Emhoff: Harris is “the right president” for the nation right now

During the Democratic National Convention, Doug Emhoff, the nation’s inaugural second gentleman, took center stage to introduce himself to the delegates while also praising his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris. He emphasized her unwavering commitment to family and suggested that this dedication is reflective of how she would lead the nation if elected president.

“Whenever she’s needed, however she’s needed, Kamala rises to the occasion. She did it for me and my family,” Emhoff noted to the audience. “And now that the country needs her, she is demonstrating what we’ve always known: she’s ready to lead.”

Emhoff shared a glimpse into his life, recounting his upbringing in both New Jersey and California, his journey as an entertainment lawyer, and the serendipity that led him to meet Harris. He humorously recalled the first time he called her at 8:30 a.m. “I got Kamala’s voicemail, and I just started rambling, ‘Hey, it’s Doug. I’m on my way to an early meeting again, it’s Doug.’ I remember trying to gather my thoughts,” he admitted.

He revealed that Harris has preserved that voicemail and often plays it for him on their anniversaries. This upcoming Thursday, the couple will mark their tenth wedding anniversary, coinciding with Harris’s keynote address accepting the Democratic presidential nomination.

“As I got to know her better and quickly fell in love, I realized what motivates Kamala. It’s evident in her actions over these past four years, especially these past weeks,” Emhoff said. “She finds joy in seeking justice. She stands up to bullies, just as my parents taught me. She revels in seeing others succeed but detests witnessing unfair treatment.”

Emhoff praised Harris for her strong stance against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. “Her empathy is her strength,” he stated, referring to her as a “joyful warrior.”

“She will lead with joy and resilience, wielding that infectious laugh and fierce gaze, combined with compassion and unwavering conviction,” he said. “She believes that regardless of our backgrounds or appearances, we are strongest when we advocate for what we cherish, rather than merely opposing what we fear.”

In 2020, when Harris made history as the first female vice president, Emhoff also charted new territory as the first second gentleman and the first Jewish spouse of a sitting president or vice president. He has consistently voiced the importance of his Jewish heritage and has prioritized the fight against antisemitism throughout his public life.

“She is the one who inspired me, as second gentleman, to engage in this battle that hits so close to home for me,” Emhoff revealed to the crowd.

Reflecting on Harris’s qualities, he noted that he met her at a pivotal point in his own life. “At this moment in our nation’s history, she is precisely the right person to serve as president,” he asserted.