I should say that I wasn't necessarily recommending Python (or assembly for that matter). I'm a big fan of a sane use of C++ for embedded systems programming.
I have been hearing some positive comments about Circuit Python lately. Surprisingly, I haven't heard much about micropython in a while.
I'd rather see the focus remain on Arduino instead of the community's efforts being split between Arduino and Circuit Python. For someone getting started in embedded systems with a lot of experience with Python I think it could be a nice option. For someone with no prior experience in Python, C, or C++ I'd still recommend C++. Python does have its advantages but I really didn't find C++ so difficult as a beginner. I actually started learning Python before getting involved with Arduino and I'm now much better in C++ than Python.