Michelle Obama: A political giant

Michelle Obama’s presence campaining for Hillary Clinton has many wondering if she plans to pursue a political office.
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First lady of the United States (FLOTUS) Michelle Obama is one of the best-educated first ladies our nation has ever seen. And her eloquence and commitment to social justice have made her beloved across the country. 

With the tense and outright ugly nature of the current campaign, many voters are searching for a candidate that appears to embody values similar to those they themselves hold dear. Over the past eight years, Obama has proven she has a moral foundation, and her recent involvement in the election may foreshadow a future career in politics.

Though she has often stayed out of the political limelight, Obama has recently hit the campaign trial advocating for Hillary Clinton. And Democrats across the board quickly realized her authenticity would be key in landing their candidate in the White House.

Clinton may have over 30 years of experience and a plethora of support from across the political spectrum, but voters remain hesitant to throw their support behind her.

A USA Today and Suffolk University poll found that 59 percent of those polled do not believe Clinton is trustworthy or honest, including nearly one-fourth of her own supporters.

Third-party voters will undoubtedly sway this election and it is crucial Clinton capture every undecided vote she can in order to maintain her four-point lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump. Obama has proven to be the key in providing a moral compass to the Clinton campaign.

At the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Obama gave a speech highlighting the morality she and Barack have attempted to share with their children, stating, “When they go low, we go high.” 

The Clinton campaign has adopted this motto, and it is met with thunderous applause at each of her rallies, causing many to stop and take stock of Obama’s influence.

Her speeches at the DNC and multiple subsequent Clinton rallies left the country speculating on her possible future political career.

Would she follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, Laura Bush, and attend small gatherings fighting for breast cancer awareness and writing a memoir, or would she mimic the current nominee and throw herself into the world of politics?

Despite the many denials from the Obamas — more than nine since 2012 — of Michelle’s future political career, many are speculating that a congressional seat and perhaps even the presidency may be on her horizon. 

Her camaraderie with former President George W. Bush and recent remarks denouncing Trump’s comments toward women have won her support from Republicans across the board. Even Glenn Beck, a highly conservative talk show host, has applauded her statements.

If she were to decide to run for office, she would obtain it with no major difficulties. She is a strong advocate for women’s rights, minority rights, education, health and equality across the board. 

Her experience as a lawyer and the eight years spent in the White House make her an ideal candidate, and many are falling behind her.

According to a Gallup Poll and Pew Research Center surveys, two-thirds of the public has a favorable view of Obama. Despite her husband’s fluctuating popularity, our FLOTUS has stayed steady at the mid-to-high 60s. 

As of now, Obama has promised she has no intent to run for any office in her future. However, after this polarizing election, one can only hope she changes her mind. 

 

Breanne Williams is a senior majoring in mass communications.