Emhoff has been referring to the raging antisemitism, of which he says he thought was well behind us, as an “epidemic of hate,” and has been working to eliminate it over the past two years.

Article by Tommy Lynch, Junior White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON - On Friday, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff sat down with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Ryan Coonerty at a NewDEAL conference to discuss being the first Second Gentleman, working with a divided government, and how to combat the rise of antisemitism in the world today. The NewDEAL is a network of elected officials who come together to promote progress and unity in the government. According to their website, they are “pro-growth progressives.”

Emhoff began by speaking to the effectiveness of the American Rescue Plan. The $1.9 trillion stimulus package helped America recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. “The dollars of the American Rescue Plan saved lives,” said Emhoff, praising the Biden-Harris administration for taking action, “...That's a really great example of cause and effect, of professionals coming into the federal government and tackling really hard problems.”

Coonerty followed by asking the Second Gentleman how a divided government can work together. After the midterm elections, the Republican party gained nine seats in the House of Representatives, taking control away from the Democratic party. In the Senate, the Republican and Democratic parties both have 49 seats.

“We’re gonna start from a position of ‘let's do this together,’” Emhoff said, emphasizing the importance of unity in America, “...We want results.”

Emhoff explained that the best way to help the country is to spread the word. He urges Americans to speak up, promising that he is listening to the people and wants to know what he can do to help.

“We want everyone to know we’re at work for the American people,” Emhoff said.

Coonerty then spoke to the Second Gentleman about the rise of antisemitism in the country. Emhoff is the first Jewish Second Gentleman, and is doing what he can to put preventative measures in place.

“It's painful. It hurts,” Emhoff said regarding the rise in hate speech.

Emhoff has been referring to the raging antisemitism, of which he says he thought was well behind us, as an “epidemic of hate,” and has been working to eliminate it over the past two years. In May of this year, Deborah Lipstadt was confirmed as the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism as an Ambassador.

“I do not see this just as a Jewish issue, this is an issue for all of us,” Emhoff said, explaining that this is an interfaith issue.

“As long as I have this microphone, I'm going to keep speaking up, speaking out...about hatred and bringing everyone else together,” Emhoff said, “...We cannot make this normal.”

Coonerty followed by shifting to a lighter subject, asking if Emhoff received advice from Dr. Jill Biden, who told him to be his true self, but he should “buckle in,” as he is following the Trump administration as well as being the first Second Gentleman in history. Coonerty also asked about his experiences as Second Gentleman.

“I work for my wife now,” Emhoff said, “...I'm there to support her as her husband... I'm there to support the vice president, the president, [and] the first lady in this administration.”

Emhoff said that the biggest adjustment was going from having a private to public life, saying that it takes a lot of effort to see anyone, including close friends and family. However, the incredibly unique nature of his position is not lost on him.

“Don't take any of this for granted, it's temporary, and you're in history,” Emhoff reminds himself in order to take it slow and appreciate where he is.

Emhoff also emphasized the pressure he feels working for the first female Vice President in American History.

“I don't want to screw this up,” Emhoff said, “...I don't want a future Kamala Harris to say ‘well I can't do this because Doug Emhoff screwed this up’... I want more women in leadership.”