Overview
- Obama made the remarks in a Nov. 5 conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which was posted online Friday as part of promotion for her book, The Look.
- She told the audience not to look to her as a candidate, saying people are "not ready for a woman" and to "not waste" her time.
- Arguing the country has "a lot of growing up to do," she said many men still do not feel they can be led by a woman.
- Citing the 2024 result, she noted President Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, which she framed as proof the country "ain’t ready" to elect a woman.
- Her comments reiterate years of refusals to run despite periodic speculation and favorable hypothetical polling, damping fresh talk of a "Michelle 2028" bid.