In a candid new podcast appearance, Craig Robinson—brother of former First Lady Michelle Obama—admitted he initially believed the relationship between his sister and Barack Obama would last “maybe a month.” The revelation comes on the heals of the siblings’ co-hosted podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, and amid fresh speculation about the Obamas’ marriage following Michelle’s absence from several major public events.
Speaking during a segment on dating with actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Michelle reflected on the podcast’s intention to explore relationships in all their forms. Craig, known for his straight-talking humor, offered a striking anecdote: “So Mich starts to date Barack … and we don’t know who this guy is … and I’m thinking it’s gonna last a month like most of your relationships.” Michelle quickly interjected, “That’s not true. I’ve had many a long-term boyfriend.” Craig responded with a grin, “I wouldn’t call those guys boyfriends.”
He went on to recall his first impression of Barack when they first met, laughing about how their late mother, Marian Robinson, took note of his height and made a favorable comment—while Craig himself remained skeptical: “And I said to myself, ‘Too bad it’s not going to last.’” Eventually Michelle asked Craig to test Barack’s character by taking him out for a pickup basketball game. Craig initially balked, saying “No way … if he turns out to be a bad dude, I’m not going to be the one to say it,” but later accepted—“Obviously … we had a great time playing. He did fine,” Craig concluded.
This discussion arrives against a backdrop of speculation about the Obamas’ marriage. Michelle, when asked about stepping back from certain public commitments, characterized her actions not as signs of discord but as choices made for herself. She said, “So much so that this year, people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.” She added, “That’s what society does to us.”
Meanwhile, Barack addressed the strain of years in the White House during a talk at Hamilton College. “I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” he admitted, adding that reconnecting away from the demands of office has helped. Although Craig once doubted his sister’s relationship, he said their years together have proved him wrong. “They knew I would always bring tough questions, and he still showed up to answer them,” Craig remarked, capturing what he believes has sustained their partnership.