Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, has expressed deep concerns and fear regarding the potential outcomes of the 2024 presidential race, revealing that the prospect keeps her awake at night. In an episode of Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast released on Monday, Obama emphasized the significant impact that leaders and their actions can have on the nation.
Speaking about the importance of selecting leaders who represent the values of the people, Obama stated, “Our leaders matter. Who we select, who speaks for us, who holds that bully pulpit – it affects us in ways that sometimes I think people take for granted.” She went on to express her fear about what could happen in the upcoming election, stating, “I am terrified about what could possibly happen.”
Obama highlighted a concern that people may underestimate the role of government, emphasizing the need to appreciate and not take democracy for granted. She said, “The fact that people think that government — ‘eh, does it really even do anything?’ — and I’m like ‘Oh my God, does government do everything for us, and we cannot take this democracy for granted.’ And I worry sometimes that we do. Those are the things that keep me up.”
While not explicitly mentioning former President Donald Trump or other leaders, Obama stressed the significance of the “tone and tenor” of messages delivered by the nation’s leaders. She expressed a desire for leaders to consider their words carefully and avoid impulsive and divisive rhetoric. Obama stated, “We can’t just say what the first thing that comes to our minds. That is not authenticity to me. That’s childish, and we see childish leadership right before us – what that looks like and how that feels, where somebody is just base, and vulgar and cynical in a leadership position.”
Obama also addressed what she perceived as a double standard in the legal system, particularly in reference to Trump. She argued that a Black man in America would not be able to face multiple sets of criminal charges and still run for president. According to her, “Other people can be indicted a bunch of times and still run for office. Black men can’t. You just learn to be good. And in the end, you benefit from that extra resilience.”
These remarks from Michelle Obama come in the wake of a Washington Post report stating that former President Barack Obama had advised President Joe Biden to make changes to the structure of his reelection campaign, cautioning him about the potential return of Trump to the White House.
Recent polls have shown a decline in support for Biden among various demographic groups. A Suffolk University poll indicated a decrease in support from young, Hispanic, and Black voters. Biden’s support among Black voters dropped from 87% in 2020 to 63%, while he trails Trump with Hispanic voters by 5 percentage points (34% to 39%). Among young voters, Trump leads with 37% compared to Biden’s 33%.
Michelle Obama’s apprehensions and reflections on the state of American politics underscore the broader concerns about leadership, governance, and the direction of the nation. As the 2024 election looms, the discussions and debates around leadership choices, the role of government, and the state of democracy are likely to intensify, shaping the political landscape for the years to come.