Former first lady Jill Biden shared her doubts about seeing a female president during her lifetime. In a discussion on Kelly Ripa’s podcast, Let’s Talk Off Camera, she expressed uncertainty about the possibility, given her age of 75. Ripa asked if a female president would be elected during their lifetimes.
“In my lifetime? Well, I’m 75. So, you know, I feel probably not in my lifetime, Kelly, but maybe in yours.” Biden responded.
Biden expressed confidence that former Vice President Kamala Harris would be the first female president. She mentioned her optimism during the previous elections, noting the excitement and energy she witnessed while campaigning for Harris. “I thought, ‘Finally, we’re going to have a woman president.'”
Patrice Onwuka, Vice President of Economic Policy at Independent Women, criticized Biden’s comments. Onwuka remarked that the statement was a setback for female Democrats eyeing the 2028 elections, such as AOC and Gretchen Whitmer. She highlighted that Democrats, seen as champions for women, failed to persuade the former first lady of their potential to elect a female president. “Jill Biden’s comments about never expecting to see a female president are a slap in the face,” Onwuka noted.
Onwuka pointed out that Harris’s loss was due to her status quo stance. She argued that despite significant campaign resources, Harris’s candidacy did not bring change. “Perhaps it’s time to stop fixating on gender and take policy seriously,” she added.
During the conversation, Ripa expressed less hope than Jill Biden. She holds optimism for eventual change, although uncertain about its catalyst. “I don’t think social media helps,” added Ripa. “There has to be a messenger eventually that breaks through.”
Former first lady Michelle Obama also expressed skepticism about the readiness of the U.S. for a female president. In November, she mentioned that the country “ain’t ready” to elect a woman, citing Harris’s loss to President Donald Trump in 2024.
Harris countered Obama’s view in a December 2025 interview with The New York Times, stating, “I do believe the country is ready.” She referenced the significant audience drawn to her book tour as evidence of support.
Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker, also disagreed with Obama’s remarks but emphasized the need for change in the U.S. When interviewed by CNN, Pelosi questioned the basis for doubting a woman as commander-in-chief, “I’ve heard every excuse in the book.” She stressed that women also serve in the military and are equally capable.
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