“Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service always inspires me. This #MLKDay, I hope you’ll join me and @WhenWeAllVote in honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy by getting involved in your community. Whether you’re mentoring students at your local school or volunteering for a cause that matters to you, it all helps make a difference. Tell me how you’re giving back today in the comments.”
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While Michelle encouraged people to serve their communities, Barack Obama showed up at the Capitol by himself, wearing a sharp black suit and striped tie. The inauguration was moved indoors because of icy weather, and Barack sat with former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura. He didn’t go to the prayer services or the Inaugural Luncheon, which made people even more curious about his decision to attend alone.
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But why was Michelle absent? Her absence has led many people to wonder about her relationship with Barack. Some think she is purposely staying away from political events. A source even told Page Six, “She’s always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up. Her absence speaks volumes.” This isn’t the first time Michelle has been missing from important events. She also skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s memorial service, saying it was due to a “scheduling conflict.”
Following her absence, a source said, “Her recent absences have fueled ‘nonstop chatter that Michelle is fed up with the political circus and pretending everything is OK with Barack all the time.” Despite all these rumors, Barack has shown love and appreciation for Michelle. He shared a sweet message on her birthday on social media: “Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace – and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you.”
Michelle has talked openly about the difficulties in their marriage, especially during their time in the White House. In interviews, she shared how she sometimes felt resentment because she had to focus on raising their daughters while Barack was busy with his career. Despite this, they have always stood together as a couple. Barack once said that even when they had tough times, they never let their arguments get too bad. He explained that they always respected each other no matter how hard things got.
Recently, Michelle has taken a step back from public appearances following the death of her mother, Marian Robinson, in May. At the Democratic National Convention, she shared her grief, saying, “I still feel her loss so profoundly – I wasn’t even sure I’d be steady enough to stand before you tonight.”
Traditionally, former presidents and first ladies go to inaugurations to show unity even if they disagree with the new president. The last time Michelle was in the same place as Donald Trump was at the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush in 2018.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
