Michelle Obama delivered pointed remarks on wealth and politics during her first speaking event in Australia, held in Melbourne on a Tuesday afternoon. The former US first lady addressed a crowd that paid between A$195 and A$895 for tickets, with some empty seats visible at the front of the venue.
During the event, hosted by journalist Annabel Crabb, Obama made veiled criticisms of current politics. When Crabb quoted a former Australian senator about the 'dumbest guy you know in politics', Obama interjected, prompting laughter and applause. She also reflected on her famous catchphrase 'When they go low, we go high', noting that those who engage in terrible behaviour are not happy.
Obama stated that accumulating wealth is not a measure of happiness, saying, 'I know plenty of billionaires, many of them are not happy people.' She argued that going low does not work, as society faces injustice, depression among children, and cost-of-living concerns. 'None of this is fine,' she added.
The former first lady also addressed the racist abuse she faced during her time in the White House, including criticism of her healthy eating initiatives. She noted that the current administration has launched a similar health initiative, calling the earlier criticism 'not real'. Obama admitted to occasionally going 'a little low' by venting in private, but stressed the importance of self-discipline for leaders.
Obama's speaking tour, organised by Growth Faculty, continues in Sydney. She and her husband Barack Obama now focus on public speaking and their media company Higher Ground, promoting a world beyond the Trump era.
