Barack Obama recently offered a rare and heartfelt glimpse into his marriage with Michelle, reflecting candidly on the challenges they’ve faced and his ongoing effort to make up for lost time. In a conversation with College President Steven Tepper, he admitted, “I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” acknowledging that he’s been working to reconnect by doing more fun things together.
Married since 1992, and with eight demanding years in the White House, the Obamas have navigated their fair share of obstacles. Despite online rumors and unfounded speculations about their relationship, including whispers of tension and even divorce, the couple has remained steadfast, always debunking the claims.
Michelle, too, has openly shared the ups and downs of their marriage. On her podcast, she humorously talked about one of Barack’s quirks that used to drive her crazy—his laid-back approach to time. “Barack had to adjust to what ‘on time’ was for me,” she joked, nodding to his Hawaiian roots and that familiar “island time.” She recalled how he’d sometimes wait until the last minute to get ready, often prompting her to remind him not to search for his glasses right before they needed to leave. Over their 30 years together, Michelle admitted that while Barack’s punctuality has certainly improved, their daughters—Malia and Sasha—are now experts at arriving early whenever they meet her. Even in the presidency, time management was a challenge; in 2014, The Washington Post reported that Barack had accumulated more than 35 hours of delays at scheduled events.
Now, as the former president wraps up the second volume of his memoirs, his focus is firmly on home and family. His commitment to finally balancing the scales in his relationship with Michelle is as strong as ever, ensuring their bond remains at the heart of his journey.
