Obama and nicotine addiction

[OutWest]

I wouldnt be surprised if cigars and cigarettes were still lit up in the oval office. After all, who's gonna stop it? And, did you see Obama the other day during an interview when he was asked how the 'no smoking in the whitehouse' was going? He stammered some and got visibly uncomfortable. *laf*

[LaceyUnderall]

I wouldnt be surprised if cigars and cigarettes were still lit up in the oval office. After all, who's gonna stop it? And, did you see Obama the other day during an interview when he was asked how the 'no smoking in the whitehouse' was going? He stammered some and got visibly uncomfortable. *laf*

Wouldn't you if someone kept thinking it was their "right" to call you out on one of your habits? I feel for him. Being under that type of a microscope.

Poor guy. Let him have his smoke. God knows if anyone needs a smoke break it is prbly the leader of a country! Especially the one he inherited. Holy Smokes!

[sherid]

I saw an interview with Obama and Katie Couric. She asked him AGAIN how the smoking thing was going. He replied "very well" and "it goes better when people don't keep asking me." He definitely has spunk. I like that. He has also not said he will not smoke. He said simply he will not smoke in the White House.

[lorie1482]

i saw an interview with obama and katie couric. She asked him again how the smoking thing was going. He replied "very well" and "it goes better when people don't keep asking me." he definitely has spunk. I like that. He has also not said he will not smoke. He said simply he will not smoke in the white house.

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SpaceCadet]

Hell, one of FDR's main accessories in public was a ciggie! Back in the golden age when everyone smoked, but hell - he was the president! I don't recall any other presidents being such big ol' smokers!

[LaceyUnderall]

Clinton smoked cigars in the oval office... well lots of things got "smoked" in the oval office during his term...

[surbitonPete]

Clinton smoked cigars in the oval office... well lots of things got "smoked" in the oval office during his term...

Yes lmao ....The NO SMOKING sign sure got ignored during Clintons time

[TropicalBob]

It was dear Mrs. Clinton who proclaimed the White House a no-smoking place.

After FDR and his trademark cigarette in its holder, we had JFK who smoked cigars openly while his wife hid a cigarette habit, Gerald Ford, who often worked at the presidential desk while smoking a pipe, Ronald Reagan, who when younger was an advertising spokesperson for Chesterfield cigarettes (he smoked both cigarettes and a pipe before quitting), and Clinton the occasional cigar smoker.

The problem with any President using tobacco in any form today, or pretending to smoke by puffing an e-cig, is the image it projects. No President is likely to risk so tarnishing a cherished image. What kind of example would it be for young people? That's a relevant question for anyone holding the highest public office.

Before anyone jumps on the "it's safer than smoking" bandwagon, ask what we really know about e-cigs and if anyone in a leadership position should use or advocate use of such a device. It can't be done. Won't be done. That's not "politics". That's thinking it through.

[sherid]

It was dear Mrs. Clinton who proclaimed the White House a no-smoking place.

After FDR and his trademark cigarette in its holder, we had JFK who smoked cigars openly while his wife hid a cigarette habit, Gerald Ford, who often worked at the presidential desk while smoking a pipe, Ronald Reagan, who when younger was an advertising spokesperson for Chesterfield cigarettes (he smoked both cigarettes and a pipe before quitting), and Clinton the occasional cigar smoker.

The problem with any President using tobacco in any form today, or pretending to smoke by puffing an e-cig, is the image it projects. No President is likely to risk so tarnishing a cherished image. What kind of example would it be for young people? That's a relevant question for anyone holding the highest public office.

Before anyone jumps on the "it's safer than smoking" bandwagon, ask what we really know about e-cigs and if anyone in a leadership position should use or advocate use of such a device. It can't be done. Won't be done. That's not "politics". That's thinking it through.

Although I agree it is a poor image for our personal heroes to indulge in bad behavior, I also constantly wonder why this generation needs such constant protection from life and reality. I am guessing that is because parents today simply do not make kids responsible for their own path in life. It is ALWAYS someone else at fault, leading them to a path of destruction. I say that as a current high school teacher who wishes that kids but even more so, the parents, would just take responsibility. It is not the job of the president, rock stars, sports heroes, etc. to set the pace for who kids today will become. It is the job of parents and the kids themselves. Over the past 35 years of my teaching career, I see that more and more, and it makes me worry about what kind of adults these kids will be if they cannot take care of themselves and their actions. Sorry for the rant, but I can assure you it is a HUGE problem.

[SpaceCadet]

Yeah, there were certainly other presidents known for some level of tobacco use, but FDR jolly well chained it - he was constantly seen with his trademark ciggie holder! Yet this big ol' stinky smoker was an incredibly popular president (according to The Times he ranks third after Lincoln and Washington).

But that's bygone days. Smoking is not acceptable any more. I just take comfort in the one thing I have in common with one of the most important people in the world today - a weakness for cigs. It just makes Obama seem all the more human to me!