Emhoff thanked Harris on the Chicago stage for stepping up for the nation when she is needed. He said her strength is empathy often finding joy in pursuing justice.
"She will lead with joy and toughness, with that laugh and that look, with compassion and conviction. She'll lead from the belief that wherever we come from, we're strongest when we fight for what we believe, and not just against what we fear," Emhoff said.
During his speech, the former attorney opened about how a client of his gave him Harris' phone number after connecting them on a blind date.
"For generations people debated when to call the person you're being set up with. And never in history has anyone suggested 8:30 a.m." Emhoff said.
US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS . AFP via Getty Images
He said the two quickly connected and adding that he immediately fell in love with her laugh. He attested that Harris has always been supportive of his two children, who called her "Mamala," and will be there for the nation's children.
When President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection, Emhoff thanked him on an X post for his "honesty, decency, and integrity,"
"Alongside @VP, they have fought tirelessly for families and communities, delivering for Americans across our nation. I am so proud of their accomplishments and thankful for their leadership," Emhoff said.
Watch first gentleman Doug Emhoff's complete DNC convention speech
What to know about Doug Emhoff?
Who is he? Emhoff is a lawyer and the second gentleman of the United States as he is the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.
What role he plays: Emhoff is a guest speaker at the Democratic National Convention.
Key quote: "My mother is the only person in the whole world who thinks Kamala is the lucky one for marrying me."
If Harris is elected in November, he would be the first man to serve as the U.S. first gentleman by 2025.
He and Harris met in 2013 after a blind date set by a mutual friend. The two got married the following year and are celebrating 10 years of marriage on Thursday. The wedding was held in Santa Barbara, California and was officiated by Harris’ sister, Maya.
It was Harris’ first marriage and Emhoff’s second. Emhoff's first wife is film producer Kerstin Emhoff, whom he shares two children Cole and Ella.
Emhoff previously worked as an entertainment lawyer at DLA Piper. Throughout his career representing clients accused of fraud, breach of contract and false advertising, according to the law firm.
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.
Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.
How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC
The convention will air live on its website , from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.
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