Former US President Barack Obama has said he is still working to make up for the strain his political career put on his marriage to Michelle Obama.
Speaking at The O2 Arena in London during his European tour, Obama joked: “I was digging myself out of the hole I found myself with Michelle. Now I’m at about level ground.”
This is not the first time he has spoken about the issue. Earlier this month at an event in Pennsylvania, he said: “I have spent over eight years now trying to dig myself out of a hole with Michelle. And that’s been challenging, but I feel like I’m making progress. I’m almost breaking even at the moment.”
His remarks come after ongoing rumors suggesting the couple’s marriage has been under pressure, though neither has confirmed such claims.
Over the weekend, Barack and Michelle were seen together for the first time in two months in Portofino, Italy. They joined their friend Steven Spielberg on his $250 million yacht but arrived separately, with Michelle boarding first.
Their public outing came weeks after a joint appearance on Michelle’s podcast, where they addressed the speculation about their relationship.
Michelle’s brother and co-host Craig Robinson teased them by asking: “What, you guys like each other?”
Michelle replied: “Oh yeah, the rumor mill.” Barack added jokingly: “She took me back! It was touch and go for a while.”
Michelle dismissed divorce rumors, saying: “There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quitting my man.”
The Obamas have been married for nearly 33 years and have often spoken about the challenges of balancing family and political life.
