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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Megyn Kelly Fiercely Taunts Michelle Obama With A Perplexing New Video
Right-wing pundit Megyn Kelly apparently thinks that former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking openly and honestly about her experiences as a mother and wife is an issue that needs attention. On Friday, Kelly shared a parody video on X, formerly Twitter, which features her mockingly impersonating the 'Becoming' author with a character she created called 'Megyn O.' In the roughly five-minute clip, Kelly pretends to be the former first lady talking about her personal life on a podcast. (Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, launched a new podcast series, titled 'IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,' back in March.) The former Fox News Host put her own spin on some of the conversations Obama has had on her 'IMO' podcast, as well as various appearances she's made on other platforms. One part of the parody video featured a real clip of Obama's appearance on 'The Diary of a CEO' podcast last month, in which she talked about her fertility struggles, undergoing vitro fertilization and experiencing pregnancy loss, during the nearly 90-minute video interview. Obama said on the podcast at the time that she speaks openly about her own experiences because she doesn't think there's enough public conversations about women's health. She said that the lack of discussions surrounding pregnancy loss can cause women who experience it to feel isolated, or as if they are in some way at fault. 'And that can become the first pressure point in a marriage,' she said. Speaking further about fertility struggles, pregnancy and raising kids — and how all of those things can impact marriages and relationships — Obama said: 'Babies... little people with their own sense of everything... they mess you up.' 'You love them dearly, but they're a hassle,' she said with a laugh. 'And they're demanding, and they have their own whims, and now they're in your world, in your partnership, they are factored into everything.' Kelly took a swipe at this part of Obama's appearance on 'The Diary of a CEO.' In her parody video, Kelly, while pretending to be Obama, said, 'I don't understand these women, who have these kids ... do you know what having children does to your life? It ruins it. Your life is ruined. Say goodbye to your happiness, whatever may have existed.' The former Fox News host has criticized Obama for being vulnerable and for sharing aspects about her personal life before. Back in April, Kelly and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson slammed the former first lady for talking about the racism and bias that still plague the U.S. during her appearance on Jay Shetty's podcast. And earlier that month, Kelly complained about Obama talking publicly about the ups and downs in her marriage to former President Barack Obama, saying, 'Every word she says about Barack Obama is negative.' But Kelly's attacks targeting Obama's vulnerability can cause harm to others listening at home, said Heather Crampton, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor with Thriveworks. Not only can mocking someone sharing their personal struggles — as Kelly did — 'breed shame and discourage open and honest dialogue' for the intended target, but the right-wing pundit's parody video can cause a 'chilling effect' for viewers at home, Crampton told HuffPost. 'People who are already hesitant to talk about sensitive topics like fertility challenges, marital strain, or the stress of parenting might feel that if a prominent woman is ridiculed for her honesty, they too will be judged or laughed at for admitting similar struggles,' she said. 'This dynamic reinforces stigma and the idea that you should keep difficulties private or pretend everything is fine, which can lead to feelings of isolation, guilt or shame.' 'In contrast, when vulnerability is met with respect, it empowers others to be open and seek support,' she continued. 'While criticism of ideas is part of public discourse, mocking personal hardship often does more harm than good, both to the individual being targeted and to anyone watching who relates to those experiences.' 'When people in the public eye share what they've gone through with things such as IVF, miscarriages, marital strain or the exhaustion of raising children, subjects that are often very isolating, it sends a message that these aren't a sign of failure, they are just part of being human,' Crampton said. 'When a respected figure like Michelle Obama shares that she went through fertility issues, it helps others going through that feel less alone and empowered to seek help.' She also emphasized that these conversations in the public help counter the 'myth that only certain types of people face these problems.' 'Overall, sharing honestly helps create a culture where people feel safer seeking help, expressing their emotions, and supporting one another through the inevitable difficulties of relationships and family life,' she added. And for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by parenting responsibilities or going through a difficult period in their marriage or relationship, Crampton emphasized that it's important to reach out to someone you trust. 'If that isn't available to you in your personal life, consider professional support,' she said. 'For immediate reprieve, take some small breaks when you can such as going for a walk or a few minutes of meditation, or journaling your feelings. Getting your thoughts out, even if on paper, can make a huge difference.' Crampton said that a good starting point for getting help can be contacting your primary care provider, or your insurance company for referrals to mental health services. 'Many communities also have parenting helplines and relationship resources you can contact confidentially,' she added. Megyn Kelly Brutally Body-Shames Ariana Grande For Criticizing Trump Megyn Kelly Whines About Pregnant Meghan Markle's 'Disrespectful' Dance With Harry Megyn Kelly Attempts A Perplexing Beyoncé Takedown — But The Receipts Are Damning
Fox News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Michelle Obama's podcast puts her in limelight in new Trump era, but she's not coming to Democrats' rescue
Michelle Obama's newly launched podcast has racked up more than 260,000 YouTube subscribers this year, and the former first lady remains one of the Democratic Party's most popular figures. But she's not a political savior, a new report reminds readers. She's not running for office, let alone president, and her show is likely at best a blueprint for Democrats desperate to engage voters in the sort of fashion that right-leaning shows and hosts did to President Donald Trump's benefit in 2024. "As Democrats search for a liberal counter to the right-wing media ecosystem that helped Trump win back the White House by reaching millions who don't pay attention to mainstream media, the online show of a relatable and popular Democrat could be what they are looking for," a new USA Today report states. Obama and her brother Craig Robinson launched "IMO" in March, which Obama teased as addressing people feeling more alone than ever in "really complicated and confusing times." Left unsaid was that Trump had taken office less than two months earlier, with the political party her husband Barack Obama led and the broader progressive movement in shambles after Republicans swept to power in November. Yet Michelle Obama has remained deliberately apolitical for the most part in the show. Her most recent guest was social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, where they discussed his work to discourage parents from letting kids and teenagers spend too much of their formative years on smartphones and screens. On Father's Day, she spoke to rock star Bruce Springsteen and Trump wasn't mentioned by name. She's said repeatedly she's not running for office. One supporter quoted by USA Today noted the former first lady "hates politics," and Obama has spoken about feeling a sense of "freedom" with her two daughters now in young adulthood. But she's not staying out of the limelight. She has also appeared on numerous other podcasts for interviews this year, doing far more media appearances than her husband, including on podcasts hosted by NPR, Amy Poehler, and Sophia Bush. She's largely eschewing political topics and direct criticism of the Trump administration, while not completely avoiding hot topics either. One Democratic strategist said this was a better use of her talents than sounding off directly on politics. "So this is the best way that she can create space and show the multi-dimensional nature of Black women: our thinking; how we engage friends; how we engage with people across racial lines; how we engage with our siblings; and the fullness of us, while also allowing her to speak to the issues of the moment," Democratic strategist Nina Smith told USA Today. In the backdrop of Obama's ascension as a more public media figure in 2025, Democrats are reportedly casting about for an army of online influencers to counter the hugely followed voices like Joe Rogan that helped push young men into Trump's corner in 2024. Liberal strategists are pushing the party's megadonors to spend tens of millions of dollars to develop "an army of left-leaning online influencers" to help the party "compete culturally" with President Donald Trump, according to The New York Times. "The quiet effort amounts to an audacious — skeptics might say desperate — bet that Democrats can buy more cultural relevance online, despite the fact that casually right-leaning touchstones like Mr. Rogan's podcast were not built by political donors and did not rise overnight," the Times reported. Michelle Obama has built credibility with Democratic Party supporters since she and her husband burst onto the national political scene in the late 2000s. Yet since neither she nor her husband are running for office again, she can't be relied upon too much beyond being a voice in the political wilderness. "It's important for her to stay within the public space, so it's good that she wants to be active. She endorses candidates and stuff of that nature. I have no problem with that," Maryland native Steven Uzoukwu told USA Today. "I just think we shouldn't rely on the Obamas to save America."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michelle Obama won't run for office, but her podcast may guide Democrats
Michelle Obama is back – just not on the political stage. At a time when the Democratic faithful are hungry for dynamic leadership, the former first lady is getting cozy and personal in a podcast called "IMO," a breezy hour-long celebrity chat co-hosted by her brother, basketball executive Craig Robinson. "I feel like at 60, this is the first time where all my decisions are for me," Obama said on her June 19 episode with radio show host Angie Martinez. With her daughters Sasha and Malia launched in their own young adult lives, "this is a period of freedom." Each week, Obama and Robinson are joined by celebrities like comedians Damon and Marlon Wayans, producer Issa Rae or actress Keke Palmer – with just a glint of politics. It's her space to talk with friends. References to her husband, former President Barack Obama, or the eight years they spent raising young children in the White House are matters of fact, but the political wildfire of the second Trump administration is barely noted, except as a launching point to talk about how people are impacted by Trump's new policies. As recently as last July, an Ipsos poll revealed that only Michelle Obama stood a chance of besting Donald Trump in the presidential election. Even before leaving the White House in early 2017, a corner of the Democratic Party clamored for her to run. She has repeatedly slammed the door on that. But as Democrats search for a liberal counter to the right-wing media ecosystem that helped Trump win back the White House by reaching millions who don't pay attention to mainstream media, the online show of a relatable and popular Democrat could be what they are looking for. Regardless of what Democrats want her podcast to be, Michelle Obama has demonstrated she'll do her show her way. For now, she's using a platform that reflects the former first lady's larger, and perhaps more effective, cultural strategy that mirrors how Black women voters - part of the party's loyalist base - are coping after former Vice President Kamala Harris' loss in the 2024 election, said Democratic strategist Nina Smith. "So this is the best way that she can create space and show the multi-dimensional nature of Black women: our thinking; how we engage friends; how we engage with people across racial lines; how we engage with our siblings; and the fullness of us, while also allowing her to speak to the issues of the moment," Smith said. IMO (short for "in my opinion"), is largely devoid of juicy gossip, let alone talk about any current or former White House occupants. The Father's Day episode, which featured Bruce Springsteen and watched by roughly 216,000 viewers on YouTube, came just days after Trump berated the rock music icon for calling the administration "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous." While Trump's name never came up, they both chuckled when Michelle Obama made a joke about some people being president who need therapy. Instead, they talked about going to therapy, building relationships with absentee parents and being present for their children during formative years "I realized that parenting is pennies in the bank," Springsteen said. "It's that time when you were working and you didn't want to stop, but you did. That made a huge difference to me. I always felt that if I had failed with my kids I would have failed tremendously at life." More: Pop stars, massive crowds and history: How the Obama and Harris campaigns compare Michelle Obama responded with a story from her childhood about what it meant when her father, who worked long hours as a city worker in Chicago, turned his full attention to her and her brother. "When he was present he was present in very small but meaningful ways," she said. Michelle Obama, a corporate lawyer specializing in marketing and intellectual property law, was carried into the national spotlight when a skinny senator with a Muslim middle name beat the old guards in both parties with a message of a new America founded upon hope. For most of that time she had to be more mindful of her husband's agenda and image. Since Trump took office, she's been openly critical of him, but on her terms, such as at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in her hometown of Chicago, rather than on her podcast. Speaking up at what she considers the right moment will likely continue, said Democratic strategist Lynda Tran. "I would not be surprised to see her using her voice to rally Democrats in the future assuming the appropriate venues and strategic value. And I would expect an overwhelmingly positive response from Democrats when she does," Tran, who worked in the Obama administration, told USA TODAY. But her participation in politics might be through raising money and giving speeches, rather than a central role in the party's future. Her focus in the last few years has been on outside projects, her family and now the new podcast she co-hosts with her brother. Demands to do more from either Barack or Michelle Obama are often met with scoffs by longtime supporters, such as Natalie Graves, a clinical social worker who was at Chicago's Grant Park when the couple took the victory stage in November 2008. More: Obama warns Trump administration has 'weak commitment' to democracy in Connecticut speech "My first response is an eye roll," Graves, a 55-year-old registered Democrat, said of ongoing efforts to recruit the former first lady to run for president. "If a person says that they don't want to run, what are we talking about? They're ignoring the fact that she has made it very clear that she hates politics." The former first lady firmly shut the door on running for president in March, saying her daughters, who are both in their 20s, had "served their time" in the limelight and should get to be private young adults. "I wanted them to have the freedom of not having the eyes of the world on them. So when people ask me would I ever run, the answer is no," Obama said on Kylie Kelce's 'Not Gonna Lie' podcast. "If you ask me that, then you have absolutely no idea the sacrifice your kids make when your parents are in that role." Democrats are casting about for trusted voices to better connect with different voters and help create a left-wing media ecosystem to match that of the right. Some liberal strategists are asking donors to contribute to finding voices and influencers on the left to counter people like Steve Bannon and Joe Rogan who helped propel Trump to office, the New York Times reported last month. Democrats statistically have more trust in mainstream media than Republicans, said Texas Christian University political science professor Adam Schiffer. The Democratic brain trust is asking 'who is the Democratic Joe Rogan?' he said, but 'it's not necessarily clear that there could be one because Democrats don't necessarily find that gratifying and entertaining.' More: Town halls, f-bombs and Elon Musk: How Democrats are waging a new messaging war Younger people have a radically different media consumption than their parents, Schiffer said, and it "could become a critical problem for Democrats" if they don't figure out how to get in front of them. No matter how popular, a former first lady in her sixties might not be the best emissary to young people, he said. Influencers played a large role in Harris' abridged presidential campaign last summer and fall, but they couldn't compete with a Republican online juggernaut that has been building for over a decade. And not everyone is an "IMO" fan. Some are calling out the former first lady's complaints about living in the White House. For example, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly mocked the podcast in a June 26 video posted to X, later saying Michelle Obama was "trashing her children and husband again." More: 'I could do it': Eric Trump ponders a future run for president When Michelle Obama does talk about politics in her podcast, it mostly orbits around the future for Americans in her daughters' generation and how political decisions impact ordinary people. She's often echoing the kind of kitchen table politicking that only voters in swing states get to hear about every four years from presidential candidates. "I'm talking to so many young people who are deathly afraid of their futures in this climate," she said in the May 21 episode. "They're not just worried about jobs, they're worried about being able to become the next entrepreneur, they're wondering whether, you know, they'll have healthcare and housing [and] whether they'll be able to pay off their student loans." In that episode, Obama and her brother spoke with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky about the future of businesses under the Trump' administration's new tariffs. They talked about how the taxes on goods brought into the country are being passed on to consumers and hindering the ability of younger Americans trying to make it to reach their goals in the current economy. More: Will TikTok be banned? Donald Trump says he has a 'warm spot' for app as it faces January deadline "I mean, some people can hold on, but other people are not only losing their businesses, but they're losing their homes in the process," she said. "It's kind of scary." Michelle Obama did use the podcast to defend her decision not to attend Trump's January inauguration, which sparked rounds of criticism and speculation about her marriage. She insisted she was simply "making the choice that was right" for her. "Whatever the backlash was, I had to sit in it and own it. But I didn't regret it, you know? It's my life now, and I can say that, now," the mom of two said on a June 26 NPR podcast. Michelle Obama's show also arrives at a time when the Democratic brand remains in the ditch with progressive voters. About one-third of Democrats said they are optimistic about their party's future, a May poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found. Though several Democrats are starting to make moves toward 2028, liberals have struggled with the lack of a main character to match Trump's political moxie the way then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi did in his first term. Lately, Democratic officeholders have clashed with federal agents at press conferences, immigration hearings and ICE facilities, creating viral moments that have been cheered by mainstream and more left-leaning progressives. More: Vance defends using military to quell protests, refers to Sen. Alex Padilla as 'José' Such actions have never been in either of the Obamas' style, and some Black political activists and artists have been emphasizing the need for "self-care" over political action in the aftermath of the 2024 election. "It's important for her to stay within the public space, so it's good that she wants to be active. She endorses candidates and stuff of that nature. I have no problem with that," said Steven Uzoukwu, a 33, a cybersecurity analyst from Baltimore, Maryland. "I just think we shouldn't rely on the Obamas to save America." (Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled Kylie Kelce's name.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Could Michelle Obama be the voice Democrats need right now?
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Michelle Obama says good parenting involves knowing that your kids are 'not your friends'
Michelle Obama says good parenting means understanding "that your children are not your friends." Parents must hold firm on their boundaries since kids will always test how far they can push. "All they have time for is to outlast you, to wear you down," the former first lady said. Michelle Obama says parents shouldn't give in too easily to their kids' demands. On Wednesday's episode of the "IMO" podcast, which she cohosts with her brother, Craig Robinson, Obama spoke about how parents can enforce rules around screen time and social media use for their kids. The episode featured guest Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author of "The Anxious Generation." In response to a listener's question about the challenges she faced in managing her daughters' digital habits, Obama said that parents should "understand that your children are not your friends." She said it's important for parents to set clear boundaries that they believe in and that they stick to "all the time," since kids are always testing how far they can push before adults cave. "They're waiting for you to go back on your word. They're waiting to see how long it will take. How many times can I outlast you? Because, as I say, they've got time on their hands. Kids don't have jobs. They have no responsibility. They are not paying bills. All they have time for is to outlast you, to wear you down," the former first lady said. Reflecting on their upbringing, Robinson added that their mother believed saying no wasn't enough. "I was just thinking about how our parents parented and what my mom would say about saying 'No' is that it's not just saying 'No,' it's holding your 'No' accountable," Robinson said. "It is explaining why you're saying 'No,' and it's outlasting your kids." That's why parents need to be steadfast in their willingness to do the hard things needed to keep their kids safe, Obama said. "You will be disappointing them, and scaring them, and making them hurt, and arguing with them, and doing all the things that you don't wanna do with your best friends," Obama said. "But in the end, as parents, we are responsible for securing the safety and the health of the children we bring into this world." Drawing on his experience working with Gen Z, Haidt said that many of those in their 20s often say they're grateful their parents delayed giving them phones or social media access. "What you'll never hear is a 23-year-old Gen Z saying, 'I wish my parents had given me a smartphone and social media in middle school,'" Haidt said. Even though it may be difficult to keep kids off social media, it'll be worth it in the end, he said. Obama and Robinson aren't the only ones who have spoken up about the impact of social media and screen use on kids. In a January 2024 interview, Penélope Cruz called social media "a cruel experiment on children, on teenagers." "It's so easy to be manipulated, especially if you have a brain that is still forming," Cruz told Elle. In May, Kate Winslet's Gen Z daughter, Mia Threapleton, said she has "never had" social media and doesn't want it, adding that her mom encouraged her to make a list of pros and cons for joining Instagram when she was 14. "The cons completely outweighed the pros for me," Threapleton said. This comes as several countries around the world — including Australia and Norway — are exploring ways to implement stricter controls on social media use for kids. A representative for Obama and Robinson did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider outside regular hours. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michelle Obama Just Revealed Why She's Glad She Didn't Have Boys, And Her Reason Makes Sooo Much Sense
Michelle Obama is opening up about motherhood — and why she's just fine never having raised a boy. On the June 18 episode of her podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, the former first lady welcomed radio host Angie Martinez for a wide-ranging conversation that eventually turned to parenting. As they tackled what it takes to raise kids who grow into decent humans, the subject of sons — and their social conditioning — entered the chat. 'You should have thrown a boy in the mix,' Martinez jokingly said. With a laugh — and a hint of relief — Obama didn't miss a beat. 'I'm so glad I didn't have a boy,' she said. Ever the thoughtful interviewer, Martinez pressed her on why. Obama's answer? Her hypothetical son would have had impossibly large shoes to fill. 'He would've been a Barack Obama,' she admitted with a smile. Martinez called the idea of raising a mini Barack 'amazing,' but the former FLOTUS didn't hesitate to acknowledge the weight such a legacy might place on a child. 'I would have felt for him,' she said, acknowledging that it's a lot to live up to. Robinson, her brother and co-host, jumped in to note that Michelle hasn't exactly missed out on the boy-mom experience because she 'borrows' his sons. This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
