During last month’s Democratic National Convention, there was a moment that stood out—one that touched hearts and left an impression of deep humanity. Gus Walz, the son of Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, was overcome with joy and pride. It wasn’t just the emotion that made it memorable; the moment became even more touching once it was revealed that Gus Walz is neurodivergent. It was a display of raw, beautiful emotion, breaking the stereotypical narrative of stoic masculinity. This moment wasn’t just about politics; it was about family values, love, and acceptance. Men from all walks of life have since come forward, discussing how important it is to be comfortable with their emotions, to show them openly and unashamedly.
Yet, this was just one of many moments that showcased genuine family values from the Democratic ticket. Moments like these matter because they offer a real contrast to the often cold and distant image presented by the Republican opposition. Democrats aren’t just talking about family values—they're living them in full view of the public eye.
But, unsurprisingly, the Republicans have been working tirelessly to undermine this image of loving, inclusive families. At a recent Trump campaign rally, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders made a snide remark about Vice President Kamala Harris. Sanders claimed that her own children keep her humble, while adding, “Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn’t have anything keeping her humble.” In that sharp jab, she essentially erased Harris' stepchildren from the equation. It’s not only contemptible, but it's a blatant lie.
Kamala Harris’ stepchildren call her "Momala," a name that brims with affection. For anyone unfamiliar with the Yiddish influence in the term, the suffix “-eleh” is a diminutive of endearment. It transforms a simple name into something infused with love. For example, saying “Come here, Daniel” is straightforward, but “Come here, Danieleh” is filled with warmth, affection, and an almost tangible embrace. In the Harris-Emhoff household, this playful twist on words—Momala—is not just clever, but it’s overflowing with love. And that’s what we should focus on: the affection.
Stepfamilies can be tough. Anyone who has lived through the experience of blending families knows that it is a long road, full of challenges. The introduction of a new step-parent is often met with skepticism or even outright hostility by children. Figuring out family dynamics—what roles each person plays and what names they’ll call each other—is a negotiation that can take years, or may never fully settle. It’s no wonder that so many step-parents and step-children have complex, sometimes strained, relationships. But the affection between Kamala Harris and her stepchildren isn’t strained. It’s real. It’s earned. That warmth speaks volumes about the strength of their bond and the love that exists within their family.
I can speak from personal experience here. My own family has included step-parents, and I know how tough those relationships can be. In my case, I rarely refer to them as step-parents at all. For me, they are simply my parents’ spouses, and while the love has taken its time to evolve, it did find its way. Families are messy, but love is what holds them together. It may not always look like the cookie-cutter family values that we see in Hallmark cards, but it’s real, and that’s what matters.
That’s why Harris being called "Momala" by her stepchildren is such a profound testament to the love and humility within their home. It’s a sign of a family that has overcome the challenges of blending different lives and found their own way, a way filled with affection, humor, and deep mutual respect. Compare this to the image we often see of the Trump family—a family marked by distant, awkward interactions, stiff hugs, and almost mechanical displays of affection. The contrast is striking, and it’s no wonder that Harris’ family feels so relatable to many of us. They joke, they laugh, they share knowing glances that communicate volumes without words. They bicker, they love, and they make it work. They act like us.
And here’s the thing: that’s not easy. It’s not a given that every blended family will find that affection and love. In fact, it’s rare. Any blended family that has navigated the hurdles of awkwardness, frustration, and unfamiliarity to arrive at a place of genuine affection—maybe even love—has worked hard for it. They’ve earned it. They’ve built it from the ground up. That kind of love is built on humility, the kind that Harris’ critics claim she doesn’t have. But they’re wrong. Her family has all the love and humility they need, and it shows in the affectionate name her stepchildren have given her.
What makes Kamala Harris stand out isn’t just her impressive resume, her skills as an attorney, or her prowess as a policymaker. It’s Momala—the affectionate, loving title bestowed upon her by the people who know her best. The people who have seen her at her most unguarded moments love her, and that says more about her character than any political debate or speech ever could. You can’t fake that.
Think about the Addams Family movies from decades ago. The main joke was that this odd, eccentric family was actually the most functional one we’d ever seen. The parents loved each other deeply, the family members were kind to one another, and they stood together in the face of a world that didn’t understand them. The same could be said of the families at the top of the Democratic ticket. These families are kind to one another. They love each other fiercely. And they stand together, even as the outside world criticizes or mocks them.
Just as the chants of "USA!" during the Democratic National Convention signaled a reclaiming of patriotism, these families—at the top of the ballot—are reclaiming what it means to champion family values. For so long, Republicans have tried to brand themselves as the defenders of family, but here we have two families who live those values every day. The Democrats are reclaiming their rightful place as protectors of family values, showing that love, respect, and unity are at the core of their vision for America.
So, when you see Kamala Harris being embraced by her stepchildren, calling her Momala with genuine affection, know that it’s not just a cute nickname. It’s a symbol of the love and humility that defines her family and, by extension, the values that define this Democratic ticket. It’s a refreshing, relatable image of family—one that reflects the reality of so many American households, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Login