Latest news with #Barack
The Journal
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Do you agree with the Obamas being given the Freedom of Dublin?
THE DUBLIN LORD Mayor has invited Barack and Michelle Obama to accept the Freedom of the City of Dublin award during their September visit. The Obamas were originally conferred the honour in 2017 after a close vote but have not yet been in Dublin to accept the award. Advertisement Opponents of the award have cited the former president's foreign policy record and People Before Profit's Hazel De Nortúin said that the party would introduce an emergency motion if the award is not revoked. Former Lord Mayor Emma Blain said that she is in favour of the move, saying that Irish people 'have a great affection' for the Obamas. So, tell us: Do you agree with the Obamas being given the Freedom of Dublin? Poll Results: No (354) Yes (336) Unsure (71) Yes No Unsure Vote
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Michelle Obama MOCKS Barack's presidential ambitions that brought her fame and fortune as divorce rumors continue to swirl
Barack Obama served two terms as the President of the United States, but his wife Michelle has further fueled divorce rumors by belittling his ambitions. The former first lady, who has been outspoken about her support for her husband's career now - admitted she'd previously questioned the lofty goal to become president that he ultimately ended up achieving. The 61-year-old made the remark Wednesday on the latest episode of her podcast IMO, which she hosts with her brother Craig Robinson. Michelle's jibe came after guest Victoria Monét talked about ambition and being embarrassed to share her dreams to become a singer. Michelle agreed with the singer's admission, likening it to Barack's goals of a presidential run. 'It's like my husband,' she quipped. '"I want to be president of the United States"' 'It's like "no, you might want to keep that to yourself honey,"' Michelle said. The former first lady's wisecrack will likely spark pushback, given it was Barack's hard work and ambition that made Michelle one of the most famous and beloved women in the world. His successful presidential run also helped deposit tens of millions of dollars in the couple's joint bank account after they left the White House. Upon entering office, the Obama's had an estimated net worth of $1.3 million. By the time Barack handed over the keys to Donald Trump in 2017, his fortune had reportedly skyrocketed to more than $12 million. The couple have both released memoirs, signed a production deal with Netflix and are regularly engaged to participate in speaking events across the nation. The barb comes as divorce rumors continue to swirl around the couple's 33-year-old marriage, which weathered an eight year stint in the White House between 2009 and 2017. The mom-of-two also spoke about her own career ambitions and taking risks during the episode. Michelle, who attended Harvard Law School before working for a prestigious Chicago law firm, spoke of her 'soul crushing' first job and why she never went back. 'When I came out of law school, I went into a big corporate firm because I went to Harvard and had a lot of debt and that's what you did,' she told Robinson and their guest Victoria Monet. 'I was there for two years, pretty miserable, not because of the place, but because the work was kind of soul crushing to me but I realized I hadn't tried anything else,' she explained. 'And I left and started working in city government and public service and each job , while it paid less, it had me working with people,' the former first lady continued. 'So that year turned into two years, and from that job, you know, working for the deputy chief of staff to working and planning and development and before you know it I was away from law and I've never gone back.' The Obamas met in 1988 when the future president took a job at a law firm in Chicago for the summer where Michelle was already working. The couple have been married for almost 33 years and share daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 24. Over the past few months they have faced ongoing rumors about their marriage status. The rumor mill swirled after her decision to skip both Jimmy Carter's funeral and President Donald Trump's inauguration - with Michelle insisting they were decisions she made for herself. Her absence at the high-profile political events stoked divorce rumors, as did President Obama's admission in April that he was in a 'deep deficit' with his wife. Last week, the couple addressed the speculation that their relationship is on the rocks, When Barack appeared on his wife and brother-in-law's podcast. The pair wasted no time in addressing the rumors of their separation, with Michelle joking that it was nice to be in the same room as her husband, sassily telling her brother: 'When we aren't, folks think we're divorced.' In May, Michelle set the record straight during a podcast with entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett following speculation over the former first couple's recent public appearances 'If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it,' she told the host, laughing. She added that she's 'not a martyr' and joked about how she would address such marital strife publicly. Last week, Michelle made a frank admission about life at home with husband after spending months dodging divorce rumors. The mom-of-two shared the insight about being an empty nester with a husband who is no longer serving as the President of the United States on Wednesday's episode of her podcast, IMO, which she hosts with older brother Craig Robinson. 'I mean at this stage in life for me, personally, is the first time I've been completely free,' the mother-of-two told guest Julia Louis-Dreyfus. 'There's been a release where every choice I make is not about my husband, not about his career, not about my family, not about what my kids need or where they're going, it's totally about me,' she admitted, quipping: 'This is when we start living ladies.'
Hindustan Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Michelle, Barack Obama playfully dismiss divorce speculations, reveal who's stubborn, romantic and messier
The Obamas have taken the couple's challenge test as the former First Couple addressed the divorce rumors in Michelle's 'IMO' podcast. Barack and Michelle Obama got married in 1992 and the pair has two daughters: Sasha, 24, and Malia, 27. The couple recently played 'who' game at the Former Lady's podcast. In a video shared on her 'IMO' podcast's social media account, Michelle and Barack Obama answered a series of 'who' questions. When the 'who' game begins, the 44th US President and First Lady both point to Barack on question 'who apologizes first after a fight.' They both mention Michelle when asked 'Who's the funny one?' The former President continues to acquire titles such as most patient, most romantic, grumpiest in the morning, and biggest baby when ill, among others. According to the two, Michelle Obama demands more attention, is more stubborn, and even takes longer to get dressed. However, they both weren't always in accord on who was the messier, who was the greater social butterfly, who cooks better or who said 'I love you' first. Obamas' fans react Meanwhile, several fans of the couple showered their love on the video, with one writing: 'A normal, kind, intelligent, and happy couple in the White House... I miss that soooooo much!!!' 'Even all the way from EU I miss you two in office. Greatest USA president and first lady of my lifetime!' another commented. 'She married right. A man who apologises and is patient and is romantic . What else could you ask for !!!👏' a third person reacted. Also Read: Did Andy Byron contact rapper Future for advice after 'cheating' scandal at Coldplay concert? 'She took me back', quips Barack Obama The humorous video was released following their dismissal of divorce rumors on the July 16 podcast episode. 'Wait, you guys like each other?' her brother Craig Robinson, who also co-hosts the show, asked Barack in jest at the beginning of the podcast. Reacting to his remarks, the the former politician joked, 'She took me back. It was touch and go for a while.' The Former First Lady went on to say that if they aren't in the same room, 'folks think we're divorced.' Barack and Michelle got married in 1992 and the pair has two daughters: Sasha, 24, and Malia, 27. The couple's divorce rumors ignited after she was notably absent from both President Donald Trump's inauguration and President Jimmy Carter's funeral in January. Michelle opens up about hard and good times During the podcast, Michelle stated that 'There hasn't been one moment in our marriage where I have thought about quitting on my man.' 'And we've had some really hard times. We've had a lot of fun times, a lot of adventures. I've become a better person because of the man I'm married to,' she added. Responding to her, Barack asked her to not make him 'cry'.
Mint
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Who's more romantic? Barack and Michelle Obama's playful answer melts hearts online
Barack and Michelle Obama once again charmed the internet after appearing together in a surprise video that quickly went viral across social media. Known for their strong bond and playful chemistry, the former US President and First Lady took part in a popular online couples game, leaving fans smiling and swooning over their lighthearted dynamic. The clip, which appears to have been filmed on the same day Barack joined Michelle on her podcast, showed the couple standing close, laughing and joking as they answered questions like, 'Who's more romantic?' and 'Who's the grumpier one in the morning?' The two pointed at each other in jest, clearly enjoying themselves and showing that even after nearly 30 years of marriage, their spark remains as strong as ever. Their sweet exchange had social media users flooding comment sections with praise. Instagram user @supastarc called them the 'Mom n dad of the world,' while @ownerofmess wrote, 'I smiled so hard watching this! I love them.' Another user, @atlantahairdoctor, added, 'Real love still exists, and you're a wonderful example! I'm wishing this kind of longevity, love, and marriage for us all." One fan, @dominiquehammonsviolin, commented, 'Smiling at my phone like a mama watching they kids open their presents on Christmas Day,' and @dammy4real joked, 'Their answers were exactly what I thought they would be like I'm so part of their family in my head I love them so much!' Another user, @djfreshinc, simply wrote, 'This made me smile when I really needed it … thank u' The video's release came alongside a new episode of Michelle Obama's podcast 'IMO', which aired on Wednesday, 16 July. In this episode, Michelle was joined by her brother Craig Robinson and a very special guest -Barack Obama himself. During the discussion, the couple addressed long-standing rumours about their relationship. Craig opened with a joke, saying he was surprised to see the two still 'liked each other,' to which Barack replied, 'She took me back! It was touch and go for a while.' Michelle went on to clarify the situation, saying that after their time in the White House, she chose to step away from the public eye. This decision, she explained, led to widespread speculation about problems in their marriage. Her absence from events such as Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration only added to the whispers. However, she made it clear that her reduced public appearances had nothing to do with her relationship with Barack.
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Trouble in paradise? The Obamas laugh off divorce rumours in candid podcast chat
Former First Lady of the United States of America, with her husband, the first Black president of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Image: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP If you've scrolled through social media lately, you might have stumbled upon whispers or rather, headlines asking, Are Barack and Michelle Obama getting divorced? For some, this rumour came as a shock. How could one of the world's most admired couples possibly be on the rocks? But the truth, as Michelle Obama herself reminded us recently, is far more empowering, and it says a lot about the everyday pressures modern couples face. In a refreshingly candid moment, former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the swirling divorce rumours on her podcast Work in Progress with actress Sophia Bush. She revealed that her choice to skip certain high-profile events like Donald Trump's inauguration or former President Jimmy Carter's funeral was never about marital discord. It was simply about something we often forget women, even former First Ladies, are allowed to do: say no. 'I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do,' Michelle told Bush, highlighting a struggle many women know too well, the guilt that comes with disappointing others. If you think the Obamas took these rumours to heart, think again. They tackled them head-on, with humour and warmth, the same qualities that made the world fall in love with them in the first place. On her new podcast, "IMO", which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, Michelle invited her husband Barack to chat about parenting young men. But before the serious talk began, they decided to laugh at the headlines. 'Wait, you guys like each other?' Robinson teased when Barack joined the episode. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Don't make me cry now.' Barack and Michelle Obama address divorce rumors for the first time. — Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 16, 2025 'Oh yeah, the rumour mill,' Michelle shot back. Barack played along, adding, 'She took me back. It was touch and go for a while.' Humour aside, there's a deeper relationship lesson here. The Obamas' playful honesty reveals that a strong marriage doesn't always look the way society wants it to look, glued at the hip, attending every event side by side. Sometimes, it looks like two people who trust each other enough to stand apart. Michelle didn't just clear the air with jokes, though. She reminded listeners of her commitment in the most heartfelt way possible: 'There hasn't been one moment in our marriage where I have thought about quitting on my man… We've had some really hard times… I've become a better person because of the man I'm married to.' These words hold power for any of us who've ever felt the pressure to prove our relationship's worth to the world. As couples therapist Dr Laura Berman told Psychology Today, 'Healthy couples respect each other's individuality and boundaries. Time apart can actually strengthen trust and deepen connection.' Research backs this up, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that partners who maintain personal space and independent interests often report greater satisfaction and lower conflict in the long run. Michelle Obama discusses the challenges of raising daughters Malia and Sasha in the public eye. Image: Instagram Exactly why do we, the public, struggle so much when high-profile couples dare to break the fairytale script? The short answer: we're obsessed with perfect appearances. When we see a gap like Michelle choosing a solo day instead of a public event, we fill it with drama. Dr Jennifer Freed, a relationship expert and author of Use Your Planets Wisely, says society still expects women, especially wives, to show up for everyone except themselves. 'When women set boundaries, people panic. But boundaries are healthy,' Freed told The Guardian in 2023. Michelle knows this too well. 'The interesting thing is, when I say 'no,' people are usually okay with it. But this year, they couldn't fathom it; they had to assume we were divorcing,' she told Bush. Perhaps the real story here isn't about whether Michelle skipped an event. It's about whether the rest of us can learn to respect when a partner says no and not take it as a sign of trouble. The Obamas, who've been married since 1992 and raised two daughters, Malia, now 27, and Sasha, 24, show that healthy relationships are less about showing up for the cameras and more about showing up for each other, privately, consistently, and honestly.
