Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to the stage at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris to spotlight Doug Emhoff's vision of modern masculinity.
The event at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, highlighted Emhoff’s supportive role amidst recent allegations while underscoring his distinctive character.
Ocasio-Cortez delivered her remarks on Wednesday night, praising Emhoff in front of an audience comprising primarily students.
Breitbart reported that she pointed to Emhoff, husband to Vice President Harris, as a figure who defies traditional notions of masculinity. According to her, Emhoff exemplifies a man who can support and elevate his wife's career.
This praise of Emhoff as an example for American men comes after Emhoff's ex-girlfriend came forward alleging that Emhoff physically struck her. There are also serious allegations that Emhoff was a toxic sexist at his workplace.
The congresswoman emphasized the importance of his role in contrast to some outdated macho stereotypes.
Ocasio-Cortez noted, "He's able to stand beside the vice president’s side and lift her up instead of put her down." She applauded Emhoff's confidence in allowing those around him to excel without feeling threatened by their success.
The timing of these accolades follows accusations made by a woman identified as "Jane," who claimed Emhoff slapped her more than a decade ago during an argument at the Cannes Film Festival. The accusation has been strongly denied by Emhoff.
Nonetheless, Ocasio-Cortez underscored his character, dismissing any potential shadows these claims might cast over his public persona.
Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks align with earlier portrayals by mainstream media. Catherine Rampell, a columnist for The Washington Post, previously attributed Emhoff with attributes befitting a "modern-day sex symbol." Ocasio-Cortez embraced this idea, saying, "He's not afraid to embody and pass on these values of security and this idea that you can, you can let your girl shine."
The congresswoman elaborated on what she sees as Emhoff's willingness to support women in leadership roles. She commented that Emhoff's actions serve as an inspirational role model, particularly as someone who might soon step into the role of the nation's first First Gentleman.
The discussion of Emhoff's traits came at a strategic campaign event for Harris, where issues of gender play a central theme. Reports suggest that Emhoff has consistently supported initiatives that promote female empowerment and gender equity, both at home and on national platforms.
“He knows that by lifting up women, he’s also lifting up his fellow men around him,” Ocasio-Cortez stated, capturing the essence of Emhoff's philosophy that advancing women's rights benefits everyone. His commitment seems palpable to many, particularly in an age where collaborations between genders are pivotal.
AOC's praises come as Emhoff faces allegations that he beat his ex-girlfriend at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. Emhoff has categorically denied the accusations but in this new era of "guilty until proven innocent," Emhoff has a lot to explain.
Democrats have trashed Trump's character for years based on unproven allegations so now Emhoff will face the same standard that Trump has had to live with.
AOC's willingness to praise Emhoff as a masculine example so soon after his ex-girlfriend came forward with her allegations suggests that AOC and many Democrats don't actually care about violence against women.
