Michelle Obama made a notable appearance on the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alex Cooper, on January 21, 2026, during which she reflected on America’s readiness for a female president. In the interview, Obama articulated that while progress has been made, there are still significant barriers that have been historically ingrained in the American psyche.
She underscored the importance of understanding the context of America’s journey toward equality, citing struggles over the past 50 years, including the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment. “There are people alive today that couldn’t marry the opposite race, couldn’t love who you love,” she noted, emphasizing that these remnants of past discrimination continue to affect societal attitudes today.
Obama acknowledged that despite qualified women having previously run for office, like former Vice President Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, voters remain more comfortable with male candidates in critical political positions. She pointed out that former President Barack Obama was favored over Clinton in the 2008 primaries, despite being a newcomer to national politics. “It doesn’t mean that women should roll up their sleeves and call it a day. We’re still growing,” she said, expressing hope for eventual progress.
When discussing the women’s readiness in politics, she reflected on her previous comments made during a book promotion in November, where she asserted, “the U.S. wasn’t ready for a woman in the White House,” particularly in light of recent elections. “You all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman,” Obama stated, urging a candid discourse about the reasons behind skepticism toward female candidates.
Throughout the podcast, Obama also revisited her famous mantra from the 2016 Democratic National Convention, “When they go low, we go high.” She maintained its relevance, asserting that going high means strategically working towards solutions rather than being driven solely by emotions. “It’s a responsibility,” Obama emphasized, recognizing the power of words and their ability to influence society positively or negatively.
Michelle Obama’s messages resonate as a call for self-reflection and continued advocacy for progress in gender equality within the political landscape, emphasizing that change, while challenging, is an ongoing journey that requires commitment and honesty.