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'Dougie is so bae': Video of Kamala Harris and her husband at bakery has Internet in splits

Kamala Harris said, 'Our small businesses in the United States actually employ almost half of the workforce that is not in public work'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a surprise appearance on Small Business Saturday, November 25, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff paid a visit to the Venice Bakery & Restaurant in Los Angeles, adding a touch of excitement to the local business scene.

The couple took a leisurely stroll through the bakery, choosing some treats to take with them and expressing appreciation for small businesses across the nation.

Vice President Harris took a moment to recognize not only the Venice Bakery owners but all small business owners, emphasizing their role as community and civic leaders who contribute significantly to the workforce and the economy.

"We're here to honor the work that's happening, understanding that our small businesses in the United States actually employ almost half of the workforce that is not in public work, in the government. So we're talking about a gigantic, huge workforce that is contributing to the economy, paying taxes, and doing the work that is about strengthening our economy and by extension our country," Harris said.  

Social media reacts

The couple also made a point to connect with diners on the outside patio, creating a buzz on social media where users praised Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff for his amiable demeanor.

"Dougie is so bae," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"How wonderful," another wrote.

"Like all good marriages, after trying to explain what it is, 'you’ll like it' with the arm pat. And goes with it. Love them!!" someone else reacted.

"Happy to see @VP and @SecondGentleman," a comment read.

"'He’ll like it,' I love VP and Second Gentleman’s love! Awwww," another gushed.

During the visit, Vice President Harris addressed the ongoing hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel. She stated, "We're extremely grateful that hostages were released yesterday, and we're looking forward to again another grouping released today."

Navigating the truce: Humanitarian aid and Hostage releases

Speaking about the broader context of the four-day truce in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Harris emphasized its significance in facilitating humanitarian aid and the safe release of hostages.

“This moment of pause is extraordinarily important to get humanitarian aid in," she asserted. "It’s also important to ensure that hostages can come out. So, we’re going to continue to be diligent and vigilant in doing all that we can in that regard to ensure that there’s humanitarian aid going in, and that hostages are going out and our highest priority, of course, are the American citizens being held.”

Recounting the events of the previous day, where 24 hostages were released from Gaza and 39 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails, Harris highlighted the ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of the situation.

"There were some issues and challenges around implementation," she admitted, adding, "President Biden spoke with the Emir (of Qatar) to resolve those issues, and we do believe they are being resolved."

The visit by the Vice President and Second Gentleman on Saturday provided a marked contrast to an earlier re-election fundraiser in Hollywood, where they faced protests related to the Israel-Gaza war.

At that event, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the venue, with some reportedly throwing fake blood, Deadline reported.

Addressing the Hollywood protests, Harris emphasized the importance of freedom of speech in a democratic society. "We live in a democracy. This is a very difficult time, and it's important that we all agree that people should have the freedom to have their voices heard."

She also drew attention to the broader societal challenges, mentioning the ongoing fight against antisemitism and Islamophobia. "We've already been dealing with hate in various forms these last several years," Harris reflected.