Wherever there is some popular political conversation happening, you already know Stephen A. Smith ain’t missing an opportunity to drop his two cents. This time, he’s directing his thoughts to none other than our “Forever First Lady,” Michelle Obama. After Obama publicly stated that the U.S. is not ready for a woman president — let alone a Black woman president — Smith gave his viewers a very interesting response, and we have to talk about it.
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During a sit-down conversation with Traci Ellis Ross, the two discussed Obama’s new book, “The Look,” as well as politics and current affairs. When Ross asked Obama whether the role of the First Lady — which leans into “wifedom and femininity” — has impacted the public’s openness to accept a woman as president, Obama didn’t bite her tongue with her response.
“Well, as we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” Obama replied. “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. You know, we got a lot of growing up to do, and there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like a woman can lead them, and we saw it.”
Her comments referenced the defeat of former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential election, and we can’t ignore the same presidential defeat that the former First Lady, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, suffered in 2016.
For years, speculation has swirled around Obama running for president, but that is a calling she refuses to answer. But Smith passionately explained why she should rethink her views.
On Monday (Nov. 17), the popular Sports turned political commentary took to his “Straight Shooter with Stephen A.” show to weigh in.
“Does anybody doubt, on this day, November 17, 2025, that if Michelle Obama came out today and said, ‘I want to be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States,’ who would beat her?” Smith asked. “What do the Democrats have that could possibly compete against Michelle Obama?”
He went on to name potential candidates, such as Marco Rubio and Gavin Newsom, and questioned whether any of them could challenge her. Smith doubled down, asking again, “What do the Democrats have that can compete against Michelle Obama?” Convinced there is no strong Democratic options, he argued that it would be a “cakewalk” for Obama. “If Michelle Obama is really serious about what she is saying, then she is seriously mistaken,” Smith added.
He continued: “Do you want it? I can’t blame you if you don’t because as First Lady, you had experiences at the White House that most people wouldn’t have.” Smith’s aggravation began to grow while expressing for Obama to stop blaming men. “The bottom line: if that’s the case, then say so. Don’t look at this country and point to men and act like we wouldn’t vote for you. Yes, we would. Yes, we would,” he said.
He affirms that there are plenty of men that he personally knows who will vote for Obama. “The first man in American history also happens to be the former president, who has a similar reputation by her side? Run, Michelle, run.”
Chile, that take had social media split right down the middle.
“Michelle Obama has my vote,” one TikTok user posted.
“The Obamas did 8 years, 2 terms. They may not want to be back in office again but I believe that Michelle would definitely win. The Republicans would vote for her too,” another user posted.
But not everyone agreed.
“She would not win because people are not ready to have a woman in the White House, unfortunately so we would put her up and she would lose just like Kamala, which is ridiculous,” one TikTok user said.
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