Internet wants Michelle to run for US president in 2020
After Hillary Clinton was defeated by Donald Trump in the biggest upset of U.S. election history early Wednesday morning, the Internet was awash with reactions to the largely unanticipated outcome.
But while many took to social media to either celebrate or lament the night’s results, some began to look ahead four years, announcing their support for candidates who could potentially run for the nation’s highest office in 2020 — including Michelle Obama.
The current first lady, 52, has become one of the most beloved political figures in recent history during her husband Barack Obama’s eight years in the White House.
Michelle was pretty much the coolest first lady ever, whether she was belting out tunes with James Corden for his Carpool Karaoke, advocating for and inspiring women, or just being a mom to her daughters, Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15. She worked tirelessly to combat childhood obesity, help military families and further education for all. Not to mention she’s become a style icon who shows up to every engagement looking classy and chic.
Soon after the election results, dismayed social media users began calling on Michelle to run for president in 2020 with the hashtag #michelle2020. “It’s not too early to start the Michelle Obama 2020 campaign is it? #MichelleObama #Michelle2020,” one tweeter wrote. Another pointed out that if she became POTUS it would be extra historic. “On a good note now Michelle Obama can attempt to break two glass ceilings as the first black female president #Michelle2020,” one person posted.
The surge in favorable tweets may be due to the first lady’s ability to deliver powerful speeches. Her popularity skyrocketed during election season as she eloquently addressed difficult issues such as race and gender at a time when Americans were divided over them.
During her Democratic National Convention speech, for instance, she addressed the significance of her husband’s presidency, saying: “I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves. And I watch my daughters, two beautiful, intelligent black young women, playing with their dogs on the White House lawn.”
Though Obama’s post-White House plans are unclear, she did hint at the first-ever United State of Women summit dinner in June that she would continue to advocate for the education of girls around the world.
She has also repeatedly stated that she has no desire to be president.
When asked in March at her South by Southwest keynote address whether she’d consider running for president, she responded, “No, nope, not going to do it.”
Then added: “You don’t have to be president of the United States to do wonderful, marvelous things.”
