Former First Lady Michelle Obama has said that the United States is still not prepared to elect a woman president — a reflection she shared while discussing past failed presidential bids by Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. Her remarks came during a conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross to promote her new book.
Obama argued that the political environment has not created enough space for women to succeed at the highest levels of leadership. “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” she said, adding that “there’s still a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman.”
Despite consistently shutting down speculation about her own presidential ambitions, Michelle Obama remains one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party. Each election cycle sees renewed enthusiasm from supporters urging her to run, but she has repeatedly stated she has no intention of seeking the presidency.
During the 2024 election, when voter dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden shifted momentum toward Kamala Harris, Obama campaigned for the former vice president. At a Michigan rally, she warned that Donald Trump posed a significant threat, particularly to women’s rights. “Please, please do not hand our fates over to the likes of Trump… a vote for him is a vote against us, against our health, against our worth,” she urged.
Though admired widely, Obama maintains that the country has “a lot of growing up to do” before a woman can finally win the White House.