Overview
- In a conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Obama said, “don’t even look at me about running,” adding, “you’re not ready for a woman.”
- She argued that many men still refuse to be led by a woman, saying the country has “a lot of growing up to do.”
- The discussion, tied to promotion of her new book The Look, was recorded Nov. 5 and posted on her YouTube channel Friday, triggering wide coverage.
- Obama pointed to President Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in 2024 as proof the electorate remains resistant to female leadership.
- She has long rejected calls to run for office, reiterating earlier statements dating back to 2016 that she will not be a candidate.