Political analyst Maureen Callahan has asserted that Barack and Michelle Obama’s significant influence within the Democratic Party is waning, a sentiment fueled by speculation surrounding their relationship.
Speaking on GB News, Callahan suggested the couple’s impact in American politics is diminishing. “The Obamas appear to be past their prime in several respects,” she stated. “They have cultivated a strong brand identity within American culture, but politically, Barack and Michelle Obama are finished within the Democratic Party.”
Recent polling data underscores this assertion, with only four percent of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents identifying Barack Obama as the party’s leader.
Callahan further argued that Obama’s track record raises concerns. “Barack Obama couldn’t secure a victory for Kamala Harris, and he is arguably responsible for delivering Donald Trump to power in his initial term.”
Adding fuel to the speculation, Michelle Obama’s new podcast has reportedly struggled to gain traction, while rumors of a split have persisted. When questioned about these rumors, Michelle Obama addressed them during an appearance on Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast.
“People are mistaking my need for independence,” she explained. Her silence regarding the divorce speculation has been interpreted by some as leaving “breadcrumbs” for interpretation.
The former First Lady’s absence from several recent public events, including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, has also contributed to the questions surrounding their relationship.
In her podcast interview, Obama acknowledged a sense of guilt associated with stepping back from the public eye.
- “That’s something we women often grapple with: disappointing people,” she admitted.
- “It’s disheartening that this year, people couldn’t accept my decision to prioritize myself without assuming that my husband and I were divorcing.”
She emphasized her commitment to personal choice, stating, “I chose to do what was best for me—not what I felt obligated to do, nor what others expected of me.”
