Former first lady Jill Biden stated Wednesday that she doubts she will witness a female president in her lifetime, although she expressed confidence that former Vice President Kamala Harris could break that barrier.
During an appearance on Kelly Ripa’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast, Biden, 75, responded to a question about whether a woman president would be elected within their lifetimes. "In my lifetime? Well, I’m 75. So, you know, I feel like probably not in my lifetime, Kelly, but maybe in yours," she said.
Biden recalled her belief that Harris was on track to win the presidency in the past. "But I really did think last time that Kamala was going to win. I mean, I was out on the campaign trail for her. I saw the excitement,” Biden said. “I saw the crowds. I saw, you know, at the convention. I mean, I saw all the energy and I thought, ‘Finally, we’re going to have a woman president.'"
Patrice Onwuka, vice president of economic policy at Independent Women, described Biden’s remarks as dismissive. "Jill Biden’s comments about never expecting to see a female president is a slap to the bench of female Democrats that have 2028 aspirations, like AOC and Gretchen Whitmer," Onwuka told Fox News Digital. "The supposed party of women can’t even convince the former first lady of its prospects to elect a woman at the top of the ticket."
Onwuka suggested that Harris' previous presidential bid faced challenges beyond gender. "Kamala Harris blew a billion-dollar campaign chest and a coronation on the top of the presidential ticket to only lose. Perhaps it’s time to stop fixating on gender and take policy seriously. Democrats failed to make Americans’ lives better in 2024. They didn’t care about a first female president if she was just going to continue the status quo. This fate lays wait for any female candidate who cannot deliver economic mobility for regular Americans," she added.
Ripa, also present during the conversation, conveyed a more somber outlook. "I’m hoping that at a certain point, that that turns around. I don’t know what it’s going to take. I don’t think social media helps," Ripa stated. "I will always keep moving forward. I just, you know, I just feel like there has to be something internally. There’s got to be a messenger eventually that breaks through (to) the people."
Former first lady Michelle Obama has previously expressed similar sentiments, stating in November that America "ain't ready" to elect a woman, referencing Harris' loss to President Donald Trump in 2024.
Harris, however, has publicly disagreed with this assessment. In December 2025, she told The New York Times, "I do believe the country is ready." She cited her book tour's success as evidence, noting, "Thousands of people are coming to hear my voice. Thousands and thousands. Every place we’ve gone has been sold out."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also responded to Obama's comments, pushing back on the idea that a woman could not serve as commander-in-chief. "Well, I hope — I mean, I respect her and I know that view is one that we all are saddened by, but we — I think we have to change. The fact is that I‘ve heard every excuse in the book, you know, like, ‘I‘m not sure a woman could be commander-in-chief.’ Well, why not?" Pelosi questioned. "‘Well, I served in the military.’ Well, OK. And so? So do women serve in the military."