Don Lemon is in the hot seat again, and this time it’s not for political analysis or network drama. In a recent conversation, the former CNN anchor decided to weigh in on what’s apparently the burning issue of the day: which former First Lady is “better looking.”
Lemon claimed that Michelle Obama is “better looking” than Melania Trump—a statement that’s done exactly what you’d expect: spark another round of social media bickering, partisan memes, and clickbait headlines. But let’s pause for a second and ask—why are we still doing this?
Why are we reducing accomplished women to a beauty pageant in the middle of conversations that should be about governance, global conflict, civil rights, or the state of the economy?
Michelle Obama, a Harvard-educated lawyer and bestselling author, led initiatives that impacted education, military families, and childhood nutrition. Melania Trump, a former model and entrepreneur, focused on her “Be Best” campaign and remained a somewhat private but influential presence during her husband’s presidency. You can admire, critique, or even disagree with them—but judging either of them based on looks? That’s the laziest take in the book.
The problem isn’t just Lemon’s offhand remark. It’s the culture that eats this kind of fluff up while critical issues go ignored. Women in power—especially women of color—are constantly scrutinized for their wardrobe, hair, and expressions before anyone gets around to asking what they actually stand for.
This isn’t a beauty contest. It’s politics. And politics is supposed to be about ideas, values, and policies—not appearances. We don’t elect cheekbones, we elect leaders. Or at least we should.
So whether you’re team Michelle or team Melania, let’s raise the bar a little higher. We’ve got more urgent things to debate than who looks better in a photo op. Let’s talk healthcare, education, climate policy, gun control, or the economy—take your pick.
Because if the most pressing commentary we can come up with is who’s hotter, then we’ve all lost the plot.
