Emhoff showcases Harris's compassionate side during his convention address, highlighting her empathy as her key power.
"She standsa up to bullies, much like my old folks taught me. She enjoys seeing others succeed yet detests whenever they get treated unfairly. She thinks this job necessitates a fundamental interest in people and their circumstances," Emhoff shared with the Chicago crowd. "Her empathy is her power."
Emhoff, who tied the knot with Harris a decade back, mentioned that their anniversary coincides with Thursday, the exact same day when the vice president is scheduled to give her formal address accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for president.
The second gentleman also talked about his own stint in public service, particularly his dedication towards combating antisemitism.
"Kamala has been a relentless fighter against antisemitism and all forms of hate throughout her career. She's the one who inspired me, as her second in command, to take up this battle, which holds such personal significance for me," Emhoff stated.
Emhoff, as the first Jew to be married to a president or vice president, also touched upon his faith. He acknowledged that "over the past decade, Kamala has rekindled my spiritual connection, despite our differing beliefs."
During his speech in the VIP area on Tuesday night, Emhoff's parents, Barbara and Michael, were present, and he affectionately saluted them. He even joked that his "ma is the only individual in the entire world who views Kamala as the fortunate one for tying the knot with me."
Emhoff also expressed gratitude towards his former wife, Kerstin, who was in the VIP section at the United Center along with other members of the Emhoff and Harris families. He acknowledged their role in creating a wonderfully modern blended family. He mentioned that his daughter, Ella, who was seated beside Emhoff's parents in the VIP suite, refers to them as a "three-headed parenting machine."
Red "Doug" signs were distributed to convention attendees before Emhoff's speech, several of which could be seen in the VIP box with Emhoff's family members.
Emhoff further highlighted the importance of politics in his speech, stating, "In this role, one must understand the complexities of politics and advocate for policies that promote equality and justice." Later, he expressed his admiration for Harris' commitment to politics, saying, "Her ability to navigate the political landscape while staying true to her values is truly inspiring."
