MSNBC host Jen Psaki suggested Sunday that Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff “changed the perception of masculinity” by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
“There's also an important and interesting part about how people talk about your role, and that's how your role changed the perception of masculinity,” Psaki said with a little laugh. “I don't know if you planned it, but you're an incredibly supportive spouse. Was that an evolution for you? That's the role you can play as first gentleman. Do you think that's part of it?
“It's funny. I started thinking about this a lot. I've always been like this. My dad has always been like this. For me, supporting women is the right thing to do. That's something Kamala and I have in common. 'We support each other and have each other's backs,' Emhoff said.
U.S. Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Staff Sergeant Doug Emhoff wave as they board the Second Air Force at Joint Base Andrew, Maryland, Aug. 6, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
She added, “We've said over and over again that when we lift up women, we support them in pay equity, child care, family leave, and all of this hellish post-Dobbs issues. Women deserve less. That shouldn't be the case. Women should do that.” Diminished rights and special treatment are not the American way. ”
MSNBC Contributor: Trump appeals to men with a 'retro macho' outlook, while Emhoff embodies a 'supportive' man
Psaki continued, “There's a pop culture phrase called 'wife man,' but are you familiar with it?”
“I've heard about it,” Emhoff said.
“'Wife's Man,' 'Proud Wife's Man.' What do you think about that?” she asked.
“If I do something that bothers Kamala and she gets mad, I'll just show her the article,” Emhoff joked.
CNN's Dana Bash said Emhoff is likely to appeal to the type of men who are “high in testosterone” and don't “own guns.” (Screenshot from MSNBC)
Various media outlets and commentators have portrayed Emhoff and Harris' running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, as different examples of masculinity that challenge former President Trump's grip on the male vote. A Washington Post columnist even called Emhoff a “progressive sex symbol.”
“Move over there, Ryan Gosling. The modern woman's fantasy is embodied by the man who may soon become our first first gentleman,” wrote Katherine Rampel.
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CNN's Dana Bash suggested on the Democratic National Committee that Emhoff and Walz appeal to less masculine voters than the Republican candidates.
“But they're trying to push the male image to the forefront, including Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff last night, to the men out there who may not be the high-testosterone type. “I can talk to them. I've got guys that want to listen to or want to listen to guys like Hulk Hogan and the guys that came out at the RNC,” she said.
Emhoff commented that people thought he had a “wife and kids.” (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“But in addition to that, understand that in 2024 it's okay to be a self-satisfied man who supports women. It's about them trying to get beyond their base and seriously engage with male voters.” That's it,” she added.
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