Obama Mic Flap: “That’s Because I’m Scared of My Wife.”

Local Editor

The US president Barack Obama was chatting privately with a UN official Monday and said he hoped the official had quit smoking.

Obama, was overheard joking he 'hasn't had a cigarette in six years' because he is 'scared' of his wife, Michelle. Speaking to UN special rapporteur Maina Kiai at the UN general assembly meeting, Obama was unwittingly recorded by a CNN camera on Monday as he spoke about his old nicotine habit.

After the official appeared to ask Obama about his own cigarette use, Obama said he hadn't had a cigarette in probably six years.

He added, with a broad grin, "That's because I'm scared of my wife."
Obama has acknowledged over the years struggling with tobacco use. Ms. Obama said in 2011 that her husband had finally kicked the habit.

Monday's exchange came on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.