Staff Reports
The Media Circus: Protecting the Obamas at All Costs
Whenever Michelle Obama speaks, it seems like the mainstream media races to paint her words as gospel—never to be questioned, only to be echoed. So when divorce rumors began swirling in early 2024 and were later amplified by Meghan McCain’s Citizen McCain podcast, the media didn’t ask hard questions. They rushed to cover Michelle’s so-called “denial” as if it were the final word.
Michelle Obama recently addressed the speculation on NPR’s Wild Card, brushing off the concerns with a mix of sarcasm and vague explanations about privacy. She didn’t directly deny the rumors—instead, she leaned on the excuse that “we’re 60, y’all,” and that people are just not seeing them “Instagram every minute.” Translation? Don’t ask questions, just accept what we tell you.
But conservatives—and any critical thinkers—should be asking why such rumors gained traction in the first place. Why didn’t Michelle attend the funeral of President Jimmy Carter? Why the increasing number of solo appearances? Why is their public presence as a couple becoming rarer, despite their heavily curated media image?
A Pattern of Dodging Transparency
Michelle’s NPR comments attempted to frame the rumors as sexist or ageist, suggesting that it’s somehow offensive to wonder why she’s made so many high-profile absences lately. On a separate podcast (Work in Progress), she claimed her absence from major events like the Carter funeral or Trump’s second inauguration was just about “choosing herself.” Really?
Let’s not forget: these are two of the most high-profile political figures in modern American history. They’ve willingly lived their lives in the spotlight, monetized that spotlight with book deals and Netflix contracts, and used their relationship as a branding tool. When you build a brand around your marriage, you don’t get to retreat behind the curtain and claim “privacy” when the narrative no longer fits.
The Real Questions the Media Won’t Ask
The press has largely treated Michelle’s comments as case closed, but let’s take a step back and ask what they won’t:
- If the Obamas’ marriage is solid, why not appear together more often—especially during times of national importance or public scrutiny?
- Why did respected journalists tell Meghan McCain that the divorce rumor came from “reputable” sources?
- Why are Michelle’s denials framed more like vague complaints about public expectations than straightforward affirmations of unity?
And perhaps most critically: why do we live in a political climate where questioning liberal darlings like the Obamas is seen as taboo, while conservative families are ripped apart in the press for far less?
The Obamas’ Carefully Choreographed Image
Barack Obama’s Instagram tributes—Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays—are textbook PR. But a few polished words and curated posts don’t always tell the full story. Anyone familiar with celebrity image management knows these are often scheduled, strategic, and meant to project stability even when it doesn’t exist.
If this were a conservative power couple dodging questions and publicly drifting apart, CNN would have panels lined up to speculate for weeks. But because it’s the Obamas? Total media blackout on anything critical.
Conclusion: Don’t Be Gaslit
Michelle Obama wants Americans to believe that being over 60 and staying off Instagram should be enough to silence all speculation. But in a political world defined by branding, image, and influence, that simply isn’t good enough. Conservatives have long seen through the polished veneer of the Obama legacy—and this is no different.
The truth? Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. And no amount of podcast laughs or staged social media posts can hide a crumbling narrative forever.
Let’s keep asking the questions the media won’t.
