Exclusive: Michelle Paterson Defends Husband

MYFOXNY.COM - New York's first lady has a message for President Barack Obama. She wants the president to,"stay out of New York politics."

Michelle Paterson sat down with Fox 5's Rosanna Scotto on Wednesday.

In the interview, she expressed her anger over President Obama signaling that he doesn't want David Paterson to run for governor in 2010.

There are concerns that Paterson's low approval ratings could drag down other Democratic candidates in New York.

Transcript of interview:

Scotto: Reports say that the Obama administration doesn't want your husband to seek election in 2010. Does it hurt?

Paterson: Yes, it does. I really think he should stay out of New York politics. The way the system runs and works, the people decide if they are going to run or not. The people decide who is going to win.  I don't think it's right for anyone to tell somebody that they shouldn't run.

Scotto: You don't think the President of the United States should say anything?

Paterson: He should deal with Federal issues and let the State deal with its issues.

Scotto: Do you want your husband to run for governor?

Paterson: You know, I go back and forth with that. Some days I do, some days I don't.  I want him to be happy. I wouldn't want anyone to tell me that I couldn't do something I really wanted to do. So you know, I don't know.

Scotto: What advice have you given your husband?

Paterson: I think that David when he listens to his inner spirit it's always right. And I tell him that he has to follow his inner spirit sometimes and not listen to what other people say. He knows best.

Scotto: What has it been like living with all these negative reports about your husband?

Paterson: You know, I just feel this is part of politics. It's a dirty game at times so you just learn how to roll with the punches and really don't let it bother you. Not too many people get to be in this positiion. David is the first African American who ever was governor of New York State. It's a rare opportunity and an honor. There are going to be good times and the bad times.  You just learn how to deal with both.

Rosanna adds that the First Lady of New York is trying to focus on her own projects including fighting childhood obesity and fostering healthy eating and exercise for middle school children. Michelle Paterson, her  husband and her children all get together to exercise. She encourages healthy eating. She hopes to continue doing all these things in the next term.