Michelle Obama Says She's 'So Glad' She Didn't Have a Son With Barack
President Barack Obama embraces the First Lady after she introduced him at a 2012 election campaign event in Davenport, Iowa. Photo by White House Photographer Pete Souza. Public domain.
Michelle Obama doesn't hold back — especially when it comes to parenting. On a recent episode of her "IMO" podcast, the former first lady shared an honest and humorous take on why she's "glad" she didn't have a son with her husband, former President Barack Obama. While chatting with her brother and co-host Craig Robinson and radio icon Angie Martinez, Michelle offered a playful but pointed reason. According to USA Today, when Martinez suggested that she and Barack "should've thrown a boy in the mix," Michelle responded without hesitation, saying she was "glad" she didn't have a boy because "he would've been a Barack Obama!"
No Baby Barack, No Problem
For Michelle, the idea of raising a son — especially one with Barack's strong personality — seemed daunting. Martinez tried to argue the upside, saying, according to the New York Post, "Baby Barack! It would have been amazing," but Michelle wasn't buying it. "No, I woulda felt for him," she replied, adding a touch of empathy to her otherwise cheeky jab.
The Obamas are parents to two daughters: 26-year-old filmmaker Malia and 24-year-old Sasha, a recent University of Southern California graduate. On the podcast, Michelle reflected on the ups and downs of parenting girls, describing how both daughters are pushing into their independence. According to USA Today, speaking to siblings Oliver and Kate Hudson on the "Sibling Revelry" podcast, Michelle noted that "they definitely went through a period in their teen years where it was the push away ... they're still doing that."
Borrowed Boys and Marriage Lessons
Michelle's brother Craig, who has three sons himself, joked that his sister "borrowed our boys," according to USA Today, which gave her a front-row seat to the realities of raising sons. Michelle, meanwhile, expanded on the emotional complexity of bringing up boys in today's world. She spoke of the need to prepare them for everything — from traffic stops to navigating relationships and marriage.
"Teach (your son) about how to deal with the traffic stop, but also teach him how to communicate in a marriage and to be a listening father," she said on the episode, according to the New York Post, framing her comments with both humor and gravity.
Parenting, Partnership, and Public Scrutiny
While her comments sparked laughs, they also came at a time when the former first couple's marriage has been under public speculation. Still, Michelle has publicly praised Barack as a father. In a previous podcast appearance with musician Bruce Springsteen, she called him "a tremendous father, doing it in a lot of grandeur," according to the New York Post.
Despite ongoing rumors of relationship trouble, the pair has been spotted together on cozy restaurant dates, from a Manhattan outing to a D.C. dinner. Michelle also revealed she's currently in therapy and transitioning to a new phase of her life, though she didn't elaborate on what that entails.
Daughters Making Their Own Way
In the same breath as her musings on sons, Michelle also touched on her daughters' desire to forge their own identities. Malia has begun her filmmaking career under her middle name, Ann, with her short film "The Heart" premiering at Sundance in 2024. Michelle said it's important for her daughters to "feel like they've earned what they are getting in the world," according to USA Today, and not be seen as simply benefiting from their parents' fame. "They want to be their own people," Michelle added, noting how sensitive both Sasha and Malia are to perceptions of privilege.
The Heart Behind the Humor
Sure, Michelle Obama's comment about dodging a "Baby Barack" may have been lighthearted, but it opened the door to deeper reflections on family, identity, and gender expectations. Her honesty — paired with her wit — continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate her no-nonsense approach to some of life's most personal and complex issues.
Whether or not a son would have been a mini Barack, Michelle's parenting journey is rich with lessons — and she's not afraid to share them, one podcast episode at a time.
References: Michelle Obama says she is 'so glad' she didn't have a son: 'Would have been a Barack Obama' | Michelle Obama gets real on parenting: 'I'm so glad I didn't have a boy'
