Former First Lady Jill Biden expressed doubt about witnessing a female president in her lifetime. Speaking on Kelly Ripa’s podcast “Let’s Talk Off Camera,” she revealed her uncertainty due to her age.

“In my lifetime? Well, I’m 75. So, you know, I feel like probably not in my lifetime, Kelly, but maybe in yours,” Jill Biden said, addressing Ripa. She noted her belief that Vice President Kamala Harris was a likely candidate for becoming the first female president. Jill Biden recalled her experiences on the campaign trail, witnessing Harris’s enthusiastic supporters and their expectations for a historic milestone.

Patrice Onwuka, Vice President of Economic Policy at Independent Women, criticized Jill Biden’s comments. In a statement to Fox News Digital, she called the remarks a “slap to the bench of female Democrats” with presidential aspirations.

“The supposed party of women can’t even convince the former first lady of its prospects,” Onwuka remarked.

She attributed Harris’s 2024 loss to her status quo candidacy, emphasizing the need for substantial policy changes rather than focusing solely on gender.

Kelly Ripa, while less optimistic than Jill Biden, expressed hope for change. She voiced her belief in the necessity of a strong, inspiring messenger.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has also commented on the topic, mentioning in November that America is not yet ready for a female president, citing Kamala Harris’s loss in 2024 to reinforce her point. In December 2025, Harris countered this narrative in an interview with The New York Times, asserting that the nation was indeed prepared. She highlighted the large crowds attending her book tour events as evidence of public support.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also contested Michelle Obama’s remarks during an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. She questioned why a female commander-in-chief remains improbable and challenged prevailing gender-based excuses.

“The fact is that I‘ve heard every excuse in the book,” Pelosi stated, challenging the notion that military service is exclusive to men.