Barack Obama was one of the American presidents who best managed to mobilize Democratic voters in recent decades. In a Gallup poll in which American citizens evaluated the work of former presidents, Obama, with 63% approval, is the 4th best placed among the last 11 occupants of the White House. Donald Trump, in comparison, is second to last on the list with 46%.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is a successful lawyer who became the most read author in the world when she released her autobiographical book, Becoming (2018), according to the New York Times ranking.
Together, the two also maintain the production company Higher Ground, responsible for dozens of works in podcasts, books and films — including the documentary American Factory, winner of the Oscar in 2020. And the electoral potential of the duo was one of the main assets used in Joe Biden’s campaign as head of the ticket in the race for the White House four years ago.
But why don’t they regain political prominence in a renewed quest for the US Presidency?
Constitutional impediment
In Barack Obama’s case, the answer is easier. The US Constitution prevents him from running for office. The 22nd Amendment states that no politician can be elected to the nation’s highest office more than twice.
Since Barack has already served two terms (2009 to 2013 and 2013 to 2017), a third term would be unconstitutional.
The situation becomes less clear if Barack were to run as a Democratic vice presidential candidate. There is no direct constitutional impediment, but another amendment states that no one who is ineligible to run for president may run as vice president. This would effectively exclude Obama from the race.
Michelle: “It’s not in my soul”
The former first lady has no legal barriers to running for office, but has repeatedly stated that she has no interest in holding political office.
In an Ipsos poll published in early July, Michelle Obama appears to be the only Democratic figure capable of defeating Trump at the polls. She won 50% of Americans’ support, compared to Trump’s 39% in the simulated scenario.
Still, it is not known how she would perform in a campaign. Her name has never been on a ballot and Michelle has held few positions in public administration. She was a legal assistant for the city of Chicago, where she was also commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development in 1993. As first lady, she led an initiative to encourage healthy eating as a strategy to combat childhood obesity.
When asked about the possibility of running on the Democratic ticket, Michelle stated in a statement sent to the American broadcaster NBC that “I have said several times in recent years that I will not run for President”. And, earlier, in a documentary produced by Netflix, she stated that “politics is tough” and that, “people who enter it… have to want it. It has to be in their soul, because it is very important. It is not in my soul”.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
