Michelle Obama has shared her concerns regarding the forthcoming 2024 presidential election, mentioning that the thought of it is a cause of sleepless nights for her. During her appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast “On Purpose,” she highlighted the critical significance of choosing the appropriate leaders due to the profound influence they wield over the country’s direction.
Obama highlighted the tendency for people to take the government for granted, questioning whether they truly understand the role it plays in their lives. She emphasized the need to appreciate and not underestimate the importance of democracy. The former first lady further revealed her concerns about various issues, including ongoing wars, the future of artificial intelligence, education, excessive phone usage, and voter engagement.
During the podcast, Shetty asked Obama about her famous statement from the 2016 Democratic National Convention: “When they go low, we go high,” and how it has evolved over time. Obama responded by expressing her offense towards injustice, ego, greed, racism, and ignorance. She admitted to being averse to unfairness and bullying but highlighted the importance of delivering messages in a thoughtful manner, even when experiencing pain, anger, or disappointment.
Obama’s statements come against the backdrop of expressed concerns by the former President Obama about the risks of a potential return of former President Trump to the White House. While she didn’t directly name Trump, Obama appeared to critique his approach to leadership, stressing the value of maintaining a respectful tone and demeanor in public dialogue. She underscored the need for genuine leadership and spoke out against behaviors that are immature, coarse, and pessimistic.
Obama stressed the responsibility of those with platforms to model behavior that resonates with reason, compassion, and empathy. She expressed her desire to make a positive impact and urged others to do the same.
In sharing her concerns and perspectives, Michelle Obama offers a unique insight into the issues that worry her about the future of US leadership. Her words serve as a reminder of the significance of thoughtful and empathetic leadership in shaping a better society.
