Former first lady Michelle Obama drew fresh backlash Friday after saying on Jon Stewart’s “IMO” podcast that she does not miss the years when her now-adult daughters lived at home.
Elizabeth Barcohana, a California Republican Party delegate and mother, told Fox News Digital that Obama’s comments struck a sour note, arguing they suggested resentment at a time when motherhood is under intense public discussion.
The exchange came after Stewart reflected on how the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting had brought purpose and rhythm to his life, then asked Obama whether she missed that stage.
“I’m good,” Obama replied.
Barcohana said the former first lady appeared relieved that the most hands-on years of raising Malia and Sasha Obama were behind her.
“There is a difference between a mother expressing exhaustion from the demands of motherhood — which is real and relatable — and expressing resentment,” Barcohana said. “Resentment is what appears to come through in Michelle Obama’s remarks, and it is especially painful to hear amid the national conversation surrounding the Lindsay Clancy trial.
“She seems happy that her daughters’ childhoods are over. That is not a relatable feeling for most mothers at all.”
Obama, however, also made clear during the conversation that her answer did not reflect a lack of affection, saying she loved her daughters and was set to have dinner with them that same evening.
“I don’t miss them. I don’t. I love them. I’m going to see them tonight for dinner. I love them,” she said. “But Barack cried when they went to college. I was like, ‘Bye, little — goodbye.’ Now I … now Friday nights aren’t wrecked with terror and fear about, ‘Where are you? Where are you?’”
Conservative commentator Matt Walsh accused Obama of appearing eager for her children to leave despite the assistance he claimed the family’s wealth afforded her.
“And yet she still couldn’t wait for the kids to leave because the minor demands they made on her time and energy were still too much for her. Just a total raging narcissist,” Walsh said.
Political commentator Link Lauren criticized Obama for what he characterized as repeated complaints about her family and lifestyle.
“This podcast is just her sitting around her mansion in Martha’s Vineyard complaining about how hard her life of luxury is and how much she despises her husband and children,” Lauren said.
Obama further explained her empty nest reaction by saying she welcomed her daughters’ independence and had already spent substantial time actively raising them.
“I love my schedule. I have a great schedule, and it’s all mine,” Obama said. “I mean, I’ve had so much quality time with my children. So much. Yeah, yeah. I know them inside and out.”
Obama also praised Barack Obama’s parenting last year, explaining that both parents deliberately prioritized their daughters throughout his presidency.
“It was important for both of us, for me and Barack, to carve out that time in those eight years when our girls were in their formative years, you know,” Obama said.
