I have generally steered clear of discussing the spouses of presidential candidates, not investing much time in reading about them either. The reason is simple: while political marriages might pique curiosity, a candidate’s choice of partner doesn’t directly influence governance, and voters do not cast ballots for a spouse. Nonetheless, I am keen to observe Doug Emhoff this fall, as his role in this campaign is intriguing and potentially significant.
Emhoff’s upcoming appearance in Chicago on Tuesday will see him step into a unique position, auditioning for a role that has never existed in American politics—the role of first gentleman. Although he will be only the second man to seek this role, the first, Bill Clinton, was a former president who had a distinctly different public profile.
Traditionally, first ladies have had to carefully navigate their public personas, balancing strength with an aura of supportiveness that enhances their partners’ appeal. Emhoff’s challenge, however, is somewhat reversed. If I were tasked with crafting his speech, I would aim for him to convey admiration for Kamala Harris, highlighting her warmth and humor as a partner and stepmother. At the same time, it is crucial for him to assert his individuality and not remain entirely overshadowed by her presence, allowing men to view Harris positively while also trusting Emhoff as a genuinely supportive figure.
What could render Emhoff’s role especially pivotal in the campaign is not only the gender dynamics but also the complex issues surrounding race and ethnicity. Understanding race relations in the United States is inherently challenging, as conversations vary significantly depending on the audience present. A lot of White individuals may speculate about the nature of discussions among Black Americans and vice versa.
Barack Obama successfully navigated this trepidation by emphasizing his White family background, while Harris faces different challenges due to stereotypes such as the “angry Black woman.”
For many White men, especially those who are uncertain about supporting former President Donald Trump, there might be concerns that a Black female figure like Harris could view them as racists or sexists. Conversely, Harris must also consider the perspectives of American Jews, a crucial demographic within the Democratic Party. Her recent comments concerning human rights violations in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict may raise questions among Jewish voters, especially among older generations.
In this context, Emhoff could serve as a vital bridge for Harris. As the White man she chose to marry, he can help reassure other White voters that Harris does not harbor hidden grievances. Furthermore, as an American Jew who has openly discussed antisemitism in recent years, Emhoff can communicate to Jewish voters that while Harris may criticize Israeli leadership, she does not carry animosity toward the Jewish community or Israel itself.
Harris’s experiences as a woman of mixed Black and Indian heritage in America are undoubtedly intricate, potentially beyond what she can articulate. Emhoff’s responsibility, particularly on Tuesday night and in the future, is to clarify and simplify these complexities, assuring potential White voters that a President Kamala Harris poses no threat, and that if there were any underlying issues, he would be the first to recognize them.