(MENAFN) Former first lady Michelle Obama argued that the United States has yet to reach the level of political maturity needed to choose a woman as its leader, saying Americans are “not ready for a woman” in the presidency.

Her remarks were made during a Nov. 5 onstage discussion with actress Tracee Ellis Ross in New York, an event connected to the release of her new book The Look. A video of the conversation was later shared on her official YouTube channel, according to general reports.

Addressing ongoing speculation that she might one day run for office, Obama dismissed the idea, saying, “Don’t even look at me about running because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not. So don’t waste my time.”

She went on to argue that gender bias remains a significant factor in US politics, adding that “there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman,” and pointing to past elections as proof.

Obama, still a prominent figure within Democratic circles, has frequently taken part in campaign efforts in recent years. She previously endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris in the last presidential race and urged male voters to consider what a second Donald Trump administration would mean for reproductive rights.

“Fellas… before you cast your votes, ask yourselves, what side of history do you want to be on?” she said at the time.

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