In a joint interview with Michelle Obama published June 24 by People, Barack Obama says he’s feeling great in his 60s but will “play it safe,” joking that he’s not sprinting around the new Obama Presidential Center court to protect his knees and Achilles. The
When the conversation turned to the new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Barack Obama didn’t hesitate—he just made it clear he wasn’t planning to run.
Asked if young leaders visiting the center would get to play him one-on-one. the former president laughed his way into a boundary: “We can have some shooting contests. I am not running up and down that court because I want to protect my knees and my Achilles. I don’t want to pop nothing.” He added that Michelle Obama is “way ahead of me on the whole stretching and flexibility tip.”.
The admission landed as more than a sports joke. It came in a joint interview with Michelle Obama published by People on June 24. ahead of the center’s Juneteenth opening in Chicago. In that same back-and-forth, Obama still sounded buoyant about getting older—while admitting he’s careful about how he moves.
When asked how the 60s were treating him, Barack said it was good, then compared himself to Michelle: he doesn’t look as good as she does. Michelle answered with teasing logic of her own: “Of course you do. It’s because you don’t dye your hair. You could have made the choice.”
As the interview widened to marriage, legacy, and what comes next, Barack said the center is deeply personal to him. “This has been a big project. I’m very glad the physical structure is now complete. ” he said. adding that working with young leaders through the Obama Foundation’s programs over the past decade has brought him “the most satisfaction.” Michelle. for her part. offered a sharper glimpse of his mindset. saying: “He’s completely uncomfortable with this being about him.”.
Barack recalled that he told her there should be less focus on him—and joked that the conversation should center on Gandhi instead.
The couple also weighed their partnership as something built on balance rather than equal footing. “I don’t know if it’s been an equal partnership. ” Barack said. adding that he has gotten more out of it than she has. and that for her it has probably been more of a “mixed bag.” Michelle pushed back on his self-deprecation. describing him as someone who consistently redirects credit toward others.
They spoke for both the life they built and the way they make each other steadier. Michelle said Barack offered their family—including their daughters and her mother—a broader sense of what was possible in life. She described him as the one who gave her the courage to think beyond practicing law. and called him her “ballast.” She added that without him. she would likely have lived a smaller. more settled life. while noting that he has always told her he has her.
Barack returned the sentiment plainly: “And she grounds and anchors me. It’s worked out all right.”
Barack Obama Michelle Obama Obama Presidential Center Juneteenth Chicago interview knees Achilles marriage Obama Foundation young leaders