Barack and Michelle Obama are using humor to combat the constant speculation about their marriage, with the former president joking that “she took me back!” during an appearance on his wife’s podcast.
“He found time in his busy schedule to join us,” Michelle Obama quipped while introducing her husband on her podcast “IMO,” which she co-hosts with her brother, Craig Robinson. “We are honored.”
“Wait, you guys actually like each other?” Robinson joked after witnessing the couple’s affectionate interaction on camera amidst ongoing rumors of a split.
“Oh yes, really. The rumor mill,” Michelle dryly replied as she took her seat.
“She took me back! It was touch and go for a while,” Barack joked.
“It’s great to have you both in the same room,” Robinson remarked, leading Michelle to respond: “I know, because when we’re not, people assume we’re divorced.”
The Obamas, married since 1992 with two adult daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 24, have been the subject of ongoing speculation about their relationship. Rumors escalated earlier this year when Michelle opted to skip events like Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
Michelle has clarified that her choices were made for her well-being and not indicative of marital problems. She has emphasized that she is a grown woman capable of making decisions for herself.
On a recent podcast episode focusing on raising children, she reaffirmed her commitment to her husband, stating that she has never considered leaving him despite challenges they have faced.
Robinson highlighted the public scrutiny by recounting an encounter where a woman approached him about the rumors, assuming wrongdoing on Barack’s part. The former president humorously defused the situation.
“She was like, ‘He did something, didn’t he?’” Robinson recalled. “I assured her that everything was fine, and she was overjoyed, as if I had given her a Christmas gift.”
