Michelle Obama: I haven't watched the GOP convention

David Letterman laughs while talking with first lady Michelle Obama on the set of the "Late Show with David Letterman," Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in New York.

/ Jeffrey R. Staab,AP Photo/CBS

(CBS News) Democrats shouldn't follow Michelle Obama's lead when it comes to paying attention to the Republican National Convention proceedings in Tampa, Fla., the first lady said in an appearance Wednesday on CBS' "Late Show" with David Letterman.

"I, as the wife of the guy they're running against, I tend not to watch it," she said in the interview, which aired shortly after Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., accepted the GOP presidential nomination. "But I think it's important for everyone to watch these conventions, because this is the time you get to know the party, you understand the platform, you understand the candidates.

"You know, this is technically where the campaign begins," she continued. "So I think it's very important for everyone to watch as much of both conventions as possible to make their decisions."

Just days before her own party's convention kicks off in Charlotte, N.C., Mrs. Obama said she's "one of the few people" who's not yet been worn down by the campaign season. "Being out there really does pump me back up," she said.

Though she said her husband, President Obama, doesn't bring his own energy from the trail home at the end of the day in an effort "to keep the home as a place of peace and solace," she added "there are moments when there are interesting things that happen, and we discuss them."

Case in point: Missouri Rep. Todd Akin's "legitimate rape" remark, to which, when brought up by Letterman, Mrs. Obama rolled her eyes and groaned, "Oh, God!" Asked by Letterman if Akin's comment is "not a big deal - I don't know, dumb guys are allowed to say dumb things?" the first lady quipped, "That's how guys are."

Putting politics aside, Mrs. Obama also talked with Letterman about her work with the Joining Forces program, which helps veterans find jobs and tries to debunk certain stigmas that come with hiring them, like their potential for post-traumatic stress disorder. Letterman lauded the program for reaching its goal several weeks ago to hire 100,000 veterans and military spouses by 2013.

And since the appearance was billed by the White House as promotional for the first lady's food and fitness initiatives, the two also talked about the first-ever "Kids' State Dinner" she held recently, which hosted one child from each state, chosen by submitting his or her own healthy recipe. Challenged by Letterman on the kinds of healthy snacks featured, Mrs. Obama told him, "They were grubbin' on the kale chips, I'm telling you!"

[xterra4554]

she s lying..she watched it and didnt want to admit cause then she would have to answer some hard questions about her and her hubby's failure.

[TimeToEvolve]

I can't say I blame her, I can't watch a bunch of radical extremists who only represent rich white men. I can't stand hours and hours of lies and bashing a very successful Barack Obama.

[TimeToEvolve]

It's also quite painful to watch a bunch of people who work for the government state again and again how they hate the government but want to run it. That makes me quite suspicious.

[Maerzie]

EWWWW! I smell a little GREEN ENVY here from "LindogArf"!

[tsigili]

Anyone who believes that, is a fool.

[Truth-will-Prevail]

Lindsey Boerma how about placing a good role model for women for a change...Condoleezza Rice. She did not make it on the backs of others....it was amazing to hear her speech, she showed us what leadership should be. Lets wake up people before its too late...our country is in a MESS because we elected these fools now its time to vote them out...ROMNEY/RYAN 2012

[novotesobozo]

More free air time for obozo

[TimeToEvolve]

I really can't stand to watch a CONvention of CONservative RepubliCONS who have no plan, no new ideas and nothing to offer America.

A group of half wits who hate government but want to run it. For whom? To line their own pockets? To destroy it?

[Truth-will-Prevail]

TimeToEvolve....how has OBAMA's policies helped you our country? gas prices have doubled...so I guess everyone that uses gas is the top 1%. I mean stop and think about all the people that are out of work, homeless ...this leader is a JOKE and his team is even worse....how does it feel to have a guy like HOLDER sell thousands of arms to the MEXICAN CARTELS that have killed thousands including women and children...look it up and see I'm not making this up...OBAMA and his group of LIARS have fooled all of us

[wfw3536]

I am surprised Mrs Obama falling all over Letterman, a person who cheated on his wife.

[Truth-will-Prevail]

Great point ...we need to wake up AMERICA stop placing this scum on a pedestal...all these liberals..hollywood wannabees are the reason we have such a mess ...they are corrupt as heck, use drugs and have blood in their hands

[Maerzie]

What I like most about the comments is that none of the slander has any references given, for fact checking. They must think they own their own network!

[0bama2O12]

I like her "let them eat cake" attitude...turnabout is fair play!

[Widget26]

And I'll bet that all the kids at the "Kids State Dinner" were black! You never see her helping out any poor white children. She is an arrogant, two-faced racist. I despise this woman and can't wait to see her out of the white house.

[ChrisAnthony1]

You don't have to "bet", the event is on Youtube. You can see for yourself the race of its participants (if that's the most important thing about it, to you). After watching the video, I think you will find that your assumptions about the event, as well as about the First Lady in general, are unfounded.

[ChrisAnthony1]

You don't have to "bet", the event is on Youtube. You can see for yourself the race of its participants (if that's the most important thing about it, to you). I think after watching the video, you will find that your assumptions regarding this event, as well as the First Lady in general, are unfounded.

[FoolKiller]

"since the appearance was billed by the White House as promotional for the first lady's food and fitness initiatives" This last was little more than a footnote to her appearance... yet this is why the taxpayers footed the bill. Nice trick that.

[stephen_weber]

Really?
How about all those miles of roads that are built at government expense that lead solely to one millionaires house on the mountain???