Michelle Obama recently appeared on actress Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast. There, she discussed her life after the White House. The former first lady talked about how she now enjoys more control over her schedule and personal choices – and boy, does she ever exercise that control.

During the podcast, she explained her new approach to deciding which events to attend and which to skip. This follows a period where she was noticeably absent from several high-profile functions that her husband attended alone. I can’t help but wonder what previous First Ladies would think of this pick-and-choose approach to civic duties.

The 61-year-old former first lady has been making fewer public appearances lately. Indeed, she’s missed crucial events such as President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. Apparently, national unity isn’t on her priority list!

It was these absences that sparked widespread speculation about her marriage. Michelle finally directly addressed these divorce rumors during the podcast.

From ‘New York Post’:

“The interesting thing is that, when I say ‘no,’ for the most part people are like, ‘I get it, and I’m OK,'” the mom of two said of her decision to turn down key invitations. “And that’s the thing that we as women struggle with — disappointing people. So much so that people, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

Rather than acknowledging any responsibility to attend significant national events, Michelle framed criticism of her absences as society’s inability to accept women’s independence. She complained that “this couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself.” ‘This suggests that expectations for a former first lady to participate in ceremonial functions were somehow unreasonable. Is this really what we expect from our former First Families?

Michelle went on to reveal that she now prioritizes her personal preferences when planning her schedule. ”

“I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year… and I chose to do what was best for me,” she explained. Michelle added that women like her operate from “guilt.” The irony of complaining about guilt while skipping a presidential funeral seems completely lost on her.

The “Me First” Mentality

What’s particularly striking about Michelle’s comments is how she characterizes traditional expectations and responsibilities as burdens to be escaped.

“Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?'” she said. Translation: national unity events are optional if they don’t spark joy.

Her rhetoric reflects a concerning pattern of self-centered thinking that has become increasingly common among progressive elites. The former first lady described basic considerations like “Who do I want to have lunch with? How long do I want to stay in a place? Do I want to travel?” as revolutionary acts of self-determination. Imagine thinking that attending a former president’s funeral is just another calendar item you can decline!

This perspective stands in stark contrast to traditional values about marriage and public service, where mutual commitment and respect for institutions take precedence over personal convenience. While every marriage requires balance, Michelle’s framing suggests that even attending major national events alongside her husband is primarily about her personal preferences rather than shared obligations.

What This Reveals About Democratic Elites

Michelle’s reasoning for skipping President Trump’s 2025 inauguration—to avoid “fake pleasantries”—speaks volumes about how some Democratic leaders approach civic duties. The peaceful transition of power has historically been a sacred American tradition that transcends personal feelings, yet Michelle felt comfortable dismissing it as optional.

This attitude reflects a troubling disconnect between progressive elites and everyday Americans who understand that family responsibilities, civic duties, and traditional values aren’t simply matters of personal preference to be discarded when inconvenient.

While Obama has every right to manage her own schedule, her dismissal of legitimate questions about her absence from significant events as sexism rather than reasonable concern shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the continued role former first families play in our national fabric.

The former first lady did mention that she still finds time for certain projects.

“I still care about girls’ education,” she noted.

However, her characterization of public responsibilities as constraints rather than honors reveals much about the worldview that continues to influence Democratic messaging. When ceremonies honoring deceased presidents and peaceful transfers of power become optional based on personal whims, what traditions are still sacred?

Key Takeaways:

• Michelle Obama frames legitimate public questions about her absences as sexism rather than reasonable concern/
• Her “me-first” approach to former First Lady duties reveals a troubling disconnect from traditional American values.
• By characterizing civic responsibilities as burdensome rather than honorable, she reinforces elitist Democratic attitudes.
• Her comments highlight why many Americans feel progressive leaders prioritize personal preference over duty and tradition.

Sources: New York Post, Fox News