Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 15, 2024 7:08 pm GMT
Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, recently made headlines not just for politics but also for food, as he enjoyed a popular meal at Whataburger in Texas. This visit was part of a broader campaign effort, emphasizing the importance of voter registration as Harris aims for the presidency.
A Lunch Stop with Local Flavor
On September 23, Doug Emhoff joined former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke for a casual lunch at Whataburger, a beloved fast-food chain in Austin, Texas. The two attended an event to support Harris’s campaign before enjoying a tasty meal.
During their lunch, Emhoff ordered the number two combo, which includes a double-meat Whataburger with fries. He customized his meal by removing the pickles and adding onion rings, and he also looked forward to the spicy ketchup. For his drink, he combined two-thirds of Diet Coke with one-third of regular Coke.
O’Rourke, a known fan of Whataburger, also shared his meal choice. He went for a double-meat burger topped with jalapeños and no tomatoes. The duo took the time to take photos with staff and diners, showcasing their casual approach despite the serious campaign efforts surrounding them.
Driving Voter Registration in Texas
Following their lunch, Emhoff urged Texans to take action against recent Republican voting laws and emphasized the importance of registering to vote. “Don’t let anyone prevent you from registering and from voting,” he stated, highlighting the need for civic engagement.
Raising Funds and Awareness
Before stopping for lunch, Emhoff and O’Rourke raised over $1 million at a fundraiser in Austin. O’Rourke mentioned the renewed sense of energy surrounding Harris’s candidacy, especially among younger voters. “They’re calling it the Kamala effect. Young people are getting registered to vote in record numbers,” he said.
O’Rourke is using his political group, Powered by People, to encourage voter registration among college students. This initiative comes after his results in previous elections. He has lost bids for the Senate, presidency, and governorship over the past few years but is determined to focus on increasing voter turnout this cycle.
Recent Trends in Voter Registration
According to data from TargetSmart, a Democratic polling firm, newly registered voters in Texas have shown a significant trend toward the Democratic Party this election cycle. Notably, after President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign in July, newly registered voters leaned Democratic by a 10-point margin. This shift is significant compared to the Republican advantage seen in the same period in 2020, which was a 16-point lead for the GOP.
TargetSmart analyzes voter registration data without requiring individuals to register with a political party, using demographic and consumer data to assess voter tendencies. Their findings suggest that the momentum among young voters could play a pivotal role in the upcoming election.
What’s Next for Harris and Emhoff?
As Emhoff continues his support for Harris’s campaign, he draws on both personal engagements—like sharing meals at Whataburger—and strategic fundraising efforts. The focus remains on translating enthusiasm into tangible outcomes at the polls. The efforts to register voters, especially young people, could reshape the political landscape in Texas and beyond.
With the combination of grassroots campaigning and community outreach through popular venues like Whataburger, the campaign aims to build on current momentum. The visible commitment to engaging with the public, alongside the powerful fundraising capabilities, sets a strong foundation for the Harris campaign as it moves forward.
As the race gets more important, Texas voters will see more visits and efforts from the Harris campaign. They want to remind everyone how important it is to take part in our democracy and be responsible citizens.
