Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris's more-than-perfect husband
ProfileWith his wife, a US presidential candidate; his children; and his ex-wife, Doug Emhoff provides a model blended family. This 59-year-old lawyer, a symbol of modern, progressive and feminist masculinity, is the antithesis of Donald Trump. He could become the first first gentleman in US history.
It was a decisive political moment... and the staging of a scene hard to imagine anywhere but America. "And Happy Anniversary Dougie. I love you so very much." That's how Vice President Kamala Harris addressed her husband, Doug Emhoff, on Thursday, August 22, during her acceptance speech for her party's nomination for the next presidential election. It was the culmination of the spectacular Democratic National Convention, where fervor and emotion took center stage.
As luck would have it, this ritual speech fell on the very day of the couple's 10th wedding anniversary. This allowed the candidate to open her speech with a vibrant tribute to the "incredible partner" and "incredible father to Cole and Ella." With tears in his eyes, the recipient of these remarks blew a kiss to his wife on the giant screen, in front of a delirious audience.
The popularity of Emhoff, a 59-year-old lawyer hitherto little known to the general public, literally exploded during those four days of pure joy for the Democratic camp. He handled self-mockery as much as boundless admiration for his wife. He proved eminently sympathetic and hid nothing of his emotions, even tossing out thanks to his ex-wife and mother of his children, producer Kerstin Emhoff (née Mackin).
Mugs and T-shirts bearing his image
The day after Emhoff's memorable convention speech, "Dougmania" was launched: "a modern sex symbol" and embodiment of the "easygoing American dad," wrote the Washington Post. "Kamala Harris' secret weapon" according to the Boston Globe. In the Chicago sports arena, participants clutched "Doug" signs. On the official Democratic campaign website, accessories bearing the image of Harris's husband have also been a hit. For around $100 dollars, you can buy the complete Doug-fan kit, from mugs to posters to T-shirts featuring Emhoff's face at the age of 20.
Megan Burk, a bartender from North Carolina, unearthed the photo and posted it on social media on July 24, setting the internet ablaze. A fanbase immediately sprang up, dubbing itself "D-Unit." They compare Emhoff to Travis Kelce, American football star and girlfriend of pop star Taylor Swift, who accompanies her everywhere, including on stage, and shows his devotion whenever he can. "Doug Emhoff shouldn't be texting me long paragraphs if he wants money. He should be sending rare photos of him in the 80s," read the message from one internet user on X.
"I remember when Obama ran, there were all these pictures of him when he was young, with his afro. He looked freer and so cool," explained Burk. A 40-year-old Democratic activist and mother of a young daughter, she had previously supported Harris's candidacy when she ran for the 2020 Democratic nomination, won by Joe Biden. "I saved Doug's picture from four years ago. I thought it'd help young voters to relate, it's such a timeless pic. He looks like a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt – if it was a thirst trap, it was a very respectful thirst trap. I never thought that 2 million people would see it! I wish I was involved with the merch," she laughed. "But I'm happy with how it turned out: He's a great model for young men, they can finally see a man comfortable to see a woman lead."
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