Obama did not know he was being recorded while speaking to Maina Kiai, a U.N. human rights Special Rapporteur. He said he has not had a cigarette in “6 years” because he is “scared” of Michelle.
Via the Atlantic Journal Constitution:
OBAMA: “I hope you’ve quit smoking.”
MAINA KIAI: “Sometimes.”
OBAMA: “No, no, I haven’t had a cigarette probably in six years. That’s because I’m scared of my wife.” (Via Politico)
Obama was speaking to Maina Kiai, a U.N. human rights Special Rapporteur. And as with all great candid comments, he likely didn’t know he was being recorded.
Politico had some fun with the president’s remark, saying: “No one is exempt from first lady Michelle Obama’s health initiatives – especially not her husband.”
Others took issue with the president’s timing, saying he may have exaggerated by a few years. (Via Buzzfeed)
A 2011 Washington Post interview with Michelle Obama revealed the president smoked until at least 2010.