Michelle Obama says she’ll never run for president, calls it ‘unthinkable’
Former US First Lady Michelle Obama speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - Michelle Obama says she understands why people keep asking—but when it comes to running for president, her answer is final.
During a recent appearance on Kylie Kelce’s "Not Gonna Lie" podcast, the former first lady addressed long-running speculation about her political future, calling the idea of a presidential campaign "unthinkable."
She said her decision is rooted not in politics, but in a desire to protect her family from the pressures that come with public office.
"When people ask me, would I ever run? The answer is no," Obama said. "Not only am I not interested in politics in that way, but the thought of putting my girls back into that spotlight when they are just now establishing themselves … I think we’ve done enough."
She added bluntly: "Question asked and answered—never gonna happen."
Why Michelle Obama won’t return to politics
What we know:
Obama explained that her decision is rooted in a desire to protect her daughters, Sasha and Malia, from the scrutiny and sacrifice that comes with public office.
She reflected on their time in the White House, saying that even from day one, she was thinking about what their lives would be like after. "I had to make sure that they’re normal and ready when this is all over and they have to get on a bus and make their own plane reservations and live in an apartment and be sane and live in the world."
Though she remains in the public eye—with a new podcast launching alongside her brother Craig Robinson—Obama emphasized that politics is not part of her future.
What we don't know:
Despite her repeated denials, speculation continues to follow Obama—especially when Democratic leadership appears uncertain. Some political insiders and media commentators still float her name as a potential 2024 candidate, particularly when concerns about President Biden’s age or Vice President Kamala Harris’s electability arise.
Michelle Obama campaigns for Harris in Michigan
Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered remarks at a Harris-Walz campaign event in the battleground state of Michigan Saturday. During her remarks, she stated that Harris is held to a different standard. "We expect her to be intelligent and articulate ... to prove time and time again that she belongs. But for Trump, we expect nothing at all — no understanding of policy, no ability to put together a coherent argument," said Obama.
It’s unclear whether Democratic voters will let go of the idea anytime soon, especially with polls showing a majority of them want an alternative to Biden on the ticket.
The ongoing speculation about 2024
The backstory:
In early 2023, some Democrats and political analysts speculated that Michelle Obama could be the party’s "superstar" replacement if President Biden decided not to run. Despite her consistent denials, figures like former White House adviser Douglas MacKinnon pointed to Obama’s broad appeal, star power, and political clout as reasons Democrats might try to persuade her.
Others floated familiar names like Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Al Gore, or younger Democratic leaders such as Governors Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer. But many of these options carry their own baggage—and no candidate, including Michelle Obama, has formally stepped forward.
The Source: This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press and comments made by Michelle Obama during her appearance on Not Gonna Lie, a podcast hosted by Kylie Kelce.