Should Michelle Obama run for president? | The Tylt

Since the 2016 election, Democrats have been searching for the right candidate to unseat President Trump. Many believe Michelle Obama is the perfect person to get the job done. While the former First Lady has consistently rejected prospects of a 2020 bid, it hasn't kept fans from encouraging Michelle Obama to run.

The surge in favorable tweets may be due to the first lady’s ability to deliver powerful speeches. Her popularity skyrocketed during election season as she eloquently addressed difficult issues such as race and gender at a time when Americans were divided over them.

But Michelle Obama has made it abundantly clear that she has no interest in running for any political office, citing the pressure it would put on her family.

"Politics is tough, and it’s hard on a family… I wouldn’t ask my children to do this again because, when you run for higher office, it’s not just you, it’s your whole family."

And some have urged liberals to stop fantasizing about a Michelle Obama run, claiming it is unproductive and damaging to female politicians who are actually seeking higher office.

Pushing for a Michelle Obama campaign undersells the pipeline of female politicians who aren’t political spouses but who’d make great candidates and might have already set their sights on the presidency. These women need the support of Democratic leadership and the rank and file if they have any shot at running. People hoping for a female president and formidable opposition to Trump in 2020 should focus their attention on these women, not the first lady just because she’s awesome and she’s there.

But many are still hopeful that Michelle Obama will run, and are looking for signs of hope wherever they can.