Former First Lady Michelle Obama has delivered a stark assessment of gender equality in American politics, declaring the United States is still not prepared to elect a woman as president.
A Nation 'Not Ready' for Female Leadership
In a live conversation with actor Tracee Ellis Ross published recently, Obama pointed to Vice President Kamala Harris's defeat in the 2024 presidential election as clear evidence. "As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain't ready," she stated unequivocally.
When asked about the impact of her own role on the prospects for a female president, Obama dismissed any notion of her running. "That's why I'm like, don't even look at me about running, because you all are lying," she told Ross. "You're not ready for a woman. You are not. So don't waste my time."
She elaborated that the country has "a lot of growing up to do," highlighting that a significant number of men still struggle with the concept of being led by a woman.
The Shifting Electoral Landscape for Female Candidates
Obama's comments are supported by hard data from the 2024 election. According to research from Pew, Donald Trump won a majority of men under the age of 50, a demographic that had favoured Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Overall, male support for Trump increased from 50% in 2020 to 55% in 2024.
Further evidence of this challenge comes from a recent American University survey, which revealed that nearly one in five voters would not vote for a woman as president, or knows someone who would not. This sentiment was notably strong among younger demographics, affecting one-quarter of women under 50 and nearly 20% of men under 50.
Broader Implications of Gender in the Trump Administration
The issue of gender extends far beyond the presidential race and has become a central theme in the current administration's policy agenda. The Trump administration has initiated several actions concerning gender identity, including:
- Blocking the introduction of gender-inclusive passports.
- Attempting to withdraw funding for sexual education that mentions gender diversity.
- Implementing restrictions on gender-affirming medical care.
- Penalising schools that allow transgender athletes to compete in sports aligning with their gender identity.
This political climate, combined with the electoral data, underscores the significant hurdles that remain for women seeking the highest office in the United States, a reality Michelle Obama has compellingly articulated.
