The Real Reason Michelle Obama Isn't A Fan Of Politics
If there's anyone that has the right to hate politics, it's former First Lady Michelle Obama. Despite her and her husband's eight years living in the White House, the former First Lady is famously outspoken about her dislike of politics (via Refinery 29). This news might come as disappointing to some, however, as she has been asked over and over again to run for president, herself — but she has no intention of ever doing so and has rejected the notion many times (via Refinery29).
In her address to the Democratic National Convention in August, Obama started off her speech by saying, "You know I hate politics" (via YouTube). While a seemingly inconspicuous comment, it was actually quite a powerful statement to make for two main reasons. First of all, it showed how willing she was to be open and honest with the nation about her thoughts and opinions. But two, it's a statement that reflects how many American feel, as well. Obama has been one to speak out against important social and political issues time and time again in the past, but she still considers herself to be an apolitical person — this notion really drives home the idea that caring about others and having empathy is not a political ideology.
But what is it that the former First Lady really dislikes politics so much? It might not be for the reason you think.
Even the Obamas' marriage reminds us that not every relationship is what it appears to be
Amongst the many things that people seem to love about former President Barack Obama is his candid and wholesome relationship with his wife Michelle. The two of them have never shied away from flirting, holding hands, embracing, and just being publicly adorable (via ELLE). But while it may seem like they have the perfect relationship, the former President confesses that his role as Commander-in-Chief had a pretty negative effect on his marriage. These confessions are coming to light more these days as a result of the release of Barack's new book, A Promised Land.
In his memoirs, Obama reminiscences of an incident pre-presidency in which he was sitting with Michelle and explained his desire to advance his political career. "She gave me a hard look and got up from the couch. 'God, Barack...When is it going to be enough?'" the former president writes. "Before I could answer, she'd gone into the bedroom and closed the door" (via PEOPLE). He confessed that he could feel the two of them growing apart and that there was suddenly a palpable tension present in their marriage.
"I think about those days when everything between us felt lighter when her smile was more constant and our love less encumbered," he writes, "and my heart would suddenly tighten at the thought that those days might not return."
They found a light at the end of a tunnel upon the end of Obama's presidency
While exciting, his newfound position as President resulted in an "undercurrent of tension in her, subtle but constant," as well as a seemingly omnipresent "loneliness" (via PEOPLE). Her reluctance towards a hyper-political life doesn't mean she didn't support her husband's career, however. "Michelle very much believed in the work I did but was less optimistic about what I could get done. ... She's more skeptical about politics and more mindful of the sacrifices to the family," he says. His presidency had a clearly heavy effect on their marriage, as well as their lives as individuals. Even Obama's hair grew consistently grayer throughout his eight years as Commander-in-Chief (via Time).
But those were the times of the past, and Obama wants us all to know that he and Michelle overcame those low moments. He believes that the two have rekindled their "deep love" (via PEOPLE). "It was like a big exhale right after we left office," admitted the former President. "It took some time to talk about how she had felt," he says, adding, "Once [the presidency] was done, there was the possibility of her opening up ... but more importantly just her being able to let out a breath and relax."