Obama takes notes from Michelle Obama’s time as first lady for political plans post-presidency – AOL
Former President Barack Obama seems to be enjoying his time since leaving the White House, but Hillary Clinton's loss has left the Democratic Party and progressives in general without a leader -- putting closer scrutiny on what role the popular former president will play in the future of American politics.
While only the closest members of Obama's inner circle understand what such a return to politics will look like, some say he is taking notes from his wife, Michelle Obama.
According to Vox, which interviewed six current and former Obama aides, the former president plans to take relatively neutral political steps moving forward. He'll channel his wife's approach to the role of first lady as his model, focusing primarily on nonpartisan solutions to America's issues.
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The Obamas post-presidency
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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) The 44th President of The United States Barack Obama, poses backstage at The Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 'Arthur Miller's The Price' on Broadway at The American Airlines Theatre on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
Former U.S. President Barack Obama sits on a boat during a kite surfing outing with British businessman Richard Branson during his holiday on Branson's Moskito island, in the British Virgin Islands, in a picture handed out by Virgin on February 7, 2017. Jack Brockway/Virgin Handout via REUTERS FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
THIS IMAGE IS BINNED Former U.S. President Barack Obama tries his hand at kite surfing during a holiday with British businessman Richard Branson on his island Moskito, in the British Virgin Islands, in a picture handed out by Virgin on February 7, 2017. Jack Brockway/Virgin Handout via REUTERS FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and British businessman Richard Branson sit on a boat during Obama's holiday on Branson's Moskito island, in the British Virgin Islands, in a picture handed out by Virgin on February 7, 2017. Jack Brockway/Virgin Handout via REUTERS FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 08: Malia Obama is seen arriving at The Weinstein Company on February 8, 2017 in New York, New York. (Photo by Alessio Botticelli/GC Images)
UNSPCIFIED, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - FEBRUARY 1: In this undated image Former President Barack Obama takes a break from learning to kitesurf at Richard Branson's Necker Island retreat on February 1, 2017 in the British Virgin Islands. Former President Obama and his wife Michelle have been on an extended vacation since leaving office on January 20. (Photo by Jack Brockway/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Malia Obama is seen walking in Soho on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Malia Obama is seen walking in Soho on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Director Terry Kinney and The 44th President of The United States Barack Obama chat backstage at The Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 'Arthur Miller's The Price' on Broadway at The American Airlines Theatre on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (L-R) Malia Obama, The 44th President of The United States Barack Obama, Danny DeVito, Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Hecht and Tony Shalhoub pose backstage at The Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 'Arthur Miller's The Price' on Broadway at The American Airlines Theatre on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: Malia Ann Obama is seen out in Manhattan with friend on February 24, 2017 in New York, New York. (Photo by Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: Malia Ann Obama is seen out in Manhattan with friend on February 24, 2017 in New York, New York. (Photo by Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Malia Obama seen out in Manhattan on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: Michelle Obama leaves Upland restaurant on March 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: Barack Obama leaves Upland restaurant on March 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
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Most former presidents in recent history have transitioned from one of the most political positions in the world into post-political role. Bill Clinton and both Bushes stepped out of the limelight and quietly focused on relatively noncontroversial charitable efforts. They also typically refrain from speaking ill of their successors, regardless of party -- a favor that is typically returned.
SEE ALSO: President Trump deviates from presidential code
Recent reports suggest that Obama directed his administration to be as helpful as possible in aiding then president-elect Trump and his team with the transition to help ensure a smooth transfer of power.
Obama stayed relatively quiet even when Trump claimed he had Trump Tower wiretapped during the 2016 campaign, having an aide release a statement, but otherwise removing himself from the political fray.
But as the former president begins to wield his post-presidential influence to help solve problems facing the nation and the world, he is expected to lean on techniques Michelle used during her time as first lady.
SEE ALSO: Illinois' attempt to honor Barack Obama met with death threats
Michelle Obama was typically popular, but faced her fair share of critics when she became first lady. Over the years, she worked to improve education for girls and generate nutrition programs. She developed her initiatives without billions in federal funding and without having to win a Senate majority.
But not everyone believes Obama's approach will be non-political.
RELATED: 44 iconic photos of Barack Obama's presidency
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44 iconic photos of Barack Obama's presidency
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Barack Obama takes a moment to reflect before walking on stage to take the oath of office.
Photo Credit: The White House
Barack Obama and the First Lady share a tender moment during the Inaugural Ball on Jan. 20, 2009.
Photo Credit: The White House
Obama enters the Oval Office on the first day of his presidency.
Photo Credit: The White House
President Obama reads a letter left in his desk by George W. Bush, a White House tradition welcoming the new President.
Photo Credit: The White House
Obama tours the grounds of his new home for the next 8 years.
Photo Credit: The White House
Barack Obama meets with senior advisors in his third week as president.
Photo Credit: The White House
President Obama settles in for his first flight aboard Air Force One.
Photo Credit: The White House
The 44thPresident of the United States gives his first State of the Union address on February 24, 2009.
Photo Credit: The White House
Mr. & Mrs. Obama walk hand in hand towards the helicopter that will take them on their first trip to Camp David.
Photo Credit: The White House
Michelle Obama shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham palace during their trip for the G20 summit.
Photo Credit: The White House
POTUS shows some love for his troops while visiting Camp Victory in Iraq on April 7, 2009.
Photo Credit: The White House
The Obamas share a laugh while eating a snack after an event.
Photo Credit: The White House
Obama and Biden take in some fresh air with some golf on the White House green.
Photo Credit: The White House
President Obama explores the Pyramids of Giza during a trip to Egypt on June 4, 2009.
Photo Credit: The White House
POTUS walks through his first G8 Summit in Italy.
Photo Credit: The White House
Barack Obama takes in the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Photo Credit: The White House
President Obama enjoys himself during an interview with David Letterman on Sept 21, 2009.
Photo Credit: The White House
The Obama's welcome children to enjoyHalloween fun at the White House.
Photo Credit: The White House
President Obama and the First Lady take their first portrait in front of the official White House Christmas tree.
Obama sits in his personalized chair during a meeting.
Photo Credit: The White House
The Obama's bust a move during the Governors' Ball.
Photo Credit: The White House
Obama takes a moment to catch up on some important documents while on the go.
Photo credit: The White House
The President takes calls at all hours leading up to the vote on healthcare reform.
Photo credit: The White House
Obama and Biden applaud the passing of the Affordable Care Act.
Photo Credit: The White House
White House Photographer Pete Souza had this to say about capturing this photo: "The sun was setting as the Presidential motorcade arrived back at Miami International Airport. I ran to get in front of Air Force One so I could use the beautiful sky as the background when the President boarded the plane."
Photo Credit: The White House
The Obamas lip-sync to a group of acappella singers during a holiday visit.
Photo Credit: The White House
A rare moment in the Situation Room of the White House.
Photo Credit: The White House
The President greets soldiers after a surprise all night flight to Afghanistan.
Photo Credit: The White House
The Obama family admires Rio's infamous Christ the Redeemer statue while In Brazil on March 20, 2011.
Photo Credit: The White House
Barack Obama approaches the Marine One helicopter.
Photo Credit: The White House
President Obama watches the screen like a hawk during the real time mission to capture Osama bin Laden.
Photo Credit: The White House
The White House photographer Pete Souza writes"The President was ready to announce the news about the mission against Osama bin Laden and was putting the finishing touches on his statement in the Outer Oval Office. As he did so, the networks broke in with bulletins confirming that bin Laden had been killed and a photograph of him appeared on the television screen in the background near the Vice President and Press Secretary Jay Carney."
Photo Credit: The White House
Souza says "One of the most memorable moments of the year was when the President hugged Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as he walked onto the floor of the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol to deliver his annual State of the Union address."
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Obama takes notes from Michelle Obama's time as first lady for political plans post-presidency - AOL
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