I have to say it. I’m looking forward to a regime change in Washington. Barack Obama is one of only a couple of major contenders on the Democratic side. He’s got a ton going for him.
I know this shouldn’t matter and I’m not saying that I would not vote for Barack because of this, but I am really disappointed that he reportedly smokes cigarettes. If true, I wish he didn’t. I’ve spent the last decade of my life educating people about not using tobacco; encouraging them to not start the addiction, and counseling them on ways to quit.
Having a President who is a smoker (daily, or even occasional) or tobacco user goes against every bit of my being. I will admit that I don’t think that using tobacco would directly or indirectly affect his ability to be President, but I hate the fact that the President of the United States would be a tobacco user. That would be a poor role model for kids AND adults and a sad commentary on the health of our nation. And, that this person would be a Democrat would be doubly offensive to me.
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You will be amazed at the reactions you get from people if you ask them “Did you know that Obama smokes cigarettes?”. In my own sampling, half the people I asked thought it was a lie or unfounded rumor. Most of the remaining people didn’t think it was that big of a deal but I could see it in their eyes that they were trying to craft a reason why.
I’m almost certain that if I inserted “Hillary” for “Obama” in the question, the reaction would have been way different.
On another note, it’s very difficult to find a picture of Obama taking a drag. I went through a few pages of Google images and couldn’t spot anything.
He understands your concerns and is now using gum to help him quit.
His wife informed him that if he wanted to run for president he would have to quit smoking in order to be a good role model. He has quit for long periods of time in the past, but you must understand that when you start young, it is much harder to kick the habit than you think. It’s not even a question of will power. When you are in high stress situations, it appears to a smoker, even one who has quit, that you may not be performing at your best. He will eventually get off the gum, don’t worry.
james on May 13th, 2007 at 6:23 am | Link
james said:
[quote]He understands your concerns and is now using gum to help him quit.
His wife informed him that if he wanted to run for president he would have to quit smoking in order to be a good role model. He has quit for long periods of time in the past, but you must understand that when you start young, it is much harder to kick the habit than you think. It’s not even a question of will power. When you are in high stress situations, it appears to a smoker, even one who has quit, that you may not be performing at your best. He will eventually get off the gum, don’t worry.[/quote]
James,
I was wondering how you knew this and what your relationship to Barack and his wife is. You sound like you’re in the know. Are you his spokesperson?
You are correct, most people who “started young” are going to have a tough time quitting and I must say that quitting on the Presidential trail isn’t likely. Nevertheless, a product such as Chantix (varenicline) would be more effective than the gum.
I posted this nearly a year ago and I don’t think tobacco use has anything to do with running the country (for example, Bush doesn’t smoke and he has ruined this country and the entire planet, so maybe it would be better to have a tobacco user in office). I am curious though, does anybody know if Obama is still smoking?
I hate to ask if anybody has any current and accurate information, because I’m sure that the only responses will come from pundits and crackpots, who really have no knowledge of what they are talking about, but will pretend they do.
Lose the gum you are trying to get the micotine out of your body not add to it.
Then remains the question do we want a man that can’t quit smoking(dude you’re rich get help!) for president…..
johan f on May 29th, 2008 at 10:36 pm | Link
who cares if he smokes cigarrtes maybe it will help him it helped clinton to do things that was his personal life so let them be them my business is my business and their is theirs
mary jane on June 11th, 2008 at 1:21 pm | Link
so what he smokes cigarettes let him do what he wants i do and i don’t think it will hurt him to have a few now and then
mary jane on June 11th, 2008 at 1:23 pm | Link
I quit 5 years ago and I started very young. One of the hardest thing I have ever done. I think anyone that wants to be the president of the United Stated should have the fortitude and strength of character to quit.
Seti on July 16th, 2008 at 5:52 pm | Link
His inability to quite smoking and his hiding that he continues to smoke on his campaign shows a major lack of character to me. Which is very disapointing as I really want to like him. I don’t want my kids looking up to a smoker. As much as people want to let him off the hook for how difficult it is to quit. A president will face much tougher problems. As he moves ahead in the polls I find myself respecting him and relating to him less. A month ago he was my president and now he seems like another hollywood show. I may not vote at all.
I don't know what to think now on October 10th, 2008 at 9:52 am | Link
It not only shows a profound lack of character its also shows he is driven by his habits. He cannot follow through with what he starts and should not be trusted to live up to his promises. If he cannot even quit smoking for the good of his life and even the country how can we expect him to do anything else that is correct.
How does smoking affect ones ability to be president? Well primarily it sends a message to our kids and the rest of the world smoking is ok. Well while being ok it is a very deadly and nasty habbit costing Americans thier lives and many millions if not billions of dollars each year.
mark on October 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm | Link
Smoking doesn’t show a “profound lack of character, nor does it show that a person cannot follow through with what he starts and should not be trusted to live up to his promises.” Smoking and continued smoking probably indicates the person is hooked. Most smokers have tried to quit. Many fail. I have no idea what Obama’s quitting history is like. Regardless, we don’t have to look far to find smokers who are trustable, reliable, intelligent, contributing members of society. In my experience, most are. They just smoke (and should quit).
Mark’s argument has again misattributed everything to everything; he sees causation where there is none; and he makes generalizations that don’t follow from his smaller factoids.
I posted the original complaint. While it has no bearing on Obama’s ability to run the country, I do wonder if there are any verifiable reports of him quitting smoking.
On the contrary, smoking in itself does demonstrate a lack or character. Smoking and continued smoking while beign in or seeking a position of high influence, high visibility demonstrates a profound lack of character. Now I will say this, and I don’t say anything good about Barrack Obama lightly, Barrack is donig a great job at keeping his smoking from the public (if he indeed smokes). This shows some good character or in his case I would say desire to be president as he knows smoking shows a lack of character specially for one of the worlds most powerful positions.
FYI phyisological nicotine addiction quickly subsides in about a week. It is the physical addiction (the habbit) that lingers. It therefore shows one does not quit smoking as one who cannot or more inportantly will not make a week long commitment. Most of those who smoke and try to quit and fail really don’t want to quit. I know many smokers who have quit simply by quiting. Its a simple as making a choice and standing by it.
What did I ever say to imply “Regardless, we don’t have to look far to find smokers who are trustable, reliable, intelligent, contributing members of society.” the opposite of this statement.
Its when people try and fail to quit that we see issues of trust, reliability etc.
and for you mr. squeaky what is a factoid do you even know? Again Mr. Squeaky’s logic fails him. I have also concluded that mr. squeaky’s favorite word is causation. So mr. squeaky what exactly is it that I am saying causes something which it in fact does not?
Come on live up to the challenge mr. squeaky come on show us give us facts verifiable facts of what you say is correct. If you fail to do so it shall have to be concluded that you cannot support your arguments. It means I am correct and you cannot refute it. Come on live up to your meaningless personal attacks on me, don’t be afraid don’t be scared. If you actually think your correct come on a show us the proof. Until then know all what mr. squeaky says is not supported and inccorect and I am correct.
mark on October 16th, 2008 at 9:27 am | Link
mark,
You really need to go back and re-read the things you and others write before posting.
You make no sense. Maybe it is the sloppy writing, or the poor argumentation, or just your rambling. I don’t know.
Your claims about people who fail while trying to change a behavior having issues of trust, reliability, etc are just wrong. It sure sounds like you are saying that anybody that has ever tried to do anything - like quit smoking, lose weight, gain weight, not speed, or floss their teeth - even once and failed, has issues of trust and reliability. Or in your mind, is it just not quitting tobacco that creates this lack of trust and reliability?
My argument is not against people who try. It is against people who try to quit smoking. See now your attributing facts that are not in the post. It is a well known fact addiction to nicotine subsides in 7 -10 days. Anyone who wants to quit smoking must endure 7- 10 days of nicotine with drawl. Plane and simple thats all there is to it. Stop smoking endure 7-10 days of nic-fits and your done! Your health immediately begins to improve. Your chances at a quality life immediately begins to improve. If you fail you demonstrate one of two things. 1. You cannot endure a 7-10 day commitment or 2. You just do not want to quit. (most cases are here).
My bottom line is he who publicly makes a commitment and does not live up to it has a reliability and trust issue. (it’s not really that hard to follow) Oh yeah I forgot you favor obama, which requires an absolute failure of the thought process!
Again here mr. squeaky here is your lesson in logic.
smoking is a behavior? (yes)
all people who have behavior smoke (no)
all people who smoke exhibits behavior (yes)
assumption; smoking is a bad behavior (based on health affects)
all people who smoke exhibit bad behavior (yes)
all behavior exhibited by smokers is bad (no).
Now I must say by your own admission I am correct as you bring no verfiable facts to the table. It must be incredibly painful for you to live within your own mind!
mark on October 16th, 2008 at 1:57 pm | Link
listen its an addiction, its not a big deal but its funny its never brought up. The guy started smoking knowing full well it was bad for you and offered no benefits other then looking cool. Im voting for barack but little things like these bother me. The fact that he sort of blames his father “and the hypocricy of the system” for his drug use also irks me.. no personal responsibility and admittedly a lot of ego that is constantly needed to be kept in check just doesn’t sit well with me.
Then again we can agree Bill Clinton had(s) a big ego and he was a good president. But i also would say that things arent going to be at all like they were under bush.
steve on October 20th, 2008 at 10:31 am | Link
Yeah its an addiction. Do we really want an addictive type personality as president. It bothers you does it Steve? Well what about his association with Bill Ayers, what about his pastor of 20 years “G__ Damn American” what about his association with Acorn and his $800,000r contribution to them, what about his lacking birth certificate, what about his voting record, what about his education as a Marxist, what about his statements about stelling from the rich and giving to the poor what about his tax policies, how about his affiliation with Antion Rezko an indited felon? And mostly how about the statement from his running mate that he will face a major international crisis in his 1st 6 months of office if elected (This one is really scarry)? All of these are more concerning than his smoking habit but it just adds more to the mix.
I can not understand for the life of me how anyone with half a brain or any good conscience could bring themselves to vote for someone with that kind of track record. God help this country if he is elected.
mark on October 20th, 2008 at 8:22 pm | Link
The first major international crisis that whomever is elected will have to face will come on day one. It is the leftovers from Bush’s war in Iraq. Plain and simple, mark. Get it straight.
You think if McCain and Palin are elected that terrorists will back down because they are scared of a McCain administration, you are crazy. That is not what happened during the Bush administration, as you recall.
mark, you have been spouting racist rhetoric all over this board about how you should watch out for Obama because he is a muslim. Now you are bringing up the fact that he has been a member of a Christian church for 20 years. I can’t wait to hear you resolve this one. Go for it mark, bring me some of that mark logic that we’ve grown so fond of here. Tell us how he can be a muslim yet has practiced christianity for 20 years.
Mr. Squeaky you just can’t resist those personal attacks can you? NOW LETS GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT RIGHT NOW! I HAVE NEVER SAID OR WRITTEN ANYTHING RACIST ON THIS OR ANY OTHER FORUM. For your information religion is not the same thing as race.
I have explained how Obama is a Muslim in other posts but in a nut shell born to a Muslim father you are Muslim according to the Muslim faith. As far as wright goes he is hardly a christian by definition. Even Obama has given him the boot.
I never said the terrorists will go away with McCain and your right they probably will not. In fact they will probably try to test whoever becomes president. With McCain we know they will not get far! With Obama we can only hope.
Your stance that the war on terror is Bush’s war is pretty arrogant. It is the war of the people of the USA and the world as well. You can’t sit on your high horse and say the attacks on the USA did not affect you mr. squeaky. They did; they affected us all and still have lingering affects. To say that we have not had another attack on US soil in the past 8 years says the bush administration is doing something right!
You do have one thing right tho squeaky, the world is in a mess whomever is the cause doesn’t really matter. Whatever administration does take the helm will look bad for the failings of the past. It however, is clear this is not what Biden was talking about! He (Biden) also implied this event would not take place in a McCain administration.
mark on October 21st, 2008 at 8:35 am | Link
That’s exactly what’s wrong with this country. People choosing to possibly not vote, because Obama smokes. Oh… all the good things he talks of doing is vastly overshadowed because he has an addiction that this country was built on. When are people going to use some common sense?
Bill on November 2nd, 2008 at 12:11 pm | Link
Hey bill tell me one of those good things that BHO plans to do? Id love to hear all about it.
mark on November 3rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm | Link
I love the smoking commentary, I recently had a run-in with a man in Seattle, this man who appeared to be well-kempt and educated, and he was telling me how wrong it was to smoke. You know, the future generations and all. I listened to be polite, and not case a disturbance, then this ignorant hippocrite bastard climbed into his V8 SUV. Needless to say I lost my freaking mind, anyway the point is everyone has a vice, that is the beauty of life in a DEMOCRACY!!
Mike on November 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm | Link
Well I guess Grover Cleavland and JFK must have just been horrible too because they both smoked
Pnut on November 3rd, 2008 at 9:16 pm | Link
FDR – smoker
Winston Churchill – smoker
Adolf Hitler – non smoker
Jackie Kennedy was a smoker also, she never smoked in public, but she did smoke.
Brenda on November 5th, 2008 at 2:28 pm | Link
Hey mike, what does having a V8 SUV have to do with smoking or your iritation at the guy bagging smoking?
mark on November 7th, 2008 at 1:45 pm | Link
Nobody’s talked about Laura Bush’s smoking in quite some time, but that doesn’t mean she’s quit. She hasn’t, and it’s her own damn business.
Meanwhile, GW Bush has had battles with alcohol and drugs - and we have very little reason to think he’s 100% clean and sober these days - and he’s still the sitting President.
President-Elect Obama is a very smart man, and I’m far less concerned about whether or not he smokes a cigarette than how he will lead the country.
phoenix on November 18th, 2008 at 12:31 pm | Link
Obama an admitted HARD drug user sounds kinda dumb to me. He won’t even release his academic records so how would you know he is smart?
mark on November 20th, 2008 at 6:29 pm | Link