Barack & Michelle Obama Are Still Couple Goals

Barack even joked that he is the one who got the better deal in the marriage.

“I don’t know if it’s been an equal partnership,” he joked. “But it’s worked out for me pretty well. I’ve gotten more out of it than she has. For her it’s probably more of a mixed bag.”

Michelle quickly shut down the self-deprecating humor, explaining that her husband has always had a habit of shining the spotlight on everyone except himself.

“My husband is always thinking about reflecting the light on other people,” she said before proudly adding, “I am so proud of how my husband showed up in that role, how he shows up every day.”

Instead, Michelle used the opportunity to celebrate the man she says has always believed in her. She shared that while she probably would have built a beautiful life in Chicago on her own, it would have been much smaller. Barack encouraged her to think beyond what she imagined was possible and gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities she never considered for herself. 

At the same time, she says she has served as his anchor throughout decades of public service, family life, and historic milestones. Together, they describe themselves as each other’s “counterbalance.”

“He gave me the courage. He was my ballast. He was like, ‘I got you.’ And however hard it’s been, the ups and downs, he’s got me.”

When asked about the sculpture at the Obama Presidential Center symbolizing their partnership, Barack explained exactly why Michelle has always been his greatest teammate.

“I knew almost immediately… this was a one of a kind woman with the integrity and character, smarts and values to make me better,” he said. “Just being with her made me better, and she still does.”

Their conversation also offered a glimpse into life as empty nesters. Barack proudly admitted that his daughters, Malia and Sasha, have officially surpassed their parents in the cool department. In another interview with PEOPLE, the former president laughed that he can barely keep up with his daughters during family dinners, calling them “smarter, funnier, and cooler than he ever was at their age.”