Former first lady Michelle Obama has sparked new debate over gender and leadership, declaring that the United States is still not prepared to elect a woman to the Oval Office. Michelle Obama made the remarks while promoting her new book The Look at a November 5 event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

‘We ain’t ready’

Speaking with actor Tracee Ellis Ross during the event — later posted on Michelle Obama’s YouTube channel — the former first lady said the 2024 election proved the country remains resistant to female leadership.

“That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not.”

Criticism of male resistance to female leadership

When asked whether her experience in the White House opened the door for a woman

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