Former First Lady Michelle Obama has openly questioned whether the United States is truly prepared for a female commander-in-chief. Her assessment comes after observing the challenges faced by high-profile women like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris in their quests for the presidency.
Speaking at an event in support of her latest book, Obama remarked on the nation’s current state: “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready. We’ve got a lot of growing up to do, and there are still many men who do not feel they can be led by a woman.” She emphasized that the path for women seeking the presidency is still obstructed by a lack of adequate opportunities and societal readiness.
Although Michelle Obama holds significant influence within the Democratic Party, she has consistently deflected any personal presidential aspirations. She made her stance clear back in 2016, stating, “I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it.” Nonetheless, rumors about her potential candidacy persist, resurfacing during intense election periods like the 2024 presidential contest.
During the recent election season, Obama lent her voice to Kamala Harris’s campaign, especially during moments of significant voter engagement. She delivered a passionate speech in Michigan, urging voters to reject Donald Trump and safeguard women’s reproductive health and fundamental rights. Obama’s powerful message warned, “Please, please do not hand our fates over to the likes of Trump, who knows nothing about us and has shown deep contempt for us. A vote for him is a vote against our health and our worth.”