Michelle obama expressed doubt about the United States’ readiness for a female president during a recent conversation with Ellis Ross in Brooklyn, New York. The former First Lady’s remarks, published online Friday, come as Vice President Kamala Harris seeks to solidify her position and as the nation continues to grapple with gender dynamics in politics.
While promoting her new book, “The Look,” which details her experiences with fashion and politics during her time in the White House, Obama acknowledged the progress made by women in American society but questioned whether a cultural shift has fully occurred to support a female commander-in-chief.Her comments reignite a long-running discussion about the barriers women face in pursuing the highest office and the persistent biases that may hinder their success.
Obama has repeatedly dismissed speculation about her own presidential ambitions, stating definitively in 2016, while still First Lady, “I’m not going to run for president. No, no, I’m not.”
During a campaign rally in Michigan days before the 2020 election, Obama urged voters to support Harris, framing the election as a critical moment for women’s health and dignity. “Please, please, do not hand our destiny over to someone like trump, who knows nothing about us and who has shown profound disdain for us,” she said. “As a vote for him is a vote against us, against our health, against our dignity.”
At the same rally, Obama posed a question to the crowd: “In every way, (Harris) has proven herself ready… The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment?”