For reasons unknown, Fox News is pumping Michelle Obama's stock ahead of 2024.

Continuing the network's decline into a squawk box of idle gossip, Fox Business Larry Kudlow speculated that Obama would step in and replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee - despite all signs pointing to the liberal machine rallying behind Biden.

The rumors of Obama mounting a challenge have been rejected by none other than Donald Trump, who is expected to face Biden again in 2024.

Fox pumps Michelle Obama

Still, some prominent Republicans have pushed the theory including Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

Cruz suggested that Biden could be forced out at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in the Obama power base of Chicago - and Obama will be "parachuted in."

Kudlow similarly claimed the Obama machine "is already gearing up" to elbow Biden out of the race, pointing to a widely publicized poll that showed Biden underwater by 19 points and trailing Trump by 10 points in a rematch.

"I'm hearing so much talk about Michelle Obama. I don't know if you all are hearing it the same way," Kudlow said.

"People are saying, you know, get to the Democratic convention, Joe Biden is going to, quote, 'have to withdraw for health reasons,' and by acclimation they're going to bring in Michelle Obama, and the Obama machinery is already gearing up for it."

"I'm not predicting, I'm just saying. I'm just hearing this from everywhere."

Trump dismisses rumors

There are legitimate reasons to doubt the theory: for one, Michelle Obama has enjoyed a post-White House career as a speaker and author, earning $750,000 from a single one-hour speech this week in Germany. Why trade such a comfortable life for the rigors of a political campaign?

Obama has been dismissive of such rumors in the past, saying she can think of better ways to "improve this country and build a better world."

"But sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office will never be one of them. It’s just not for me,” Obama said.

Trump doesn't see it

Trump, who has a strained relationship with Fox, dismissed the Obama speculation as off the mark in a recent interview.

"I don't see that," Trump told the National Pulse.

Surely Trump, of all people, has given this question some thought.

Past a certain point, these rumors only flatter the Obamas and serve to distract from the threat that Biden poses to the country. The man is literally trying to put his political opponent in jail.

Maybe Republicans should focus on that.