As Americans go to the polling places on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to vote for in the 2016 U.S. Elections, they are also saying goodbye to the Obamas. It's no secret that with this family at the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama became such a formidable figure. She will leave behind a lasting and impressive legacy.
But what will Michelle Obama do next after her husband Barack Obama's term ends? Will America soon have a President Michelle Obama?
Calling herself mom-in-chief, Michelle Obama's principal concerns as First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) were on health and well-being, girls' education, military families, women's rights and equality. At the beginning of her husband's term, she tried to be involved in politics as minimally as possible, especially since their children, Malia and Sasha, were still in elementary school, the New York Times reports.
But as the years passed, Michelle Obama as first lady spearheaded different projects to further the cause of families, women and children, and America's health under the Obama administration. A list of her accomplishments are on the official White House site but among the most notable ones are below.
Well and Good reports that the Michelle Obama established the White House Kitchen Garden in 2009 to encourage organic planting and healthy eating. This program will continue to be funded even after Obama's term.
Michelle Obama also established Choose My Plate program, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help parents pick out healthier diets for their children. The FLOTUS also has the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was set up to provide nutritional standards for school lunches. Both these initiatives fall under her Let's Move campaign to encourage healthy eating and curb childhood obesity.
Along with the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Michelle Obama established Joining Forces for military spouses and their families in 2011. This is one way for the government to wellness and education of service members' children, including employment opportunities for veterans.
Michelle Obama launched Let Girls Learn in 2015 to help underprivileged young girls receive quality education. This program will be one of the things that will keep the FLOTUS busy long after her family is out of the White House. The initiative has received billions of dollars in funding for its global outreach goals, along with ties to USAID and the U.S. Peace Corps.
There are Americans hoping that Michelle Obama continues to serve the White House and some are rallying for her to run for president. Learn more about Michelle Obama's plans after leaving the White House below, including a potential foray into politics in the video below.
