Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff delivered a speech at the DNC and praised his “patchwork family,” especially his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I love you so much,” Emhoff said. “I’m so proud of the way you’ve stood up for us. But that’s just the way she is. Wherever she’s needed, however she’s needed, Kamala rises to the occasion.”
Emhoff met his current wife through a client at the time, Chrisette Hudlin.
“In 2013, I had a controversial customer conversation,” said Emhoff. “We clarified the issue and at the end of the conversation, the now satisfied customer offered me a blind date.”
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After meeting Emhoff in his office, Hudlin called Harris to tell her about it. Emhoff said that’s how “I got Kamala Harris’s phone number.”
“For generations, people have debated when to call the person they’re being set up with. Never in history has anyone suggested 8:30,” Emhoff said to laughter from DNC supporters. “I got Kamala’s voicemail and just started blaring, ‘Hey, it’s Doug. I’m on my way to an early meeting. Again, it’s Doug.'”
Emhoff spoke of the embarrassment he felt and tried to take back his words, but Harris saved the voicemail and made Emhoff listen to it on each anniversary.
The two will celebrate their tenth anniversary on Thursday, when Harris is scheduled to speak at the DNC.
“I know this means I’m about to hear that embarrassing voicemail again,” Emhoff said. “That same night I’ll hear my wife, Kamala Harris, accept your nomination for President of the United States.”
Finally, in 2013, she called back and the two laughed together.
“I love that laugh,” Emhoff said, comparing Harris’ opponent, former President Donald Trump, to his personal attacks. Trump has attacked Harris for her laughter at campaign rallies in recent weeks, calling her laughter the “laugh of a madwoman” and noting that he “doesn’t have much respect for her” or her intelligence. Trump has even added “Laughing Kamala” to the list of nicknames he has given her.
Emhoff spoke about how much Harris loved his children, Cole and Ella, from his first marriage. During a brief break from the campaign, Emhoff saw her sitting intently in her favorite chair.
“I just knew it had to be something important,” Emhoff said. “And it was, Ella had called her. This is Kamala. These kids are her priorities, and this scene was a perfect map of her heart. She has always been there for our kids and I know she will be there for yours too.”
Emhoff said Harris was the right person for him at a critical moment, and now she is the right person for the American public.
Like Harris, Emhoff worked at McDonald’s as a child. At the DNC, he recalled his childhood in New Jersey. Emhoff talked about his “typical suburban childhood” that consisted of riding bikes, bus rides to Hebrew school and having a Slurpee after Little League when his team played well. He said the “guys I grew up with are still my best friends.”
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“The group chat is active every day and probably right now, folks,” Emhoff said.
The friendly lawyer said that his fantasy football team is named after the band Nirvana.
He recounted how Harris has been able to help Emhoff develop a “deeper” connection to his faith over the past decade, “even if it’s not the same as hers.” Emhoff has brought his Jewish heritage and culture to Washington, where he publicly celebrates Hanukkah and places mezuzot on the doorposts of the vice president’s official residence at the Naval Observatory. He said Harris cooks “an excellent brisket” for the holiday.
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“Kamala has fought against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate her entire career,” Emhoff said. “She is the one who encouraged me to take up this fight.”
Emhoff spoke of Harris’ drive, saying she enjoys “fighting for justice” and “standing up against tyrants.”
“She is showing what we already know: she is ready to lead,” Emhoff said. “She will be a great president and we will all be proud of her.”
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