Michelle Obama spoke out on whether she'd run for US president

Michelle Obama has previously addressed the question of whether she would ever run for president.

Following President Joe Biden's announcement that he is withdrawing from the presidential race, speculation has been rife about who will replace him as the Democrats' candidate.

Biden's announcement came just weeks after a disastrous debate performance by the incumbent, followed by a failed assassination attempt on Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Since withdrawing from the dramatic election, Biden himself has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the Democratic nomination, joined by Bill and Hillary Clinton.

President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Harris has welcomed the endorsements, but while she is currently the clear favourite to replace Biden, the next candidate is far from confirmed.

Michelle Obama is among those who was named as a bookies' favourite to become the next US President, but just how likely is it that she will be on the ticket?

Well, it turns out that the former First Lady has previously made her position on running for president clear in an interview with the BBC's Naga Munchetty. Have a listen:

Muchetty asked Obama what was the most irritating question she is asked, and replied that it was: "'Are you going to run for president?'"

Pressing Obama, Munchetty followed up: "Answer?"

To which Obama replied: "I detest it. No, I am not going to run."

That seems like a pretty clear answer, but with the Democratic candidacy up for grabs at a very late stage who knows, and a lot has happened since the interview in 2022.

Michelle Obama has ruled herself out of the running for the White House. (BBC)

Harris may be a clear favourite, but many high profile Democrats have expressed a desire for an open forum to select a new candidate.

The Vice President might seem a natural choice as part of the Vice President's job is to step up in the event that the president is incapacitated, for example with Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy.

But of course, it's one thing when securely in office, quite another on an election campaign when things are far less fixed.

Notable Democratic big beasts who have not endorsed Harris include former house speaker Nancy Pelosi as well as former president Barack Obama.

In a statement, Obama said: “We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead.

Kamala Harris is the current favourite to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee. (Chris duMond/Getty Images)

“But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

There are many steps still to negotiate before a Democratic nominee is confirmed.

An obvious focal point will be the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is set to kick off in Chicago on August 19.

And as the Trump campaign now pivots to focus its attacks on Harris, the scramble to replace Biden is far from over.