Former First Lady Michelle Obama says she would prefer a quieter life for her family and appears ready for the Democratic Party to embrace a new generation of leaders rather than continue relying on her husband, former President Barack Obama.
The center officially opened on Friday and serves as the culmination of a political journey that took the couple from Chicago’s South Side to the White House.
Barack Obama said one of the center’s primary goals is to inspire future generations and encourage new leadership.
People are a little discouraged right now,” the former president said
“But, again, I believe that we go through these cycles, and there’s going to be a younger generation that pops up and there are going to be leaders who pop up. ”
Obama said he now views himself less as an active participant in politics and more as a mentor helping younger leaders emerge.
Since leaving office nearly a decade ago, he said he has deliberately limited his involvement in public policy debates
“You pick and choose your spots. I’m not suggesting I’ve done it perfectly,” Obama said.
The former president compared his approach to that of George Washington, who stepped away from political life after serving the nation.
He kind of said, ‘All right, I’ve done my stint
And now I’m going, you know, back home,’” Obama said.
Obama then revealed that his wife strongly favors that approach.
“I think Michelle, you know, very much would prefer a quieter life for us,” he said.
At the same time, Obama acknowledged that some Democrats would like to see him take a larger role in national political debates
“There’ve been some folks who would like to see me out every day, right, banging the drum,” he said.
Instead, Obama said he believes it is time for younger leaders to take center stage.
The former president argued that members of the baby boomer generation have remained in positions of influence for too long
“Baby boomers like myself … have been hanging on in all walks of life and have not made room for young people,” Obama said.
He added that he would like to see that change.
Obama said today’s media environment makes it more difficult for rising political figures to gain national attention than it was during his own rise to prominence
He pointed to his breakout speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention as an example of how a single moment could launch a political career.
“Part of what I’ve been trying to do is point out young talent and help lift them up,” he said.
Michelle Obama echoed themes that helped define her husband’s first presidential campaign
The former first lady said she still believes the messages of hope and change remain relevant despite today’s highly polarized political climate.
“People just have to be fed up enough. They have to want more,” she said.
She added that the presidential center is intended to remind Americans that meaningful change remains possible
Michelle Obama also reflected on the significance of becoming the nation’s first Black first family.
She said one exhibit at the center highlights how many people once believed America would never elect a Black president.
You have one exhibit where people thought that it could never happen, that a Black man, a Black family would never live in the White House,” she said
“And lo and behold, the whole country, you know, the vast majority of the country believe differently. ”
