In a candid discussion on The Pivot Podcast, former US President Barack Obama, 63, shared insights into navigating unexpected attention from admirers during his presidency. Speaking with hosts and former NFL players Channing Crowder, Ryan Clark, and Fred Taylor, Obama reflected on handling “somewhat inappropriate” advances from women while in office.
Crowder humorously launched the topic by comparing Obama’s experience to his own, recounting how his NFL fame brought its share of admirers. Curious, he asked Obama if “women be hollering” at him more for being not just good-looking but “President Good Looking Dude,” sparking laughter among the group.
Obama responded with humor and reflection, admitting that while there were moments of inappropriate behavior from admirers, it hit him differently, given his age and life experience by the time he rose to fame. “I was 43, married with two kids, had gone grocery shopping, had washed my car. I was a regular guy,” he noted, underscoring how his journey to fame was tempered by responsibilities and a strong family life.
The former president described some unusual encounters, including a now-infamous moment captured in photos where he was inappropriately touched, adding that the Secret Service didn’t intervene as they were “like old ladies…they’re not going to wrestle them down.”
Above all, Obama credited his wife, Michelle, for keeping him grounded, saying, “My wife is such an extraordinary woman, such an amazing partner, that you just try to stay focused.” The thought of not disappointing his daughters, Malia and Sasha, also kept him on the “straight and narrow,” he shared.
Reflecting on their life together, Obama emphasized the stability he gained from his family, a foundation that helped him navigate the challenges—and the unexpected attention—of being one of the most prominent presidents in history.
Barack married Michelle in 1992, and their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, were 10 and 7 when they moved into the White House following his 2008 victory. He was 47 at the time, making him one of the nation’s youngest presidents and the first Black president.
