'Forget pearls and shoes, Obama is the one accessory I don't like to do without', Michelle reveals

'Barack and I - as partners, as friends and as lovers - we accessorise each other in many ways,' she said in an interview with Ebony magazine.

'The best thing I love having on me is Barack on my arm,' said the potential First Lady.

Not without my husband: Michelle Obama gives her husband Barack a knuckle-bump as a sign of support during a rally last month

Republican rival John McCain and his aides will no doubt use her comments to back suggestions that the Democrat would-be leader of the free world is nothing more than an expensive bangle on his wife's wrist.

McCain, 71, has already mocked Mr Obama in television adverts by comparing him with celebrities Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

The arm-candy comments could add substance to his claims that Mr Obama is a political lightweight.

Mrs Obama, 44, has previously described her husband of 15 years as 'a wonderful pair of shoes that look great with a good suit'.

Family first: Barack and Michelle have stressed the importance of making time for their daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7

However, she had more serious comments to add this time, advising readers: 'Don't vote for Barack because you think he's cute or because you like his smile.

'The fate and direction of this country for the next four to eight years is on the table and I would urge people to be informed about the issues and then decide.'

Mrs Obama refused to give up her hospital administration job and move daughters Malia, now ten, and seven-year-old Sasha to Washington when her husband first became the junior senator for Illinois three years ago.

Her plans are now to be a stay-at-home mother if the family moves into the White House.

She said in that situation her first job would be 'mom-in-chief, making sure that in this transition, which will be even more of a transition for the girls, that they are settled and that they know they will continue to be the centre of our universe'.

Michelle has admitted she'd rather have her husband as an accessory rather than a string of pearls

Mrs Obama, who once embarrassed her husband by revealing his snoring kept her awake, said she wanted the public to know exactly who they were voting for on November 4.

'I am more than willing to share who I am and to open up my heart and soul to people so that they know in addition to getting Barack  -  this tremendous mind and person to lead our country  -  that the people behind him and beside him, his wife and family, that we all represent what is good and wonderful about America,' she told the magazine, which is aimed at African-Americans.