harris not only as a leader but as a balanced woman juggling the demands of career and family life.
Sharing personal anecdotes, Emhoff described how he had awkwardly phoned Harris early in their relationship, even leaving her a cringe-worthy voicemail at 8:30 a.m.
"Never in history has anyone suggested 8:30 a.m.," Emhoff said. "And yet, that is when I dialed."
He also shared details of their first date, humorously revealing his bad driving skills from the onset, as he believed transparency was essential with Harris.
In his speech, Emhoff passionately defended Harris against criticism of her laughter, a frequent target for their opponent, Donald Trump.
“You know that laugh,” Emhoff said to the audience's laughter. “I love that laugh!”
Apart from his direct engagements in politics, Emhoff touched on his role in combating antisemitism, a cause he noted Harris motivated him to pursue.
Outside of his duties tied to Harris, Emhoff related to the audience by embracing his role in their "blended" family, including charming moments of domestic life and his children’s affectionate nickname for Harris, “Momala.”
Before his speech, Emhoff was introduced by a playful, sitcom-style video narrated by his son, Cole Emhoff, highlighting his father's unassuming, everyday charm.
Cole Emhoff brought his father onto the stage, while his sister, Ella Emhoff, was visibly moved in the VIP box, even capturing the moment on a disposable camera.
Emhoff concluded by acknowledging their upcoming tenth wedding anniversary and expressing eagerness for Harris to potentially accept her nomination for president.
“Kamala Harris was exactly the right person for me at an important moment in my life,” Emhoff reflected. “At this moment in our nation’s history, she is exactly the right president.”
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
During a speech on Tuesday night, Emhoff offered the public a glimpse of what he might be like as the first gentleman, presenting himself as a relatable figure, deeply devoted to his wife, who is currently the vice president.
Throughout the event, various speakers championed Harris, projecting her as a defender against threats to democracy, rising living costs, and restricted abortion rights nationwide.
On stage in Chicago, Emhoff presented an alternative view of himself as a slightly nerdy father figure, enthusiastically supportive of his wife. He sought to portray Harris not only as a leader but as a balanced woman juggling the demands of career and family life.
Sharing personal anecdotes, Emhoff described how he had awkwardly phoned Harris early in their relationship, even leaving her a cringe-worthy voicemail at 8:30 a.m.
"Never in history has anyone suggested 8:30 a.m.," Emhoff said. "And yet, that is when I dialed."
He also shared details of their first date, humorously revealing his bad driving skills from the onset, as he believed transparency was essential with Harris.
In his speech, Emhoff passionately defended Harris against criticism of her laughter, a frequent target for their opponent, Donald Trump.
“You know that laugh,” Emhoff said to the audience's laughter. “I love that laugh!”
Apart from his direct engagements in politics, Emhoff touched on his role in combating antisemitism, a cause he noted Harris motivated him to pursue.
Outside of his duties tied to Harris, Emhoff related to the audience by embracing his role in their "blended" family, including charming moments of domestic life and his children’s affectionate nickname for Harris, “Momala.”
Before his speech, Emhoff was introduced by a playful, sitcom-style video narrated by his son, Cole Emhoff, highlighting his father's unassuming, everyday charm.
Cole Emhoff brought his father onto the stage, while his sister, Ella Emhoff, was visibly moved in the VIP box, even capturing the moment on a disposable camera.
Emhoff concluded by acknowledging their upcoming tenth wedding anniversary and expressing eagerness for Harris to potentially accept her nomination for president.
“Kamala Harris was exactly the right person for me at an important moment in my life,” Emhoff reflected. “At this moment in our nation’s history, she is exactly the right president.”
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
