CHICAGO — Second gentleman Doug Emhoff attempted to redirect criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris’ much-derided “cackle” Tuesday — saying in his Democratic convention speech that “I love that laugh!”
Emhoff, 59, praised his wife, also 59, recalling how they came to date after a client shared her phone number and he left an awkward voicemail.
“She called me back and we talked for an hour. We laughed — you know that laugh! I love that laugh,” Emhoff said of his wife of nearly 10 years.
Emhoff added that “with that laugh and that look, with compassion and convention, she’ll lead with the belief that wherever we come from, whatever we look like, we are strongest when we fight for what we believe in, not just against what we fear.”
Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has for years faced criticism of her uproarious laughter, with detractors at times questioning whether it’s a genuine expression.
A prominent Democrat told The Post following President Biden’s dismal June 27 debate — which set in motion his retirement — that Harris would be a poor pick to replace him due to the habit.
Follow along with The Post’s live reporting of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
“She would cackle her way all the way to the Oval [Office] if she could,” the Democrat told The Post ahead of Biden’s July 21 decision to drop out and endorse Harris — during a period of time in which other Democrats were viewed as possible replacements for Biden.
Emhoff also revealed in his convention speech that he — like Harris — worked at McDonald’s in one of his first jobs.
“I worked at McDonald’s in high school for some extra cash. Not only was I employee of the month, but I still have the framed picture, which you just saw. And there was a ring, Golden Arches and all,” he said.
Emhoff also hailed Harris for supporting his Jewish faith.
“Over the last decade, Kamala has connected me more deeply to my faith, even though it’s not the same as hers. She comes to synagogue with me for high holiday services, and I go to church with her for Easter,” he said.
“She makes a mean brisket for Passover. It brings me right back to my grandmother’s apartment in Brooklyn, you know, the one with the plastic covered couches.”
