Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, brought a personal touch to a Democratic rally in The Villages on Friday, September 13, 2024, highlighting his Jewish heritage and suggesting a historic first for the White House, the Leesburg Daily Commercial reported.
During his speech at the Lake Miona Pool and Recreational Center, Emhoff, known as the second gentleman, told the crowd that his wife "was the one who has encouraged me to live openly and proudly as a Jewish person. She's the one who encouraged me to make sure we have a mezuzah at the vice president's residence, and if they let me, I hope they do, I'll have one at the White House too."
Emhoff at The Villages:
Harris "was the one who's encouraged me to live openly and proudly as a Jewish person.
"She's the one who encouraged me to make sure we have a mezuzah at the vice president's residence, and if they let me — I hope they do — I'll have one at the WH too." pic.twitter.com/3ie1NJIzDT
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) September 15, 2024
The event, part of the Harris campaign's strategy to make inroads in traditionally conservative areas, saw Emhoff mixing personal anecdotes with political messaging. Emhoff also addressed key campaign issues and criticized Former President Donald Trump. He emphasized Harris' performance in the recent presidential debate, praising her direct confrontation with Trump.
"She revealed to the entire world what he is: a fraud," Emhoff said, referring to the debate. "He's a fraud on every level; he didn't know anything. He literally didn't know anything about anything except lying, and she just exposed him: The emperor has no clothes."
The rally attracted Democrats from both within and outside The Villages, a community known for its conservative leanings. Attendees and Florida Democratic candidates expressed optimism about the campaign's momentum.
Despite The Villages' reputation as a Republican stronghold, local Democrats reported growing enthusiasm for the Harris campaign. "I think the turnout for Democrats will be a hundred percent," said Maddy Bacher, a Villages resident.
Who is ready for a Villages golf cart parade?! pic.twitter.com/dJIbXUmEG6
— Barbie for Congress (FL-11) (@BarbieHardnHall) September 13, 2024
The rally concluded with Emhoff leading a golf cart parade, showcasing the growing visibility of Democrats in The Villages community.
According to Florida Politics, recent polling by Morning Consult suggests a close presidential race in Florida, despite a 1 million-voter advantage for Republicans.
