Doug Emhoff refuses to greet GOP Senator Deb Fischer's husband Bruce who snubbed Kamala Harris

A video of GOP Sen Deb Fischer's husband, Bruce, refusing to shake Kamala Harris' hand during her swearing-in ceremony on January 3 quickly went viral
UPDATED JAN 23, 2025
Doug Emhoff apparently confronted Bruce Fischer about his refusal to shake hands with Kamala Harris during ceremonial tea at the White House on January 20 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images, C-SPAN)
Doug Emhoff apparently confronted Bruce Fischer about his refusal to shake hands with Kamala Harris during ceremonial tea at the White House on January 20 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images, C-SPAN)

WASHINGTON, DC: Kamala Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, reportedly got into a tense exchange with Senator Deb Fischer's husband, Bruce Fischer, over what was considered an insult against the former vice president.

The former second gentleman was out for blood at President Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, January 20, and blatantly snubbed the Nebraska senator's husband who turned down his wife's offer of a handshake earlier this month during her swearing-in ceremony, according to CNN



 

Doug Emhoff refuses to shake hands with Bruce Fischer reportedly snubbed Kamala Harris

In a widely shared video of the incident from January 3, Bruce Fischer was seen clutching a cane in one hand and the Bible in the other while his wife Deb Fischer administered the oath while appearing to avoid eye contact with Kamala Harris. 

After taking her oath, Deb shook Harris' hand, but the senator's husband merely gave the vice president a brief "thank you" before putting his free hand in his pocket.

Videos of the incident immediately went viral, evoking responses from people of all political persuasions. Deb later posted pictures of the swearing-in ceremony on social media, but she made no mention of her husband's behavior.

NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 31: Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and second gentleman Doug Emhoff gesture after Harris spoke at a
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff gesture after Harris spoke at a 'When We Vote We Win' campaign rally at Craig Ranch Amphitheater on October 31, 2024, in North Las Vegas, Nevada (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

According to an insider, Emhoff hasn't been able to forgive Bruce for the insult.

Emhoff allegedly told Bruce during the White House ceremonial tea on the day of Trump's inauguration, "Why would you try to shake my hand when you wouldn’t shake my wife’s hand?" as per Daily Beast.

Bruce later expressed regret for avoiding Harris' handshake, as per CNN. The insider added that Emhoff's incident with Bruce involved neither the Nebraska senator nor the former vice president.

Internet hails Doug Emhoff's 'perfect response' to Bruce Fischer's refusal to shake Kamala Harris' hand

After news of Doug Emhoff's vengeful response to Bruce Fischer's apparent snubbing came to light, netizens flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinions on the move.

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris departs the stage with Second gentleman Doug Emhoff after conceding the election, at Howard University on November 06, 2024 in Washington, DC. After a contentious campaign focused on key battleground states, the Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump was projected to secure the majority of electoral votes, giving him a second term as U.S. President. Republicans also secured control of the Senate for the first time in four years. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Kamala Harris departs the stage with Doug Emhoff after conceding the election at Howard University on November 6, 2024, in Washington, DC (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

One wrote, "Agrre. Perfect response from Emhoff. If we're honest most Americans would do the exact same thing," and another declared, "Doug is the First Gentleman we deserved."

"OMG The almost first 'man' called him out!! Holy smokes how brave," chimed in a person, with someone else saying, "That’s what a real man does. If you don’t respect my wife, f you & your handshake. Maybe @tedcruz should pay attention. You let Trump talk about your whole damn family & kissed his a** as soon as you could."

"I can not express how much I love this!!! Huge respect to Doug Emhoff Defending your love's honour so perfectly," one more expressed. 

Another person added, "Good for him. It’s nice to see that everyone hasn’t turned into a spineless coward."

"Outstanding Doug. Several other male politicians could learn from you - RESPECT FOR YOUR SPOUSE - Thank you @DouglasE," an admirer wrote. 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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