Amidst growing discontent among Democrats towards the party and President Joe Biden, speculation has arisen regarding potential alternative candidates, with Michelle Obama’s name frequently mentioned.
As primary elections unfold, the former first lady’s office has addressed these rumors for the first time.
Crystal Carson, director of communications for Obama’s office, clarified in a statement to NBC News that Michelle Obama will not be a presidential candidate, reiterating her previous statements on the matter.
“As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president,” Carson stated. “Mrs. Obama supports President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ re-election campaign.”
While Obama plans to assist the Biden-Harris campaign in the upcoming elections, her level of involvement is expected to be less extensive compared to her husband, former President Barack Obama. Despite this, her support remains invaluable to the campaign, as emphasized by Biden campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz.
“President and Michelle Obama were enormously helpful in the fight to beat Donald Trump and elect President Biden and Vice President Harris the first time,”
Munoz noted, expressing gratitude for their continued involvement in the democratic process.
In a 2023 Netflix special, Michelle Obama discussed the challenges of politics with Oprah Winfrey, emphasizing that a genuine passion and commitment are essential for those entering the political arena. She stated, “Politics is hard, and the people who get into it … you’ve got to want it. It’s got to be in your soul, because it is so important. It is not in my soul.”
With her unwavering dedication to supporting Biden and Harris, Michelle Obama continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of American politics
even as she remains steadfast in her decision not to seek the presidency herself.