White House setting up 'hot commodity' Michelle Obama for campaign role

Washington, May 9 (ANI): Officials in the White House and Democratic Party officials are reportedly working on US First Lady Michelle Obama to take on a more proactive political role.

"She's a hot commodity. Her numbers are better than the president's and she's a strong surrogate. People like her. If I were the White House, I'd send her out even more," said one party official.

But one question remains: Is Michelle Obama, who felt burned by negative coverage during the early days of the 2008 presidential campaign, willing to open herself up to the same scrutiny by stumping for Democratic candidates in 2010?

Politico quoted a senior administration official as saying: "First and foremost, she has to prioritize the interests of her two young children, then she's the first lady of the United States, then, if she has the time, she would help the president support good Democrats."

So far, Obama has made few commitments, apart from an appearance alongside embattled Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at a women's event in Nevada.

Her name is on the wish list of headliners for Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Democratic Governors Association events, senior Democrats tell POLITICO.

One Democratic operative involved in Hill races said President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are still the top draws but that "she's pretty popular... people want her out there." (ANI)