Viral TikTok catches Doug Emhoff struggling to decide which side of Kamala Harris to stand on

Doug Emhoff has become first-ever second gentleman 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Wednesday 20 January 2021 17:22 EST
Comments
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris walk up Capitol steps ahead of Inaugural Ceremony

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A viral TikTok has captured the sweet moment second gentleman Doug Emhoff struggled to decide where he should stand in relation to his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris.

On Wednesday, Ms Harris was officially sworn in as the country’s new vice president, with Mr Emhoff taking on the newly created role of second gentlemen.

However, as displayed by the clip shared to TikTok by user Jessica Jones, protocol regarding which side of the vice president Mr Emhoff should stand proved to be initially confusing, with the 56-year-old going back and forth before deciding.

“Okay, I love this, because Kamala’s husband is just so sweet. He’s like: ‘Okay, which side do I have to stand on, she’s obviously the vice president, so, do I stand on her right? No, no, no, I’m not the vice president, I’ll stand over here,'” Jones narrated the clip, adding her own commentary.

As Ms Harris, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden move into position to walk up the steps of the US Capitol, Mr Emhoff continues to deliberate about his correct position.

“'Oh actually, we’re going to stand over here,'” Jones continued, as the second gentleman changed sides once again. “And then he’s like: ‘No, wait, this is the spot where the vice president would stand. Okay I’m going to stand over here for her.'”

“It’s just so cute,” Jones added while laughing.

The heartwarming moment from Inauguration Day, which has since been viewed more than 211,000 times, was met with amused reactions from viewers, who also applauded Mr Emhoff for trying his best.

“He’s such a gentleman! I love his support for her. Honest mistake… he’s also breaking barriers. Much credit to everyone!” one person commented.

Another said: “This is so cute.”

“Supportive and obviously confused, it’s the first time ever in US history… but he’s doing a good job at showing support,” someone else wrote.

Ms Harris made history today when she was sworn-in as the first Black and first female vice president.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in