Could Michelle Obama defeat Donald Trump in a presidential race? The speculation continues, but would she consider running? | US News
Speculation about Michelle Obama potentially running as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate continues to circulate.
Her popularity among Democrats and the potential challenge she could pose to Donald Trump in the November election has raised concerns among Republicans.
Although she has not shown interest in running for the top position before, the recent exit of Joe Biden from the race has reignited speculation.
Stay updated: Kamala Harris receives support from top Democrats
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
US voter: ‘We don’t have much to choose from’
Mrs Obama gained recognition during her time as first lady and could potentially pose a strong challenge to Mr. Trump.
A recent Ipsos poll indicates that she is the only hypothetical candidate who could definitively defeat Trump in a one-on-one battle, and she also leads the charts in favorability among registered voters.
Whilst Barack Obama praised Mr. Biden extensively on Sunday, he notably did not follow the president’s lead in endorsing Kamala Harris.
The Obamas in 2015. Pic: AP
“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times - and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.”
The use of “for now” has raised eyebrows, although it could be a way to refrain from immediately endorsing another candidate.
Republican Senator Kevin Cramer recently expressed to New York Magazine that “Michelle Obama would probably be the one person that could step in and keep the party united and probably provide a little bit of a moving start because of her obvious notoriety”.
Read more:
Where does Harris stand on key issues?
Who is JD Vance?
Would Michelle Obama even consider running?
Earlier this year, her office informed NBC News that she had no plans to run for office in 2024.
Stay informed with the latest news from the UK and worldwide by following Sky News
In a discussion last year with Oprah Winfrey, one of her aides referenced Michelle Obama’s sentiments, stating why she would likely never pursue a political career herself.
“Politics is tough,” she mentioned in the Netflix special. “And the people who enter it… you really have to want it. It needs to be a part of your soul, because it’s so crucial. It’s not in my soul.”
