Michelle Obama may seem like the ideal presidential candidate, but she has repeatedly explained why she won’t run—and the reasons go far beyond personal ambition.
Serving as First Lady from 2009 to 2017, Obama became a symbol of intelligence, poise, and influence. Yet in a recent conversation with actress Tracee Ellis Ross in Brooklyn, promoting her new book The Look, she reflected on the 2024 election and Kamala Harris’ loss to Donald Trump.
“Don’t even look at me about running because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of growing up to do, and there are still many men who feel they cannot be led by a woman—and we saw that.”
In The Look, Obama also discusses how she used fashion to advocate for causes she cares about—from education to children’s health. She recounted being unfairly scrutinized for her arms at official events, sparking headlines like Up In Arms and Sleevegate. While previous First Ladies faced criticism for attire, Obama explained that for her, the backlash was racialized: she and Barack were often portrayed as outsiders navigating elite society.
Conclusion
Michelle Obama’s choice not to run reflects a nuanced understanding of societal readiness. Public attitudes toward female leadership—complicated by race and gender—still pose challenges. Her decision underscores the ongoing work needed before a woman president can be fully embraced.