Former First Lady Michelle Obama criticized the excessive focus on her appearance rather than her professional accomplishments during a recent podcast appearance, expressing frustration over how media coverage prioritized her wardrobe over her credentials during her time in the White House from 2009 to 2017.

Obama, 62, appeared on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast to discuss her experiences as the first African American woman to serve as first lady and the challenges she faced regarding public perception of her image and achievements.

During the interview, she revealed that articles about her consistently began with descriptions of her clothing rather than her educational background or career accomplishments. She pointed out that this approach demonstrated a fundamental lack of awareness about her extensive professional background before entering the White House.

Before becoming first lady, Obama earned her undergraduate degree at Princeton University and went on to attend Harvard Law School. She built a substantial career that included practicing law, serving as an assistant to the mayor in Chicago, and running a nonprofit organization.

The former first lady explained that despite these professional achievements, public discourse quickly shifted to focus on superficial aspects of her appearance. She expressed concern that her shoes had become more important in media coverage than her substantive contributions.

In preparation for the release of her book, “The Look,” on November 4, 2025, Obama revealed that she purposefully avoided discussing fashion and beauty during her eight years in the White House. She feared that allowing such conversations would overshadow more important work and messages.

“The Look” features over 200 never-before-published images. Penguin Random House Audio released an audiobook edition that Obama narrates herself.

Obama described the role of first lady as a complicated non-job that required balancing multiple expectations. She felt pressure to show her feminine side as a Black woman, particularly after being labeled as angry during the campaign.

She emphasized that criticism of her fashion choices was often racist in nature, adding another layer of complexity to her position. Obama explained that she took her role very seriously and ensured that her clothes could never speak louder than her message.

The former first lady also addressed her decision to avoid wearing braids during her time in the White House, despite wanting to do so. She believed the United States was not ready for that hairstyle and preferred to keep focus on policy rather than personal appearance. “The Crown Act hadn’t been passed yet, and just like fashion, I didn’t want my hair to become a distraction,” she explained.

Obama wore braids publicly for the first time at the White House portrait unveiling in September 2022. She explained that braids represent freedom for her, particularly when she is swimming or playing tennis away from public scrutiny.

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Obama developed her fashion sense by watching “Soul Train” and appreciating the groovy styles featured on the show. She described herself as fundamentally the same person but noted that she has grown wiser and more confident with each decade.

Obama acknowledged that she cares less about what other people think now compared to earlier in her life. However, she admitted that building self-confidence remains an ongoing process that requires daily work on self-affirmation and self-worth.

She addressed broader societal issues facing women, noting that people want to control women by targeting their appearance. Obama referenced the pressure on women to conform to a “Barbie doll” image and the tendency to undermine women by focusing on their physical attributes rather than their capabilities.

Obama emphasized that women, particularly women of color, do not always receive positive affirmation and must actively work to remind themselves of their worth. She stressed the importance of women supporting each other and building confidence in an environment where powerful figures sometimes attempt to quiet dissenting voices.

During her podcast appearance, Obama also reiterated her position that men out there would not vote for a woman, stating that the United States is not ready for a female president. She urged people not to become angry at her for making this observation, but instead to examine the underlying reasons for this reality.

Obama challenged women in positions of power to ensure they are not simply becoming female versions of broken systems. She encouraged leaders to consider whether they are building the world they told their daughters existed.

She called for more thoughtful consideration of the messages society sends and receives about women, particularly regarding the balance between appearance and substance. Obama stressed the need to think carefully about how women are portrayed and evaluated in public life.