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

She complained that early articles about her often led with descriptions of her clothing, such as “She was wearing a purple sheath, and she had on this pair of shoes,” instead of her content.

Obama framed this as a broader tactic against women in public life.

“This is how we treat women in public life. We diminish them to just what they look like and not what I’m saying,” she added.

Obama also recalled realizing the political nature of attacks on her style, noting it was a way to “slow me down” because she was useful in undermining her husband.

Conservatives quickly pushed back on social media, calling the remarks tone-deaf and insufferable.