Michelle Obama Just Got Brutally Honest About Why She Won't Run For President—And Oof

On Wednesday, November 5, former First Lady Michelle Obama was joined on stage for a live podcast taping at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) by award-winning actor Tracee Ellis Ross.

The duo discussed the stories behind Michelle Obama’s new book The Look, and the podcast was posted on YouTube on Friday, November 14.

One excerpt from the podcast is quickly going viral. In it, the former FLOTUS makes clear why she isn't interested in a presidential candidacy.

Ellis Ross asked:

"How do you feel about the fact that the First Lady is an archetype for wifedom and femininity?"

Obama replied:

"Yeah, I don't agree with that. It is a complete throwback. It's a definition that has no current status in how women actually show up in the world today."

Ellis Ross then asked:

"Do you think that impacts the room we have made for a woman to be President?"

Obama said:

"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."

Obama added:

"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 they can be led by a woman and we saw it."

People concurred with her assessment.

@horselaugh/Bluesky

@itsafronomics/Bluesky

@SageAmenti/X

The Look explores Michelle Obama’s lifelong relationship with fashion, style, and beauty. Illustrated with over 200 photographs, the book features personal stories, the evolution of her style from First Lady to today, and the behind-the-scenes stories of her creative team.

You can watch the full one hour podcast event here:

youtu.be