Speaking during a conversation at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on November 5, a discussion later published on her YouTube channel, Obama reflected on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election and dismissed ongoing speculation about her own political ambitions.
'As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain't ready,' she said, referring to former Vice President Kamala Harris's loss to President Donald Trump. 'Don't even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You're not ready for a woman. You are not.'
Obama made the remarks during a live event with actor Tracee Ellis Ross, held as part of the promotional tour for her new book, The Look. The pair discussed the pressures placed on women in public life, including how expectations around femininity and the traditional role of First Lady intersect with broader debates about female leadership.
When Ross asked whether her time in the White House had influenced public perceptions of women's suitability for the presidency, Obama was candid: 'We've got a lot of growing up to do, and there's still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it.'
Throughout the 2024 campaign, Obama had been one of the Democratic Party's most influential figures, drawing large crowds while urging voters, particularly men, to consider the consequences of another Trump term for women's rights and reproductive health. Despite her popularity, she has repeatedly ruled out seeking elected office herself.
Her comments also touched on her experiences of public scrutiny during her years in the White House. In The Look, released on November 4, Obama writes about how women in politics are often judged on appearance rather than ability, noting that her own fashion choices, hair and presentation were regularly dissected in ways male leaders rarely face.
Polling after the 2024 election suggests the cultural barriers she highlighted persist. Research from American University found nearly one in five voters would not support a woman for president, including a quarter of women under 50. Pew Research data further indicated a widening gender divide, with a majority of men under 50 backing Trump.
While the majority of Americans say they support electing more women to high office, Obama argues that the reality at the ballot box tells a different story.
For now, she insists her message is not about her own political future, but about the country's readiness for genuine equality in leadership. 'Don't waste my time,' she said. 'We're not there yet.'
Wycliffe Nyamasege
