Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic contender Kamala Harris are set to participate in the first presidential debate of the election season on September 10. The debate, hosted by ABC News, will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, marking the first time Harris and Trump will face each other on the debate stage.
Ahead of the debate, Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, shared insights into their personal and professional dynamics during an interview on the “Pod Save America” podcast. Emhoff, who, like Harris, had a distinguished legal career before entering politics, revealed that he has never won a debate against his wife.
“I haven’t won one,” Emhoff admitted, describing Harris as a “great debater” and a “first-class trial lawyer.” He explained that even in casual discussions, Harris skillfully lays out her arguments, sometimes leaving him realizing too late that he has fallen into a rhetorical trap. “It’s not like we’re in a debate, but I realize if we’re talking about something, any really good lawyer will lay little traps for you along the way,” he said, noting that he himself was a successful trial lawyer.
Before her political career, Harris served as the district attorney of San Francisco and the attorney general of California. Emhoff, on the other hand, was a partner at the law firm DLA Piper in Los Angeles, where he specialized in intellectual property and entertainment law. The couple, who celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary in August, have often spoken about their supportive relationship. At the Democratic National Convention last month, Emhoff expressed confidence in his wife’s leadership, stating, “Kamala Harris was exactly the right person for me at an important time in my life. At this moment in this nation’s history, she is exactly the right president.”
With the debate just days away, Emhoff offered a glimpse of what to expect from Harris on stage. “It’s Donald Trump, so who the hell knows what you’re going to get,” Emhoff remarked, but emphasized that Harris will focus on the concerns of the American people. The campaigns have exchanged sharp words while negotiating debate rules, including whether the candidates’ microphones will remain unmuted.
The debate, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 10, is highly anticipated as both campaigns prepare to make their case to the American public.
