Chicago, Apr 24 : US President Barack Obama''s approval rating might be strong, but a new survey has revealed that first lady Michelle is more popular than him.

In the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll survey, 79 percent people said they approve of the way Michelle Obama is handling the job of first lady. This tops her husband''s approval rating of 64 percent.

When asked about the first lady''s stronger showing, White House adviser David Axelrod joked in an interview, "Fortunately, she''s agreed not to run."

While Barack's rating shows a sharp partisan divide, Michelle's appeal crosses party lines, reports The Chicago Sun Times.

Almost every Democrat expresses approval, 94 percent-1 percent. Even among Republicans, her approval rating is a muscular 64 percent-17 percent.

The poll of 1,051 adults has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. (ANI)