Despite being a hugely popular figure within the Democratic party and frequently topping polls as a potential successor to Joe Biden, former First Lady Michelle Obama has once again made it crystal clear that she has no intention of running for the highest office in the land. In a statement released by her communications director, Obama reiterated her long-standing position that she will not be seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential election.
This announcement comes on the heels of a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey that showed Obama would be the most likely candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical matchup. The poll indicated that she would win over Trump with a comfortable 50 to 39 percent margin. In contrast, other potential Democratic contenders such as Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and several other prominent figures were predicted to lose to Trump in similar head-to-head scenarios.
However, despite these seemingly favorable numbers, Obama remains steadfast in her decision to stay out of the political fray. Her team has been unequivocal in their messaging, leaving no room for speculation or ambiguity. As the 2024 election cycle begins to take shape, it’s clear that Michelle Obama will not be throwing her hat into the ring, instead choosing to focus her efforts on other endeavors.
Michelle Obama’s Consistent Stance on Running for President
Over the years, Michelle Obama has consistently and emphatically stated that she has no interest in pursuing the presidency. This sentiment has been reiterated by her team on multiple occasions, including a recent statement to Newsweek where her director of communications, Crystal Carson, said, “As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president.”
This aligns with an earlier declaration made by Obama’s office to NBC News, which aimed to quell any lingering speculation about a potential presidential bid. In that statement, Carson affirmed that “Mrs. Obama supports President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ re-election campaign,” further underscoring Obama’s commitment to supporting the current Democratic administration rather than seeking the top job herself.
Reasons Behind Michelle Obama’s Refusal to Run
While Michelle Obama’s popularity and perceived electability may make her an attractive candidate in the eyes of many Democrats, the former First Lady has made it clear that she has no desire to enter the political arena as a candidate. Several factors appear to be driving her decision to stay out of the 2024 race.
Firstly, Obama has consistently maintained that public service and political leadership are not her primary passions. Throughout her time in the White House and since leaving it, she has emphasized her focus on initiatives related to education, healthy living, and voter engagement, rather than on the mechanics of electoral politics.
Additionally, it’s been reported that Obama is reluctant to actively campaign for Biden due to her disapproval of how the Biden family handled the divorce of Hunter Biden and his first wife, Kathleen Buhle. According to Axios, Michelle Obama, who has known Kathleen Buhle for many years, was disappointed with the Biden family’s handling of the situation, and as a result, she has chosen to dedicate her time to working with a voter registration group, The Voter Participation Center, instead of participating in Biden’s re-election campaign.
Potential Implications of Michelle Obama’s Decision
Michelle Obama’s decision to forgo a presidential run in 2024 is likely to have several implications, both for the Democratic party and the broader political landscape.
Firstly, it removes a potentially formidable candidate from the 2024 race, leaving the field open for other contenders to emerge. This could lead to a more competitive and dynamic primary process, as the party seeks to identify the best possible standard-bearer to take on Trump.
Even if she is not running for office herself. Her ability to mobilize and energize the Democratic base, particularly among key constituencies, could be a crucial factor in determining the party’s success in the upcoming election cycle.
Good, the last thing this country needs is another 4 years of Barrack Obama and that is what we would end up with if she won.