Michelle Obama Reflects on Challenges of Being Married to a President
Eight years after leaving the White House, former First Lady Michelle Obama continues to reflect on the challenges of being married to former President Barack Obama and navigating his historic political journey.
In the debut episode of her new podcast, IMO, Michelle, 61, shared her initial reaction when Barack decided to run for president. “No way,” she recalled, emphasizing her reluctance to embrace the idea.
Relying on Family for Support
Michelle admitted she leaned heavily on her older brother, Craig Robinson, throughout Barack’s presidency. “I couldn’t have gotten through eight years in the White House without my big brother,” she said.
Craig, 62, currently serves as the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and remains a strong pillar of support for Michelle.
Her comments come amid ongoing speculation about her marriage, as the Obamas have been seen together less frequently in recent months.
A Marriage Tested by Politics
“Being married to the president of the United States is something none of us banked on,” Michelle admitted. She described Barack as smart and ambitious, but said she never imagined he would reach the nation’s highest office.
She revealed that Craig played a key role in convincing her to support Barack’s campaign. “You talked me into it,” she told her brother, recalling how Barack had to personally persuade Craig as well.
Michelle’s Frustration with Barack’s Habits
Michelle, who has never been shy about her disdain for politics, also reflected on early frustrations in her relationship with Barack.
She recalled his chronic tardiness when they first started dating, saying he struggled with the concept of being on time. “When it’s time to leave, he’s getting up and going to the bathroom,” she joked.
Despite these challenges, Michelle admitted that Barack has improved over 30 years of marriage, though some habits still linger.
Brother-Sister Bond and Relationship Struggles
During the podcast, Craig opened up about his own divorce, as the siblings reminisced about their childhood on Chicago’s South Side.
Michelle also expressed frustration over Barack’s reluctance to engage in deep conversations with his friends. “My husband is like, ‘what are you talking about all day?’” she said.
She noted that Barack struggles to understand the complexity of female friendships, often leaving her feeling unheard in their conversations.
Rumors and Public Appearances
For months, rumors have circulated about the Obamas’ marriage, with some speculating that Barack has been linked to actress Jennifer Aniston.
Aniston denied the rumors on Jimmy Kimmel Live, clarifying that she had only met Barack once and knows Michelle better.
Notable Absences Fuel Speculation
Barack was recently seen courtside at a Los Angeles Clippers game, but Michelle was notably absent. Instead, he sat next to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie Snyder.
Michelle also skipped President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, choosing instead to extend her holiday vacation in Hawaii.
A Valentine’s Day Reassurance?
Despite speculation, the couple shared affectionate social media posts on Valentine’s Day, signaling that their marriage remains intact.
Michelle’s absence from Donald Trump’s second inauguration also made headlines, with sources suggesting she had no interest in “faking a smile” for someone she views as a threat to democracy.
While their relationship remains under public scrutiny, Michelle’s podcast sheds light on the personal sacrifices and challenges that come with being married to a former president.