Kathrine Frich
Interest in Michelle Obama’s political future has persisted for years, often resurfacing whenever national frustration rises.
Despite that speculation, the former first lady has repeatedly resisted the idea of entering the presidential arena.
Her latest public comments reinforce that stance, revealing a reason she believes the country would not accept her in the job.
Renewed attention
Obama spoke in Brooklyn during an event promoting her new book, The Look.
The discussion with Tracee Ellis Ross touched on the state of American politics and long-standing questions about whether she might seek office.
Years of public encouragement have not shifted her position. During Barack Obama’s second term she said, “I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it.”
Speaking to the audience, she pointed to the results of the last presidential election as evidence of a deeper cultural barrier.
A country not ready
Obama made clear that she sees no path toward a White House bid.
Referring to Kamala Harris’ loss to Donald Trump, she told the audience, “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready.”
She added, “That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running ‘cause you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman.”
Obama said that many voters still struggle with the idea of female leadership, noting,
“We got a lot of growing up to do and there’s still … a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman and we saw it.”
Her remarks echoed earlier interviews where she criticised national attitudes around race, gender and power.
Fears about policy
In her conversation with Ross, Obama also touched on wider concerns that have shaped her public commentary.
She previously told the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast that immigration policy under Trump remains one of the issues that “keeps her up at night.”
“In this current climate, for me it’s what’s happening to immigrants,” she said.
She explained that personal safety is less of a worry now, since she travels with protection, but she still thinks about her daughters and the experience of others in the country.
She continued:
“There’s so much bias and so much racism and so much ignorance that fuels those kind of choices. I worry for people of color all over this country, and I don’t know that we will have the advocates to protect everybody.”
Personal concerns
Obama said that fear persists for individuals who may be judged or targeted in daily life.
“That … frightens me, it keeps me up at night,” she said.
She questioned how people can feel secure at work or school with such uncertainty around them.
While Obama has no interest in seeking national office, she remains a prominent figure in political and cultural conversations.
Her continued criticism of the Trump administration suggests she will stay engaged even without pursuing elected leadership.
Sources: Reporting cited from Callum Jones, dialog.ua, unilad.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
