If you have ever had hopes that the Obama family would return to the White House one day, you might want to save your breath. Former first lady Michelle Obama has crushed such dreams by telling people she has no plans to run for the presidency, but her reasoning …is quite interesting.
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In a live conversation at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) with Tracee Ellis Ross last week, “The forever first lady” spoke about her new coffee-table book, “The Look,” and the history, cultural meaning, and memories behind some of the styles she showcases in the book.
Around the 30-minute mark of the hourlong talk, the two style icons touched on the topic of what it means to be the first lady of the United States, and how the role is often associated with a perceived notion of femininity founded on racism and misogyny. The role is often seen as an archetype of wifedom, which Michelle Obama disagreed with.
“Yeah, I don’t agree with that… It’s a definition that holds no current status in how women actually show up in the world today,” Mrs. Obama responded.
However, despite her disagreements, Michelle Obama expressed that the preconceived notion of femininity does impact the progress made for a woman to be president.
“As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready. That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not. So don’t waste my time.”
She then explained further by adding that, unfortunately, most men still do not feel they can be led by a woman, and the United States has a lot of growing up to do in that regard.
“I think we still have growing to do in that regard, and, you know, we can see how progress can be made and things can be snatched back when it comes to us women owning our power.”
Despite Mrs. Obama saying she does not want to waste her time running for president, some folks still have hope and thought it was a sign that she just might in the future.
““Don’t waste my time” OH SHE’S THINKING ABOUT IT,” wrote one user.
“Michelle would definitely WIN,” added another.
However, the majority of viewers seconded Mrs. Obama’s opinion, writing that the US is not ready.
“Both times Trump won the election, he was up against a woman; the one time he was up against Biden, he lost. That says it all,” commented one user.
“She’s not wrong!! And I agree with her because Kamala losing really broke me! Because she (Kamala Harris) can do it,” wrote another.
“America didn’t understand the assignment in 2024…..so no, Michelle ain’t wasting her time,” added another.
You can watch the full conversation below:
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