• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Why President Obama Says He Wouldn't Want to Run for a Third Term

President Barack Obama pauses while speaking at the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources in Detroit on Jan. 20, 2016.
Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo
ByALEXANDER MALLIN
January 24, 2016, 8:56 PM

— -- President Obama says he wouldn't pursue a third term in the White House even if it was permitted.

In a wide-ranging interview with CBS "Sunday Morning," Obama was quick to answer when asked if he would want to stay in the White House after next January, if third terms weren't prohibited under the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

"No. I wouldn't," Obama said. "Number one, Michelle wouldn't let me."

Related Articles

Clinton, Once in Cabinet, Wins Support From Obama Officials

Related Articles

President Obama: 'I Could Win' Third Term In White House

Related Articles

President Obama: I Won't Speak at Malia's Graduation Because 'I'm Going to Cry'

Obama has said in the past that he believes he could win again if he was allowed to run. While he is expected to push over the next year for a Democrat to again take the White House, Obama said there's a point when an individual becomes more prone to making mistakes by getting comfortable in office.

"This is a process in which the office should be continually renewed by new energy and new ideas and new insights," Obama said. "And although I think I am as good of a president as I have ever been right now, I also think that there comes a point where you don't have fresh legs."

Obama also said there "absolutely" are days when he wonders why he ever ran for the presidency, saying there are times when he gets "tired" and "frustrated."

"And yet, there has not been a day that I have not walked into the Oval Office and understood that at no point in my life will I ever have the chance to do as much good and make as much of a difference in the lives of people as I do right now," Obama said.

Up Next in News—

Oahu man speaks out after being bitten by a shark while surfing

June 4, 2026

Karen Bass advances in Los Angeles mayoral race as opponent currently remains unclear

June 3, 2026

Drag queen Pattie Gonia publicly rejects proposal from Patagonia on trademark lawsuit

June 2, 2026

FTC warns about email scam masking as party invitations

May 29, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News