The husband of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, R-Neb., who notoriously refused to shake palms together with his spouse, former Vice President Kamala Harris, was apparently checked by former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff earlier this month. Bruce Fischer tried to shake Emoff’s hand at a White Home ceremonial tea reception on Jan. 20 earlier than President Donald Trump’s inauguration. In line with CNN, Emhoff declined the gesture, viewing it as a slight towards his spouse.
After his spouse was sworn in on Jan. 3, Harris congratulated him and tried to shake his hand, however Bruce prevented eye contact. As an alternative, he nodded his head, glanced down and murmured “thanks” as a substitute of returning her handshake. The interplay prompted widespread anger with accusations of sexism and bigotry towards America’s first feminine, first Black lady and first South Asian vice chairman. Harris, who appeared utterly stunned by the rebuff, remained composed smiled again and whispered, “You positive?”
Fischer was criticized by Emhoff on Jan. 20 for what he perceived as an insult to his spouse of ten years.
“You wouldn’t shake my spouse’s hand, so why would you attempt to shake mine?” Emhoff advised Fischer, CNN reported. The media outlet added that, following the confrontation, Bruce ultimately got here again to Emhoff to apologize. In line with the outlet, “tempers had cooled” after the 2 had a “cordial” discuss. After some time, the 2 males began discussing “different topics.” Sen. Fischer and former Vice President Harris weren’t current in the course of the alternate between Bruce and Emhoff.
After the inauguration, Harris and Emhoff left workplace and went again to their residence state of California as bizarre residents. The couple’s first vacation spot was Altadena, the place they assisted in delivering meals to wildfire victims in Los Angeles and spoke with volunteers. Additionally they went to a hearth station in Los Angeles County the place she thanked the firefighters.
“It was actually essential for us earlier than we went residence … we’re a number of the fortunate ones. Our residence remains to be standing,” Harris advised reporters on the hearth station. “We simply wished to return out … and simply let [the community] know that we see them and that they’re cared for.”
“Moments of disaster actually do reveal the heroes amongst us,” the previous vice chairman mentioned in regards to the firefighters and volunteers.
“California firefighters, time and time once more, show themselves to be the perfect on the type of work that’s about coping with these moments of unprecedented disaster and doing it with extraordinary braveness and sacrifice,” she added.