Doug Emhoff Strikes a Self-Effacing Tone to Humanize Kamala

The second gentleman leaned into a different tone that was less about introducing himself to the nation and more about reintroducing Kamala Harris.

Doug Emhoff speaks during the DNC 2024
Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff speaks during the Democratic National Convention. Erin Hooley/AP

Well into the second night of the Democratic National Convention, during an evening when Democrats touted their political wins and strategically attacked the GOP’s record, second gentleman Doug Emhoff took a notably different approach: He tried to be human.

Emhoff attempted to shed light on the private version of Kamala Harris that he knows — a caring mother, a relatable wife — while also trying to be self-deprecating and approachable himself. (At one point, he shouted out his fantasy football league.)

Emhoff also shared the slightly embarrassing story of asking Harris out on a date over voicemail — a voicemail that Harris apparently makes Emhoff listen to every anniversary, leading off with “Heyyyy, it’s Douuuggggg” — and made the case that his wife’s “empathy is her strength.”