Is Michelle Obama a Christian and will she be the first female President of America?

In a shock announcement Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race in late July. The big question is, who will take his place? Can we look forward to potentially seeing the first female president of the United States of America? Kamala Harris has been by Biden’s side since he entered the White House. She is hotly contested to be his heir to candidacy. However, popular opinion dictates otherwise.

According to the latest Ipsos poll, Michelle Obama is the best option the Democrats have to defeating Trump. Republican Senator Kevin Cramer backed up these claims by saying; “Michelle Obama would probably be the one person that could step in and keep the party united and probably provide a little bit of a moving start because of her obvious notoriety.”

The poll also found Obama to be the most favourable among registered voters.

The poll also found Obama to be the most favourable among registered voters. In March, her office released a comment, stating that she would not be running for presidency. Despite this, polls and gossip have firmly placed her in the running. Causing much speculation and concern for the Republicans.

So hypothetically, why is she a good fit for the Oval Office?

Around the world Obama is a beloved revolutionary, advocating for women and championing a multitude of causes. She is a powerhouse. With a long list of accolades, it makes sense that the next step should be the White House. This is were Harris falls short. Within US politics fame seems to be an advantage and unlike Obama, she isn’t a worldwide figure. However, on the subject of religion, the pair are apparently united.

Previously, Obama has cited Jesus as an example of citizenship. She described her faith as; “what it means is that I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, and that his example of caring and treating others as you want to be treated, and expressing loving compassion for all of God’s children and this beautiful planet, are obligations I now have to take on myself. You asked me how I’ve changed. One way - I think it was Lincoln who said, if you weren’t religious before you became president, this office will make you religious. Because, you know, we pray every day.”

 She described her faith as; “what it means is that I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins

Similarly, Harris has called faith a verb we must live by and show in action. As the UK slips further from faith, having an allied country led by a practising Christian could be influential.

While there is much speculation about Obama, its hard to ignore the discussion of endorsement. Barack Obama (Former President and Michelle’s husband), has been sincere in his praise for Biden but notably failed to endorse Kamala Harris for candidacy. Could this be because his wife is due to stand for election? Barack has been quoted as saying; “for now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times- and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.”

These comments have caused much controversy, leading some to wonder if the couple is avoiding the endorsement of another candidate. Going further, Barack has said he thinks Democrats should create a process that identifies an ‘outstanding nominee.’ 

Although we have seen female leaders like Jacinda Arden, Theresa May or Pratibha Patil in power, the visibility of the US presidency is like no other. In my opinion, a woman serving in this office would signal to the world that we belong on the political stage, and are able to be heads of state - a role usually reserved for royalty.

A female president of the USA could also improve levels of engagement in politics, possibly influencing other women to follow in their footsteps.

Whether its Obama or Harris, I think having a woman president would be beneficial for a country that’s had issues ratifying the gender equality act, this could be the start of a new era for women and America.