Doug Emhoff Remembers First Meeting Kamala Harris at DNC Convention, Sparks Local Pride and Debate Over Hometown Identity
OLD BRIDGE – In a heartfelt speech at the Democratic National Convention, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff shared the story of his first encounter with Vice President Kamala Harris, igniting a wave of nostalgia and local pride among New Jersey residents. Emhoff, who has been actively campaigning for his wife, took a moment to reflect on his "typical Jersey suburban childhood," reminiscing about riding bikes and enjoying Slurpees after Little League games.
"In my neighborhood, everyone left their garage door open," Emhoff recalled. "Wherever you ended up at dinnertime, that’s the family that fed you. Everyone took care of everyone else." This sentiment resonated deeply with many, including local residents who share similar childhood experiences in Old Bridge.
However, amidst the warm memories, a playful feud has emerged over Emhoff’s hometown identity. While he often refers to himself as being from Matawan, many locals insist he is, in fact, from Old Bridge. Richard Pucciarelli, president of the Madison-Old Bridge Historical Society, pointed out the discrepancy, noting, “If he went to Cedar Ridge High School, how could he have lived in Matawan?”
The debate over Emhoff’s roots is more than just a matter of geography; it’s a point of pride for Old Bridge residents. The Emhoff family moved to the area in 1968, when it was still known as Madison Township. Emhoff attended Cedar Ridge High School and participated in local sports, yet his connection to Matawan has overshadowed his Old Bridge upbringing in various media narratives.
As a self-proclaimed local enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a kinship with Emhoff. Our families both moved to Old Bridge around the same age, albeit decades apart. I’ve enjoyed the same post-practice Slurpees and local hangouts, but I can’t shake the feeling of a Jersey cold shoulder when it comes to his hometown claim.
The Emhoff family’s Lake Ridge neighborhood, while technically close to Matawan, has an Old Bridge mailing address. This has led to confusion and frustration among locals who feel their town is being overlooked. Even during a recent Good Morning America feature, Emhoff’s childhood home was highlighted, yet the segment prominently featured a “welcome to Matawan” sign.
Despite the playful rivalry, it’s clear that Emhoff has made a significant impact on his community. Old Bridge Mayor Debbie Walker expressed her pride in having a local figure in the national spotlight, even if he’s not fully embracing his roots. “Nobody really talks about it, to tell you the truth,” she said. “The most important thing to my son is that Metallica shouts out Old Bridge whenever they play a concert.”
As Emhoff continues to campaign for his wife, the question remains: will he embrace his Old Bridge identity? If he does, it could elevate him to the top of the unofficial Old Bridge power rankings, surpassing even Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Junot Diaz.
In a world where hometown pride often shapes our identities, Emhoff’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging where we come from. As he heads into Election Day and potentially into the history books, let’s hope he remembers the values of loyalty and community that define both Old Bridge and New Jersey as a whole.
Mike Davis, a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering local news in New Jersey, invites readers to share their thoughts on hometown pride and identity. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @byMikeDavis.
