Michelle Obama: ‘I Was Always Really Good on the Campaign Trail’

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is once again drawing conservative fire for self-praise and grievance politics after boasting about her skills as a speaker during a recent appearance at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival.

Speaking on her “IMO: The Look” podcast conversation with Keke Palmer at the event, Obama defended her oratory abilities while lamenting how media coverage during her husband’s campaigns focused on her wardrobe rather than her message.

“I was always really good on the campaign trail. I was always a powerful orator because my topic was good. It was about my husband,” Obama said.

“Now, I’m giving him passionate speeches. I think people know now that I can give a speech. That wasn’t just that. Didn’t just start happening; I was always really good on the campaign trail. I was always a powerful orator,” Obama added.