Michelle Obama says U.S. should elect a female president 'as soon as possible'

WASHINGTON, June 23 (UPI) -- First lady Michelle Obama said Monday at the White House Summit on Working Families that she wants Americans to elect a woman president "as soon as possible."

"I think this country is ready," she told reporters, though she didn't specify whether she would support Hillary Clinton's potential bid for the presidency.

"The person who should do the job is the person who's the most qualified. And we have some options, don't we?" the first lady said.

She also shot down rumors about her own political ambitions, telling reporters that she "definitely" didn't want to run for office.

The former lawyer said her post-White House plans would be "service-focused."

President Barack Obama said last month that he would be shocked if his wife decided to run for office.

"I would say, 'Where did you take my wife?' I would be sure there had been an alien body snatching going on," he said. "One thing I can promise you, Michelle will not run for office."