Doug Emhoff says wife Kamala Harris supports Israel 'in her soul' and passes gut-check for Jewish priorities

The so-called gut test came up during the days of former President Barack Obama, when some Jews questioned how deep his support for Israel was. 

"Her commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering. Not just because of what she said publicly, though she has said through her entire career, consistently, but also by what she does and says when it's just us," Emhoff said. 

Historically, the religious voting bloc has favored Democrats. About 7 in 10 voted for President Biden in 2020. A Pew Research poll from last month put their support for Harris at over two-thirds. 

"I know it's in her soul. I know she feels what you and I and Jews across America are feeling today. She gets it. And to tell you the truth, it's not because she married a nice Jewish boy," Emhoff said. 

He then turned to the "threat" he said Trump poses to Jews.

"We should never have to wonder where our government stands," he continued. 

"We should never have to wonder whether our leaders are praising Nazis behind closed doors. So when Donald Trump says something unhinged, do not roll your eyes. Roll up your sleeves," he said. 

Emhoff was referring to a report from The Atlantic, where Trump reportedly said, "I need the kind of generals that Hitler had." 

The Trump team has held out hope they can chip away at Democratic support within the Jewish community. Trump himself has reacted with disbelief that Jewish voters support Democrats. 

"It doesn't make sense," Trump said last month of Jews who vote for Harris. "Any Jewish person who votes for her should have their head examined. I find it hard to believe. Part of it is a habit, I think."

"I'm not going to call this a prediction, but, in my opinion, the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss" in November, he said. 

Harris has walked a tight rope between maintaining support for Israel and Jewish priorities and trying to avoid upsetting Arab American voters, who represent a large voting bloc in swing state Michigan.