Valerie Jarrett, former senior adviser to then-President Barack Obama, said Thursday that the 2016 election result was “gut-wrenching,” and she did not see the election results coming.
“Elections have consequences,” Ms. Jarrett said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “I actually didn’t see the election coming out the way it did.”
Ms. Jarrett said she will continue her work on issues she cares about from the private sector, saying the former president and first lady will also likely remain in the private sector.
When asked if she had any discussion with former first lady Michelle Obama about a possible run for office, Ms. Jarrett said, “I don’t think that would be fruitful,” adding, “I don’t think she really wants to run for office.”
Ms. Jarrett said both she and Mr. and Mrs. Obama are focused on fostering the next generation of leaders.
“He’s really interested in finding the Barack Obama 2.0s all across the country,” Ms. Jarrett said. “He’s very interested, through the Obama center, to promote civic engagement.”
Ms. Jarrett recently sparked headlines for taking a $30,000 speaking fee from Northeastern Illinois University amid the school’s financial troubles. Ms. Jarrett later said she would not accept the fee after knowing more about the situation.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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