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.