I have typically refrained from addressing the roles of presidential spouses, and I do not spend much time engaging with content surrounding them. The reason for this is clear: a political figure’s choice of partner has little bearing on their governance, and ultimately, no one votes for a spouse. However, I am particularly interested in the role Doug Emhoff will play this fall, as it is compelling and potentially significant.
Emhoff’s upcoming appearance in Chicago on Tuesday night is noteworthy because he will be stepping into a role that has never existed in American politics—the first gentleman. Although he is only the second man to aim for this role, following Bill Clinton, who was a former president and a unique political figure, Emhoff’s situation is distinct. While Clinton had to largely remain in the background in 2016, Emhoff will be positioned differently.
Traditionally, first ladies have balanced public expectations by being both strong in their own right and supportive of their spouse, displaying authenticity and warmth while ensuring they do not overshadow the main candidate. Emhoff’s challenge, however, is somewhat the opposite. If I were to draft a speech for him, I would focus on demonstrating his admiration for Kamala Harris as a spouse and stepmother while ensuring he does not appear completely overshadowed by her presence. It’s crucial for American men to see Harris through her husband’s eyes without viewing Emhoff as a mere submissive figure.
Moreover, Emhoff’s role could be critical for the campaign, particularly regarding issues of race and ethnicity. This is a sensitive area. Discussions surrounding race relations are complicated by the challenge of understanding private conversations that occur out of public view. Many Black individuals might assume that White people discuss race differently when only among themselves, while White individuals might think the same about conversations in the Black community.
Barack Obama managed this dynamic by highlighting his connections to White family members. He, as a man, also avoided grappling with stereotypes related to the “angry Black woman.” Some White men, especially those undecided voters potentially leaning toward Donald Trump, may harbor concerns that a Black female candidate like Harris perceives them negatively.
Harris must also consider the views of American Jews, a key demographic within the Democratic Party. Her outspoken stance on human rights related to the Israel-Gaza conflict could raise doubts among many, notably older American Jews, about her support for Israel.
In this context, Emhoff could serve as a vital validator for Harris. As her White husband, he can reassure White voters that Harris does not hold any hidden grievances. Additionally, as someone who has openly discussed antisemitism, Emhoff can convey to Jewish voters that while Harris may critique Israel, she does not bear hostility towards Jews or the Jewish state.
Harris’s identity as a half-Black, half-Indian woman involves complexities regarding race and power that may not be easily articulated. Emhoff’s task in the coming months should be to clarify and simplify these complexities. His role will be to allay any concerns among White voters about a potential President Kamala Harris, affirming that if there were any underlying tensions, he would be well aware of them.