Almost two weeks after the news broke, NPR’s All Things Considered told listeners that “Second Gentleman” Doug Emhoff wasn’t a gentleman with his first wife. It came in an otherwise promotional piece by reporter Deepa Shivaram.
First, they noted he’s been on the campaign trail advocating for “reproductive rights,” claiming it’s “barbaric and immoral” to deny abortions. He speaks out for Israel, since he is Jewish.
The entire adultery mess was dismissed in 51 words, and left out more negative details.
DEEPA SHIVARAM: But before all these serious policy issues, Emhoff was maybe best known as a wife guy, a hyped-up husband who was posting about his famous wife on social media. Here he is in an interview with Esquire this week.
DOUG EMHOFF: She’s doing serious business campaigning, and I’m just goofing around saying, hey; let’s take a selfie.
DEEPA SHIVARAM: The wife-guy persona was dented slightly recently [!], when news broke that Emhoff had cheated on his first wife, Kerstin, with whom he has two adult kids. Both he and his ex-wife released statements that said they continue to have a good relationship with each other and with Harris as a co-parent.
That’s it. Shivaram left out what the London Daily Mail originally reported: Emhoff had an affair with his children’s blonde nanny, Najen Naylor. “A close friend with direct knowledge of the affair and pregnancy told DailyMail.com that Naylor did not keep the child – though her social media shows a video of a mysterious baby girl named Brook in 2009, the year the baby would have been born.”
Instead, NPR went right back to the Awesome Emhoff storyline:
DEEPA SHIVARAM: Friends of Harris and Emhoff say the second gentleman makes it a priority to be a good partner. Here’s California Senator Laphonza Butler.
LAPHONZA BUTLER: I love me some Doug Emhoff. He is an unrelenting, unflinching partner. When things are tough, he is right there. At her highest highs and her lowest lows, he is there.
SHIVARAM: That element of Emhoff’s personality could play out well politically, says, Kevin Liao, a Democratic strategist in California.
KEVIN LIAO: He’s a middle-aged man. He’s a dad. He’s a sports fan. He’s seemingly a regular dude, and I think that’s really a strength that he should lean into.
So Emhoff’s an “unrelenting partner,” unless he’s cheating on you? That element of his personally “could play well”? As long as you have taxpayer-funded reporters promoting you as a “regular dude.” He loves sports:
SHIVARAM: Emhoff is a die-hard fan of the LA Rams and says people at the White House don’t hesitate with smack talk about his fantasy football team. Liao says Emhoff’s connection to sports could appeal to voters who are skeptical of Harris.
LIAO: It doesn’t necessarily earn a vote, but it helps people be willing to listen the next time that Kamala Harris shows up on the TV.
SHIVARAM: And that willingness matters more in an election that’ll be decided on the margins. Deepa Shivaram, NPR News.
So rooting for the Rams should cause people to vote Harris — and cheating on your wife with the nanny is not expected to matter in the election. That’s strange spin.
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Conclusion: The Twists and Turns of Political Narratives
As we delve into the world of political narratives and media spin, we come face to face with the complexities of public figures and the stories that surround them. In the case of Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, we see how a narrative can be shaped and reshaped to fit certain agendas.
From advocating for important causes like reproductive rights to facing allegations of infidelity, Emhoff’s story is a mix of contrasts and contradictions. The way in which his image is portrayed in the media, particularly in outlets like NPR, raises questions about transparency and honesty in reporting.
Despite the negative aspects of his personal life coming to light, NPR chose to focus on his “regular dude” persona and his love for sports. This selective framing of his character showcases how easily narratives can be manipulated to suit a particular narrative or agenda.
As consumers of news, it is essential to approach stories with a critical eye and a discerning mind. By questioning the motives behind certain narratives and looking beyond the surface, we can gain a deeper understanding of the individuals and events that shape our world.
So, the next time you come across a news story that seems too good to be true or too one-sided, remember to dig deeper and uncover the layers of truth that lie beneath the surface.
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