WaPo Gushes Over Emhoff

Let’s dive into a topic that’s sparking quite a bit of chatter—an opinion piece published by The Washington Post that describes Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff as a “modern-day sex symbol.”

Yes, you heard that right! The article, penned by opinion columnist Catherine Rampell, paints Emhoff as the embodiment of the modern female fantasy, even suggesting he surpasses Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling in the dreamboat department.

So, what makes Emhoff such a standout in Rampell’s eyes? According to her, it’s not just his appearance or charm, but his willingness to support his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, in her ambitious career. Rampell writes, “Emhoff appears to be a genuine mensch with an impressive career.

He’s smitten with his wife and supports her ambitions, as is obvious from his convention speech and their sweet interactions on the campaign trail. But most important for this sexy sobriquet: Emhoff is secure enough with his own masculinity to sometimes prioritize his wife’s ambitions over his own.” In other words, the real appeal here is Emhoff’s modern take on masculinity—one that embraces supportiveness and a willingness to step back, letting his wife shine.

Rampell’s enthusiasm is clear when she adds, “What. A. Hunk,” emphasizing that Emhoff represents a shift in what some might consider the ideal partner, especially in the context of today’s evolving gender roles.

But the column doesn’t shy away from Emhoff’s past, albeit briefly. It mentions his previous marital drama—a scandal that involved an affair during his first marriage. Emhoff reportedly had a relationship with a teacher at his children’s school, which led to a pregnancy. While the details surrounding the outcome of this situation remain murky, with sources suggesting a miscarriage, Rampell brushes this off, implying that his current standing as a supportive partner to Harris overshadows his past.

The piece aligns with a broader narrative in some media circles, where Emhoff is being celebrated as the kind of man who resonates with a certain demographic—men who don’t fit the “testosterone-laden” stereotype.

CNN’s Dana Bash touched on this idea, noting that the Democratic Party is trying to appeal to men who might not identify with the more traditional, rugged image often showcased by their political opponents. Instead, they’re promoting figures like Emhoff and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as examples of men who are comfortable in their own skin, supportive of strong women, and embodying a different kind of masculinity.

Bash highlighted this strategy by contrasting Emhoff with the type of male figures presented at the Republican National Convention, suggesting that the Democrats are aiming to reach out to male voters who might not connect with that “Hulk Hogan” image but instead appreciate a more modern, supportive, and introspective man.