Former First Lady Jill Biden expressed skepticism about seeing a female president in her lifetime during a conversation on Kelly Ripa's "Let's Talk Off Camera" podcast on Wednesday, August 7, 2026. When asked if she thought a woman president would be elected in their lifetimes, Biden replied, "So, you know, I feel like probably not in my lifetime, Kelly, but maybe in yours."

Despite her doubt, Biden said she was confident that former Vice President Kamala Harris would be the first woman president. She recalled the energy at the convention and her hope that a woman would finally be elected president.

Biden's remarks have drawn criticism from some Democrats with 2028 presidential aspirations, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gretchen Whitmer. A commentator named Onwuka described Biden's comments as "a slap to the bench of female Democrats" and questioned the party's ability to convince even the former First Lady of electing a woman at the top of the ticket.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has similarly expressed that she did not believe the U.S. was ready for a female president. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed back on Obama's remarks but acknowledged that change is still needed in the country.

The discussion took place amid ongoing speculation that Kamala Harris is the "fairly obvious" frontrunner for the 2028 presidential race, according to Democratic insiders.

Jill Biden on The View Former first lady Jill Biden as a guest on "The View" airing Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (ABC via Getty Images)