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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Here's why Michelle Obama says she's glad she didn't have a son
Credit: X/Michelle Obama In a recent episode of her "Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast"—known as IMO—former First Lady Michelle Obama shared a candid reflection that struck a chord with many parents navigating modern family dynamics. Speaking alongside radio host Angie Martinez and her brother Craig Robinson, Obama remarked, 'I'm so glad I didn't have a boy.' It wasn't a dig at raising sons. Instead, her point was about the unique pressure a boy in the Obama household would have faced—especially with the name Barack Obama. When Martinez asked why the couple never tried for a son to go along with daughters Sasha and Malia, Michelle responded plainly: 'Because he would've been a Barack Obama!' Martinez laughed and suggested that a 'baby Barack' would've been 'amazing,' but Michelle quickly added, 'I would've felt for him.' — MichelleObama (@MichelleObama) Her brother Craig, the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, chimed in humorously, 'They just borrowed our boys,' referring to his own sons and the close family bond they share. The comment, though lighthearted on the surface, underscored a deeper concern: the burden of legacy. Barack Obama, the 44th president and the first Black man to hold the office, is officially Barack Hussein Obama II. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Godrej Majesty | Luxurious 3 & 4 BHK Homes at ₹2.39 Cr* Godrej Majesty Learn More Undo His name carries not just presidential weight, but also a transcontinental lineage that ties back to his Kenyan father, Barack Hussein Obama, an economist and government official. A son named Barack Obama III would have inherited more than just a name—he'd carry the full expectation that comes with it. Michelle's comments reflect a larger theme she's explored often: the pressures placed on individuals by legacy, public perception, and gender roles—especially in Black families. The episode also touched on how women, particularly those in the public eye, are often scrutinized for their personal choices. Michelle addressed ongoing rumors about her marriage, sparked by her absence from public events earlier this year. 'People couldn't believe that I was saying no for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, you know,' she explained. Reiterating her stance on Sophia Bush's Work in Progress podcast, she added: 'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with—disappointing people… This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us.' Michelle Obama's reflections are part of a broader conversation about autonomy, parenting, and identity in the face of fame and public expectation. And for her, the hypothetical of raising a boy wasn't just about diapers and sports—it was about legacy, burden, and the emotional cost of a name. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘He would've been a Barack' – Michelle Obama on why she is ‘glad' she didn't have a son
Speaking on her IMO podcast alongside her brother Craig Robinson and radio host Angie Martinez, Ms Obama was discussing the challenges of raising boys in today's society. 'I'm so glad I didn't have a boy,' she said. When Ms Martinez asked why she and her husband, former president Barack Obama, did not try for a son after having her two daughters, Sasha and Malia, Ms Obama replied: 'Because he would've been a Barack Obama.' Mr Robinson, the current executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, said his sister and her husband 'just borrowed our boys', referring to the children he has had from his two marriages. Mr Obama, who was the first black person to serve as America's president, was named after his father, Barack Hussein Obama. Mr Obama Sr was a Kenyan economist and government official who met his wife, anthropologist Stanley Ann Dunham, while they were both studying at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the 1960s. Barack and Michelle Obama have been the subject of divorce rumours for several months following Michelle's absence from a handful of high-profile events at the start of the year, including former president Jimmy Carter's funeral and president Donald Trump's inauguration. She spoke about her decision to skip the events in an episode of IMO last April. They had to assume that my marriage was falling apart 'My decision to skip the inauguration, what people don't realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me were met with such ridicule and criticism,' she said. 'People couldn't believe that I was saying no for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, you know.' ADVERTISEMENT She reiterated that she did not go to Mr Trump's inauguration because it was the best decision for her. 'I'm here really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me,' she said. 'And it took everything in my power to not do the thing that was right, or that was perceived as right, but do the thing that was right for me. That was a hard thing for me to do.' Ms Obama also spoke about the divorce rumours during an appearance on Sophia Bush's Work in Progress podcast earlier in April. 'The interesting thing is that, when I say 'no,' for the most part people are like, 'I get it, and I'm OK,'' she said. 'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people. 'I mean, so much so that this year people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing. 'This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?' she added. 'But that's what society does to us. We start actually, finally going, 'What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?' 'And if it doesn't fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labelled as something negative and horrible.'
Int'l Business Times
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Int'l Business Times
Michelle Obama Shuts Down Divorce Rumors With Sweet Father's Day Tribute to Barack
Michelle Obama honored her husband, former President Barack Obama, on Father's Day, reflecting on the couple again with warmth and solidarity after months of speculation about their relationship. Posting a throwback photo of Barack posing with daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 24, the former first lady shared her thoughts about the family dynamic. A post shared by instagram Her post was reminiscent of what Barack posted for her on Mother's Day in May, when he wrote, "@MichelleObama, the girls and I are so lucky to have you in our lives. We love you." The couple's show of unity follows months of speculation about the state of their relationship. Michelle set the record straight as she discussed the rumors during an appearance on the "Work in Progress" podcast with Sophia Bush in April. Her absence from high-profile events earlier this year, such as President Jimmy Carter's funeral and the inauguration of Donald Trump, had led to rumors of a feud. Without referencing these events, Michelle said, "I'm at the point in my life where I'm making a set of decisions for myself.." Some people, she added,"couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing." Michelle pointed to the societal pressures placed on women, saying, "That's the thing that we as women struggle with: disappointing people." She added during the podcast that she "chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do." A 32-Year Marriage The Obamas, who were married in 1992, marked their 32nd wedding anniversary in October. In interviews in the past and in her best-selling memoir, "Becoming," Michelle has publicly discussed how the pressures of Barack's political career strained their relationship, and that his wanting more was often too much of a reminder of how alone it could leave her. The mom-of-two reiterated about their marriage during a podcast appearance on "The Diary of A CEO" in May, stating clearly, "That's not who we are," and adding, "I know that about him. He knows that about me." Originally published on Enstarz Michelle Obama Barack obama
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
Barack Obama
Barack and Michelle Obama share new family photo for Sasha's birthday The Obama family is marking Sasha Obama's birthday with a celebratory and rare family photo. 2 months ago Obama blasts Trump administration's 'unlawful' Harvard demands Barack Obama praised Harvard for its rejection of President Donald Trump's demands as the university faces a funding freeze for alleged inaction on antisemitism. 2 months ago Obama blasts Trump administration's 'unlawful' Harvard demands Barack Obama praised Harvard for its rejection of President Donald Trump's demands as the university faces a funding freeze for alleged inaction on antisemitism. 2 months ago Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors about her and Barack Obama Michelle Obama addressed divorce rumors in part two of her conversation with Sophia Bush on the podcast, "Work in Progress." 2 months ago 'It is up to all of us to fix this:' Former President Barack Obama on American ideals Former President Barack Obama delivered remarks on Thursday at Hamilton College, in which he urged citizens to stand up for American ideals such as equality and the rule of law. 2 months ago Barack Obama accidentally photobombs cherry blossom pictures, shares sweet apology Barack Obama photobombed two children posing for a photo by Washington, D.C.'s iconic cherry blossoms. 2 months ago Obama accidentally photobombs family's picture in DC Portia Moore was taking a photo of her children surrounded by the blooming cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C., when the former president accidentally stepped into the shot. 5 months ago Obama, Trump sit together, talk before Carter funeral Former president Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump speak inside Washington National Cathedral. 7 months ago Obama campaigns in Milwaukee for Harris Former President Barack Obama, while campaigning in the battleground state of Wisconsin, said America needs a new leader like Vice President Kamala Harris. 7 months ago Barack Obama says daughters Malia, Sasha 'go out of their way' to not use Obama name Former President Barack Obama said it's a challenge for him and wife Michelle Obama to help their daughters, who he said are "very stubborn" about making it on their own. 7 months ago Obama reacts to Trump's Madison Square Garden rally Fallout continues over racist comments made at Trump's big rally on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. 8 months ago Obama, Springsteen campaign with Harris at Georgia rally Vice President Kamala Harris is calling upon former President Barack Obama and an array of celebrity supporters to drive voters to the polls with less than two weeks until the election. 8 months ago Harris, Obama campaign together for 1st time at star-studded Georgia rally Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned with former President Barack Obama for the first time Thursday night in must-win Georgia at a star-studded rally. 8 months ago Barack Obama and Kamala Harris campaign together for first time at Georgia rally Barack Obama introduced Kamala Harris as the two campaigned together for the first time at a star-studded rally in Clarkston, Georgia. 8 months ago Harris readies for rally with Obama in Georgia With just 12 days left in the campaign, Harris on Thursday will do local media interviews in Georgia before a 8 p.m. ET rally with former President Barack Obama and concert with Bruce Springsteen. 8 months ago Eminem introduces Obama at campaign rally in Detroit Rapper Eminem took the stage in his home state of Michigan to introduce former President Barack Obama at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris. 8 months ago Obama warns of 'older, loonier' Trump during Wisconsin rally Former President Barack Obama made the comments during a speech at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon. 8 months ago Obama reaches out to Black male voters in stumping for Harris ABC News contributor Mike Muse on the vice president deploying her top surrogate on the campaign trail. 8 months ago Obama rips Trump, chides Black men over 'excuses' for not voting for Harris The former president began a multi-state campaign tour in Pittsburgh Thursday night. 8 months ago Obama rips Trump, chides Black men over 'excuses' for not voting for Harris He began a multi-state campaign tour in Pittsburgh Thursday night. 8 months ago Obama hits campaign trail to stump for Harris in Pennsylvania The former president calls on young people to vote during a Thursday night rally in Pittsburgh. Donald Trump brought his economic message to Detroit, insulting the city. 8 months ago Barack Obama and Elon Musk to hit the campaign trail ABC News' Karen Travers and Katherine Faulders with the latest news from the campaign trail. 8 months ago Obama to campaign for Harris in final weeks before Election Day Former President Barack Obama will hit the campaign trail for Vice President Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz starting next Thursday, Oct. 10, through election day. 10 months ago Speechwriter assesses former boss Obama's DNC speech Terry Szuplat spent eight years as one of former President Barack Obama's speechwriters. 10 months ago Barack Obama concludes DNC Day 2 by telling voters 'Let's get to work' ABC News roundtable breaks down the highlights and speeches of the second night of the Democratic National Convention. 10 months ago Barack Obama's full speech at the DNC The former president spoke during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 10 months ago Barack Obama at the DNC: 'Trump has not stopped whining' The former president warned against a second Trump presidency, saying, "The sequel is usually worse." 10 months ago Barack Obama praises Biden as 'a leader who was steady' The former president said of Biden: "I am proud to call him my president, but I am even prouder to call him my friend." 10 months ago Obamas discuss friendship and support for Harris on Day 2 of DNC Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama speak at the DNC on Tuesday, highlighting their 20-year friendship with Harris. 1 year ago Obama officially endorses Harris as Democratic nominee Former President Barack Obama officially endorses Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's 2024 nominee. 1 year ago Obama endorses Harris as Democratic nominee Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have thrown their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she finishes her first week as a presidential candidate. 1 year ago Obama tells allies Biden needs to reconsider his reelection bid: Washington Post Former President Barack Obama has privately told allies in recent days that Joe Biden's path to victory has greatly diminished. 1 year ago Malia and Sasha Obama speak out in new documentary The former first daughters were interviewed for the Netflix documentary 'Becoming,' about their mother Michelle Obama, which was released overnight. 1 year ago Michelle and Barack Obama share rare photos of daughter Sasha Sasha graduated from University of Southern California last May. 1 year ago 4 presidents visiting New York City President Joe Biden is holding a fundraiser in New York with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Former President Donald Trump is also in New York at the wake of a slain NYPD officer.
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham exhibition offers behind-the-scenes look at art
The showcase, titled Work in Progress, features the unfinished works of masters students and is currently on display at the Tŷ Pawb gallery in Wrexham. The exhibition runs until June 21 and includes pieces by students and staff from Wrexham University's School of Art. Dr Karen Heald, programme leader of the university's MA art and design suite, said: "When Tŷ Pawb approached us to exhibit, we were thrilled to be offered such a unique opportunity at this interim stage, and in the spirit of collaboration, we said yes. "This exhibition really centres around exposing the process when it comes to creating art, which is something most people don't tend to see." The exhibition features a variety of art forms, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, drawings, etchings, sculptures, films and audio-visual installations. Dr Heald said: "Typically, we only tend to showcase the finished artworks, whereas all the works being exhibited here give audiences a chance to see the development of these works in the summer. "Concepts created in this exhibition will therefore be refined, advanced and completed by our final year Masters student and displayed at their end of year show, taking place in August." She also emphasised the value of exhibiting at Tŷ Pawb. READ MORE: Construction industry experts launch new Wrexham branch Dr Heald said: "For our students, exhibiting in Tŷ Pawb is a fantastic opportunity, it is a contemporary gallery at the heart of our local community, which also has a national and international presence. " It is a truly fantastic space for the arts in Wrexham." Students will be in attendance every Wednesday and Saturday to invigilate the exhibition and talk to visitors about their work. Work in Progress is open to the public from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
