Former First Lady Michelle Obama has stated that the United States is not yet prepared to elect a woman as president, citing former Vice President Kamala Harris’ unsuccessful campaign as evidence.
Speaking during an event in Brooklyn, New York, to promote her new book The Look, which explores her approach to fashion and politics during her time in the White House, Obama addressed a question from actress Tracee Ellis Ross about whether the nation has created enough space for a female president.
“As we saw in this past election, sadly, we aren’t ready,” Obama said. “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. We’ve got a lot of growing up to do, and there are still many men who do not feel they can be led by a woman.”
Obama, one of the Democratic Party’s most influential and popular figures, has repeatedly dismissed speculation about a presidential run. In 2016, she said, “I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it.”
She campaigned actively for Kamala Harris last year, warning about the perceived risks of a Trump presidency, particularly concerning women’s rights and health. “Please, please do not hand our fates over to the likes of Trump, who knows nothing about us, who has shown deep contempt for us,” Obama said at a Michigan rally ahead of the election.
She continued, emphasizing Harris’ qualifications while questioning the nation’s readiness: “By every measure, she has demonstrated that she’s ready. … The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment?”
