Former First Lady Michelle Obama declared that the United States is not prepared to elect a woman as president, pointing to the defeat of Kamala Harris in the 2024 election as evidence. She made these comments during a public discussion in Brooklyn, reiterating her long-standing refusal to consider a presidential run herself.
The event took place on November 14, 2025, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where Obama was in conversation with actress Tracee Ellis Ross to promote her new book, “The Look.” During the discussion, Ross asked if enough room had been created for a woman to become president, prompting Obama’s candid response. Obama stated, “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” referring to Harris’s loss to Donald Trump. She emphasized that this is why people should not look to her for a presidential bid, asserting that the country has significant maturing to do regarding gender equality in leadership.
Obama elaborated on her views, noting that many men in the United States still struggle with the idea of being led by a woman. “We got a lot of growing up to do and there’s still … a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman and we saw it,” she said, according to CNN. This sentiment echoes broader societal challenges that have been highlighted in previous elections, including Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016. Her remarks underscore persistent barriers faced by women in high-level politics, despite advancements in other areas.
The former first lady has consistently dismissed speculation about her own political ambitions, stating firmly in 2016, “I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it.” Even as one of the Democratic Party’s most effective surrogates, with high approval ratings, she has maintained that her role is not in elected office. A 2024 poll suggested that Obama could potentially defeat Trump, but she has never wavered in her refusal, focusing instead on advocacy and public speaking.
Obama’s popularity often surpassed that of her husband, President Barack Obama, during his tenure, fueling desires among supporters for her to run. However, she has used her platform to campaign for other candidates, including Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. At a rally in Michigan, she warned about the threats posed by Trump, particularly to women’s health, and questioned whether the country was ready for a female leader. Her recent comments reinforce her belief that the electorate is not yet prepared for such a shift.
The conversation with Ross was part of Obama’s book tour for “The Look,” which discusses her experiences with fashion and politics in the White House. The event was recorded and posted online on November 15, 2025, making her statements widely accessible. This timing aligns with ongoing debates about gender and leadership in American politics, especially following the back-to-back losses of female Democratic nominees.
Obama’s remarks have sparked discussions about the progress of women in politics and the lingering sexism that affects electoral outcomes. While two of the last three Democratic nominees have been women—Clinton and Harris—both lost to Trump, highlighting the challenges. Obama’s perspective adds a personal dimension to these issues, as someone who has been at the center of political life but chooses to step back from the highest office. Looking ahead, her statements may influence how Democrats approach future elections and the messaging around female candidates, emphasizing the need for societal change before a woman can successfully occupy the Oval Office.
