Washington Post Gushes Over Doug Emhoff, Calling Him a ‘Modern-Day Sex Symbol’

The Washington Post has stirred up controversy with its recent opinion column hailing Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff as a "modern-day sex symbol." In the piece, columnist Catherine Rampell argues that Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Kamala Harris, represents the "modern female fantasy" by being secure enough to prioritize his wife's ambitions over his own.

In a rather bold comparison, Rampell suggests that Emhoff surpasses Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling in the attractiveness department, particularly for women who seek a partner willing to take a backseat to their own professional aspirations. “Move over, Ryan Gosling. The modern female fantasy is embodied by the man who might soon become our first First Gentleman,” Rampell gushes.

• Media Praise: The Washington Post’s glowing portrayal of Emhoff as a "genuine mensch" and an "ideal partner" has been echoed by other left-wing media outlets, who have lauded him as the archetype of a modern man—one who supposedly appeals to men who are not "testosterone-laden."

• Controversial Past: The column lightly touches on Emhoff’s scandalous past, including his affair during his first marriage, which led to his lover becoming pregnant. The affair is dismissed with little more than a throwaway line, as Rampell emphasizes Emhoff's current role as the perfect partner for a working woman.

• Democratic Strategy: This media push coincides with comments from CNN anchor Dana Bash, who noted that the Democratic Party is trying to appeal to men who don’t fit the "testosterone-laden" stereotype, portraying figures like Emhoff as the new model of masculinity for the modern era.

While the Washington Post and other outlets celebrate Emhoff as a symbol of progressive masculinity, the glowing coverage has not been without criticism. Many conservatives see this as yet another example of the left’s attempt to redefine traditional gender roles and promote figures that align with their ideological goals.

The portrayal of Emhoff as a “hunk” and the downplaying of his controversial past have led to accusations of media bias, with critics arguing that such praise would not be afforded to a similar figure on the right. This effort to elevate Emhoff as the embodiment of the modern man is seen by some as part of a broader strategy to reshape cultural narratives ahead of the 2024 election.

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