A recent opinion piece in the Washington Post has sparked controversy by describing Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff as a "modern-day sex symbol" and "fantasy man" for women.
As reported by Breitbart News, Rampell's column praises Emhoff for being "secure enough with his own masculinity" to support Vice President Kamala Harris's political ambitions.
The article, penned by political columnist Catherine Rampell, argues that Emhoff's willingness to prioritize his wife's career makes him an ideal partner for working women despite his past marital issues.
The piece downplays Emhoff's admitted extramarital affair during his previous marriage, instead focusing on his decision to leave his law career to support his wife's role in the Biden administration.
Rampell's article highlights Emhoff's professional background as a partner at DLA Piper, one of America's largest law firms by revenue. In November 2020, Emhoff left this position to focus on his role as Second Gentleman, a move that Rampell characterizes as making him a "hunk" in the eyes of working women.
The columnist argues that Emhoff's willingness to step back from his own career exemplifies a trend seen in popular culture, where male characters prove their worth by supporting their partners' professional goals. She cites television shows like "Jane the Virgin," "Younger," and "GLOW" as examples of this dynamic.
Rampell contrasts Emhoff's approach with what she describes as conservative portrayals of masculinity, suggesting that his supportive role represents a more progressive ideal of partnership.
While praising Emhoff's current role, the Washington Post piece briefly acknowledges his past marital issues. Emhoff reportedly had an affair with his children's nanny during his previous marriage to film producer Kerstin Emhoff, resulting in a pregnancy.
Rampell writes:
Whatever his previous marital drama, that makes him the working woman's ideal partner today: He's a high-achieving alpha but isn't threatened if his wife is, too.
This dismissal of Emhoff's past infidelity in favor of his current supportive role has drawn criticism from some readers and commentators.
The opinion piece concludes with a comparison between Emhoff and Senator JD Vance, who is currently running as former President Donald Trump's vice presidential candidate. Rampell criticizes Vance for what she terms "retrograde views on gender" despite his wife, Usha Vance, 's successful legal career.
The columnist notes that Usha Vance also left her position at a prominent law firm when her husband decided to run for vice president. However, Rampell does not characterize this sacrifice in the same positive light as Emhoff's career change.
In conclusion, Catherine Rampell's Washington Post opinion piece has generated discussion by portraying Doug Emhoff as a "modern sex symbol" and "ideal partner" for working women. The article praises Emhoff's decision to support his wife's political career while downplaying his past marital issues. It contrasts his approach with conservative figures and suggests that his willingness to prioritize his partner's ambitions makes him attractive to contemporary women.
