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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Bill Bowkett and India Block

Barack Obama tells audience at London's O2: 'I've been digging myself out of a hole with Michelle for years'

Barack Obama has admitted he has been “digging himself out of a hole” with his wife Michelle for years.

The former United States president, 64, revealed he is on “level ground” with his partner, 61, eight years after leaving the White House.

He made the comments during the London leg of his European speaking tour, in which he also criticised Donald Trump’s recent comments about autism and the decision to shut schools during lockdown.

Barack previously stated that his demanding presidential duties took a toll on his relationship with Michelle.

The veteran Democrat said he spent much of his time outside of politics trying to appease his wife, which he described as “challenging”.

Rumours resurfaced earlier this year that the couple’s 33-year marriage had hit rock bottom when Michelle failed to attend the funeral of Jimmy Carter, the former president, or Donald Trump’s second inauguration.

But during an interview with historian David Olusoga at the O2 Arena on Wednesday, Barack said: “I was digging myself out of the hole I found myself (in) with Michelle… Now I'm at about level ground.”

Last weekend, the Obamas — who share daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24 — were photographed in Portofino, Italy aboard director Steven Spielberg's superyacht.

This marked the first time the pair had been seen together in public since featuring on Michelle and her brother’s podcast in July.

During the episode of IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, the former first lady said: “There hasn't been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quitting my man.”

During his talk at the O2, which was attended by London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Barack condemned the Trump administration’s claim this week of a link between autism and pregnant women taking paracetamol.

I was digging myself out of the hole I found myself with Michelle

Barack Obama

He said the Oval Office’s comments about Tylenol risks “undermines public health”, adding: “The degree to which that brings anxiety for parents who do have children who are autistic.

“It is important for those who believe in the truth and believe in science, to also examine truth when it is inconvenient for us.”

He also spoke out against politicians and health officials who campaigned to close classrooms during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Sometimes we weren't looking at some of the evidence that said, you know what most kids really need school,” Barack said.

“(Parents) need their kids at school and the social consequences we have to balance and not just assume that anybody who objects to continuing these very strict regiments is somehow crazy.”

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