Before, during and after their tenure in the White House, the Obamas have been a frequent subject of media attention. Last January, the former president attended the funeral of President Jimmy Carter without his wife by his side. This notable absence was repeated during the inauguration ceremonies for President Trump. In both instances, previous heads of state were accompanied by their respective wives, prompting speculation about a divorce among the Obamas. To put an end to these rumors, Michelle Obama opened up in a podcast with American actress Sophia Bush, known for her frank and personal dialogues. This freedom of tone and life suited Michelle Obama (61), after being the soul of the perfect "First Family." This desire to reveal her new self is unusual for the status of former First Ladies, who, typically, after their role at the White House, resume a discreet life away from the spotlight.

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First Lady, guide to conduct

Before analyzing Obama's remarks, which are contrary to those of previous First Ladies, L'Orient-Le Jour asked for explanations on the official status of former wives of sitting presidents from a chief of staff of a former First Lady.

Preferring to remain anonymous out of respect for their former position, they told L’Orient-Le Jour, "First, there is a connection that permanently links former First Ladies to their former title: being under the protection of the Secret Service for life, which nevertheless respects their privacy. While leading the life they want, they also remain subject to certain post-presidential traditions, essentially appearing with their spouse at certain official ceremonies, such as the inauguration of a new president, funerals of a national nature, and other public ceremonies. Often, these wives continue to be active in some causes (educational, cultural, or social) that they chose to promote when their spouses were in office. There is also the ethics of writing their memoirs. Generally, they make public appearances only in these contexts."

This was not the case for Obama, who declared loudly and clearly in this podcast her desire to follow her own rules and not what "is expected of her." She went further by completely reevaluating herself publicly. Referring to her absence from President Carter's funeral and President Trump's inauguration, she stated: "People couldn't even imagine that I was making a choice for myself. They automatically assumed my husband and I were divorcing," adding, "When, in fact, now I operate this way. After consideration, I am trying to manage my own schedule. I choose to do what is best for me, not what I have to do or what others expect from me. For the first time in my life, all my choices belong to me."

Taking full ownership of her life

This freedom was now being claimed because Obama felt she no longer had obligations tied to her role as First Lady, and now that her children are adults, Malia is 26 and Sasha is 23. "I want to start practicing the art of saying 'no' now!" she stated, referring to social pressures "that weigh on women, forcing them to do what others expect of them, not wanting to disappoint." Something she now refuses to do.

Since leaving the White House, the couple launched the production company Higher Ground, and Michelle herself has written several books, including "Becoming" and "The Light We Carry."

This is generally what the political class does once their political terms are over. Among other things, she made a podcast about raising her children at the White House and has given conferences. But Obama was looking for something else, and the death of her mother last year strengthened her resolve to chart a new course for her life. Still on the podcast, she stated this necessity in these terms: "I felt it was time for me to make important decisions about my life and to fully own it because if not now, then when will I do it? What am I waiting for?"

This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.