Michelle Obama: This Is "What Not Having Hope Feels Like"
FLOTUS gets real about life in the Trump Era.
Michelle Obama, like many women in the United States, fought hard to elect Hillary Clinton president. And just like many women, she knows what it's like to deal with the aftermath. In her final interview at the White House, Michelle Obama opens up to Oprah about her husband's legacy and the uncertainty that comes with a Donald Trump administration. And judging by a preview clip aired on CBS This Morning, the exchange will make you wish for a Michelle/Oprah ticket in 2020.
Oprah asked her if she felt her husband's administration achieved its goal of giving America hope. The first lady said yes, and that was especially apparent after Donald Trump won the election. "We feel the difference now. See, now, we are feeling what not having hope feels like," she said. "Hope is necessary. It's a necessary concept and Barack didn't just talk about hope because he thought it was just a nice slogan to get votes. [He] and I and so many believe that—what else do you have if you don't have hope? What do you give your kids if you can't give them hope?"
She also talked about how her husband gave America what it desperately needed: a grown-up to tell them it's going to be okay. As usual, she didn't mention Trump by name, but it's clear she means the next guy in charge will likely not serve that role as well:
The first lady also talked about how she wishes people didn't divide themselves by factors like, race, gender, or wealth. "It's sad because the thing that least defines us as people is the color of our skin," she said. You can watch that clip below. The full interview airs Monday night on CBS.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Bella Hadid Rides a Horse Through the Streets of NYC
The supermodel showed off some seriously impressive skills.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
No, You Don’t Have “Cortisol Face”
Don’t be fooled by social media—here’s what doctors want you to know.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Prince Harry Has a “Fresh Perspective” on His Life as He Turns 40 This Weekend
The Duke of Sussex is looking forward to the future.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages
Carroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil Suit
A jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Last updated
-
5 Practical Things You Can Do to Protect Democracy
Advice from top celebrities and Michelle Obama herself.
By Erin Geiger Smith Published
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich Published
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun Safety
The Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
By Sen. Tammy Duckworth Published
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast Published