Barack Obama Responds to Michelle's Remark on Early Marital Struggles: 'She's More Forgiving of My Flaws Now'

Former President Barack Obama recently addressed his wife Michelle's candid confession about their early marital challenges, confirming that leaving the White House did indeed improve their relationship. In an interview with CBS Mornings co-host Nate Burleson, Obama acknowledged the shift in their dynamic since he ended his term as the Leader of the Free World.

"It sure helps to be out of the White House," Barack admitted, when asked if he was back in Michelle's good books. He also mentioned their newfound time together as a factor that contributed to their happier marriage.

The former POTUS, however, emphasized that their daughters, Malia, 24, and Sasha, 21, were always the top priority for Michelle when they were growing up. "And so, I did not fully appreciate... the degree of stress and tension for her knowing that not just me and Michelle were under scrutiny... but that we were raising our daughters in a kind of situation that just wasn't normal," he said.

Barack added humorously, "Now that they're doing good, she's a little more forgiving of my flaws." He noted that Michelle has admitted to him retrospectively, "Looking back, you did OK as a dad."

Michelle had originally revealed the couple's past marital hurdles in December 2022 while participating in a panel with Revolt TV, alongside Kelly Rowland, H.E.R., Winnie Harlow, and Tina Knowles-Lawson, moderated by Angie Martinez. She disclosed that the most challenging phase of their marriage coincided with the early years of their children's lives and the commencement of Barack's political career.

"People think I'm being catty by saying this — it's like, there were 10 years where I couldn't stand my husband. And guess when it happened? When those kids were little," Michelle shared candidly. She also challenged the conventional wisdom that marriage is a 50/50 proposition.

"Marriage isn't 50/50, ever, ever," she stated, adding, "There are times I'm 70, he's 30. There are times he's 60, 40, but guess what? Ten years — we've been married 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30."