The First Lady hopeful is giving "Extra" a peek into her personal life with senator hubby Barack Obama. Michelle is opening up about her surprising new friendship with Hillary Clinton -- and what she really thinks about the McCain "celebrity" ad!

Clinton was Barack's rival -- but now the former First Lady is giving Michelle advice on how to raise her tots in the international spotlight. "She's been just amazingly gracious in her advice and sharing her wisdom," said Mrs. Obama. "I've been truly grateful to her."

McCain's Barack-bashing celeb ad has taken slams from the media -- and Michelle is having her own laugh about it -- and the Paris spoof. "It's funny to have anybody characterize Barack as an elitist," she says of her hubby.

Check out Entertainment Weekly's new Q&A for more about the presidential hopeful -- and tune in to "Extra" tomorrow, and see Michelle cooking up something special with kitchen queen Paula Deen!