Michelle Obama’s Podcast Struggles as She Criticizes Barack and Her Time as First Lady

Michelle Obama, once considered a potential leader of the Democratic Party, is making headlines again—but not for political aspirations. Her new podcast, co-hosted with her brother Craig Robinson, is receiving lackluster engagement, and its content is raising eyebrows. Instead of embracing her time in the White House, Michelle has painted a rather negative picture of her experience as First Lady and even taken subtle jabs at her husband, former President Barack Obama.

Michelle Obama’s Reluctance Toward Politics

For years, speculation swirled around Michelle Obama’s potential political future, with many hoping she would step in as a Democratic frontrunner. However, her new podcast confirms what many had suspected—she never wanted to be part of the political world in the first place. In one episode, Michelle admits that she was never fully on board with Barack’s decision to run for president, saying that she needed convincing from her brother before she could support it.

“We knew Barack was smart and ambitious,” Michelle said, “but I didn’t expect this whole ‘married to the President of the United States’ thing.” Her tone throughout suggests that she viewed the presidency as more of a burden than an honor.

Struggles as First Lady

Michelle Obama’s comments make it clear that she struggled with the role of First Lady. She described the position as restrictive and unappealing, lamenting the expectations placed on her. This contrasts sharply with the public perception of her tenure, during which she was widely admired for her initiatives on childhood nutrition, military families, and education for girls.

Her remarks have fueled speculation that her resentment toward political life may have caused tension in her marriage. While many First Ladies have spoken candidly about the challenges of their role, Michelle’s criticisms seem to carry an unusual level of bitterness.

No Love Lost for Barack?

Michelle’s tone when discussing Barack has raised eyebrows. Instead of praising his leadership or legacy, she appears dismissive of his presidency. One clip from the podcast features Michelle joking about how Barack would check in on her conversations with friends, only to quickly lose interest. While some might interpret this as lighthearted marital banter, others see it as further evidence of her dissatisfaction.

Her reluctance to support Barack’s presidential run and her apparent frustration with his career choices fuel existing rumors about tension in their marriage. Some critics point to her frequent solo appearances at public events and her absence from key moments in Barack’s post-presidency life as signs of ongoing strain.

A Podcast in Trouble?

Beyond the controversial content, Michelle’s podcast is struggling to find an audience. The second episode, which featured actress Issa Rae, reportedly garnered only 14,000 views—a shockingly low number for someone of Michelle Obama’s prominence. Compared to the massive success of other political and celebrity podcasts, this performance suggests that the former First Lady’s star power may be waning.

This is a stark contrast to the Obamas’ post-White House ventures, which have included multi-million-dollar book deals and a production deal with Netflix. Given the relatively weak reception of Michelle’s podcast, some are questioning whether her influence is diminishing.

Public Reaction

Reactions to Michelle’s comments have been divided. Some sympathize with her struggles as First Lady, arguing that the role is demanding and often thankless. Others, however, see her complaints as ungrateful, pointing out the immense privileges that came with her position. Critics argue that Michelle, who has enjoyed lucrative book deals, speaking engagements, and vacations on luxury yachts, should be more appreciative of the opportunities her husband’s presidency provided.

What’s Next for Michelle Obama?

As the 2024 election looms, Michelle Obama’s name continues to be floated as a possible replacement for Joe Biden, should he step down. However, her clear disdain for political life makes it unlikely that she will ever enter the fray. Instead, she appears content with her current status as a public figure, even if her latest endeavor isn’t gaining much traction.

The question remains: will Michelle Obama’s podcast find its footing, or will it fade into obscurity? More importantly, what do her candid revelations about Barack and the White House mean for her legacy? One thing is certain—she is not interested in returning to the world of politics anytime soon.