WASHINGTON – Michelle Obama questioned whether the United States is prepared for a woman president during a recent campaign rally in Michigan, sparking debate about gender dynamics in American politics just days before the 2024 election. Her remarks, made while stumping for Vice President Kamala Harris, have resurfaced amid ongoing discussions about the challenges female candidates face.
Obama’s comments arrive as Harris made history as the first woman to serve as Vice President, yet a female presidential nominee has yet to win the White House. The former first lady’s words reflect a broader concern that societal biases and ingrained expectations may still hinder a woman’s path to the nation’s highest office. The question of readiness, as posed by Obama, underscores the persistent hurdles women encounter in seeking and attaining political power.
Speaking at a rally on October 26, 2024, Obama urged supporters not to “hand our fates over to the likes of Trump, who knows nothing about us, who has shown deep contempt for us,” adding, “As a vote for him is a vote against us, against our health, against our worth.” She then directly addressed the crowd, asking, “By every measure, (Harris) has demonstrated that she’s ready. … The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment?”
Obama has long been a sought-after surrogate for Democratic candidates, and her popularity has fueled speculation about her own presidential ambitions for years. However, she has repeatedly dismissed such suggestions, stating definitively in 2016, while still first lady, “I will not run for president. No,nope,not going to do it.”
Throughout the 2024 campaign, Obama actively campaigned for Harris, emphasizing the perceived threat posed by Donald Trump, notably regarding women’s health. Her involvement highlights the importance of female leadership and the stakes of the election for women’s rights and representation.
CNN’s David Wright contributed to this report.
