‘That Is Crazy!’ CNN’s Smerconish Shocked At Vegas Odds On Michelle Obama To Win Presidency

CNN’s Michael Smerconish was flummoxed over Las Vegas oddsmakers giving Michelle Obama a better chance of becoming president than certain competitors, despite the former First Lady showing no indications of running.

Smerconish discussed the remote possibility, which has become a right-wing talking point, with former Obama official David Axelrod. And what it has to say about Republican Nikki Haley, whom Vegas has Mrs. Obama currently beating.

“I got to ask you about this,” Smerconish said. “Look at who Vegas oddsmakers are saying have the best chances being elected this fall. [Donald] Trump is a 5/6 shot, it’s better than even; [Joe] Biden 15-8, a little better than 2-1; next in line, Michelle Obama, 11/1, ahead of Nikki Haley, Gavin Newsom, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Kamala Harris!

“I don’t know about you, David, I’ve got people in my orbit, and my radio listeners say the same thing. There’s always a family member who says — in my case, it’s my brother — ‘Keep your eye on Michelle Obama.’ And I say, that is crazy! What should we be saying about Michelle Obama?” he asked.

Axelrod responded:

Here’s what I know: Michelle Obama loves this country. She’s a brilliant person and a brilliant communicator. But, she was a conscript to politics. She never was interested in a political life, even when Barack Obama was a young politician, she really didn’t participate much in his campaigns. I was with him in his Senate campaign in 2004, I think she showed up twice in the whole campaign on election nights.

So, she is not someone who likes politics, she doesn’t like the tone and tenor of politics. I would be floored if she would consent to that. They feel that they gave ten years of their life to this. And I’m sure she feels, as Barbara Bush did, when she said there has to be someone other than the Bushes and the Clintons who could be the president of theUnited States. My guess is that’s her attitude. I always say, Michael, I have as much a chance of dancing in the Bolshoi Ballet next year, than that she would be president of the United States.

Axelrod added, “If you see me running around in a leotard —”

“I was going to say, I hear they’re hiring, the Bolshoi is hiring!” Smerconish exclaimed.

Watch the clip above via CNN.