Michelle Obama: America is still ‘not ready’ for a female president

Former First Lady Michelle Obama says Americans continue to struggle with the idea of ​​a woman leading the nation — and that continued resistance is exactly why she refuses to consider a presidential run. During a recorded conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross that appeared on Obama’s YouTube channel on November 14, Obama said the United States still has significant “growing up” to do when it comes to accepting women in positions of ultimate political authority.

“Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in the last few elections, we’re not done yet,” Obama said. “That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me when it comes to running, because you’re all lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You’re not.”

The discussion, held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, coincided with the rollout of Obama’s new book, “The Look.Ross wondered whether the traditional expectations placed on first ladies — and the role’s ties to “femininity and femininity” — have shaped the public’s willingness to imagine a woman in the Oval Office.

Obama didn’t hesitate. “So don’t waste my time,” she added. “We still have a lot of growing up to do, and unfortunately there are still a lot of men who feel like they can’t be led by a woman, and we’ve seen that. I think we still have to grow in that area.”

Although Obama has for a long time questioned As one of the most admired women in America — and at times more popular than President Barack Obama during his administration — she has consistently rejected calls to run for office. A 2024 poll showed she was the only Democrat who could beat Donald Trump, fueling new speculation, but Obama dismissed that possibility at the time and has repeated the same message ever since.

Her comments also acknowledged the reality faced by women who have tried to break this barrier. Two of the Democratic Party’s last three nominees — Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris — were women, and both ultimately lost the presidential election to Trump. Obama campaigned heavily for Harris in 2024, drawing large crowds and urging voters, especially men, to support women’s leadership and reproductive rights.

Despite continued public fascination with the idea of ​​an Obama presidential candidate, she once again made it clear that she has no plans to enter the race. The deeper concern, she suggested, is not her personal unwillingness, but the country’s willingness.

The nation, she argued, still needs to prove that it is even willing to elect a woman.

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