Michelle Obama: U.S. Moving Toward a Woman President but Bias Persists
Former first lady Michelle Obama said the U.S. is moving toward electing a woman but sexism and higher standards continue to hinder female presidential bids.
Overview
Michelle Obama, on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, said America is progressing toward electing a woman president while clarifying earlier comments that the country is "not ready".
She cited deep-rooted sexism and higher expectations for female candidates, referencing Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris as qualified contenders who nonetheless lost presidential races.
Obama urged candid conversations about voters' feelings toward women leaders, noting some men have said they would not vote for a woman president.
She described her earlier "not ready" remark as partly humorous and part of a media tour promoting her book The Look, emphasizing she is not seeking office.
Responses varied: some Democrats, like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, say America is ready; Obama said change takes time despite progress and more women elected to other offices.
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Sources (3)
FAQ
Michelle Obama stated that the U.S. is gradually moving toward electing a woman president but faces persistent sexism and higher standards for female candidates, urging honest conversations about voter biases.
She referenced Hillary Clinton, noting her experience as first lady and secretary of state yet loss to Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris.
The comment was made with humor during a media tour promoting her book 'The Look' last year, where she said the country is 'not ready for a woman' and she's not running.
She urged not to be mad at her statement but to confront the reality of repeated failures of qualified female candidates and discuss voter discomfort with women leaders.
Some Democrats, like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, say America is ready, while Obama noted progress with more women winning other offices but presidential change takes time.
History
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