As a Jewish American who worries about the rise of Jew hate at home and abroad, I was delighted and proud to hear Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband and second gentleman, speak at Tuesday’s Democrat National Convention. His ongoing fight to end hate and antisemitism on behalf of the Biden/Harris administration is noteworthy and admirable.
Needless to say, as a Democrat, I enjoyed and applauded his performance. But most important, as a nonpartisan rhetorician who studied and taught political communication during my career, I found his address superb and would assign the grade of “A.” It convincingly proved that one does not need to be an orator trained in and with a record of public speaking to deliver an outstanding speech.
Emhoff’s introduction of his wife and presentation of his touching story of their blended family was genuine, palpable and authentic, something like what we would expect an ordinary citizen — one of us — rather than a seasoned politician to make.
