Obama And Cigarettes: No Smoking Violations In The White House (VIDEO)

Obama sought to reassure the nation that while he occasionally sneaked a cigarette during the rigorous presidential campaign, he won't succumb to such temptations in the White House:

Obama was asked -- as he occasionally is, most recently by ABC's Barbara Walters -- whether he still sneaks a cigarette now and then. He suggested he does, but said he won't at his new address.

"What I said was that there were times where I have fallen off the wagon," Obama said. "What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances of making myself much healthier, and I think that you will not see any violations of these rules in the White House."

Watch Obama's full interview with Tom Brokaw on "Meet the Press" here.

Comments

[SpinDown08]

I read an article that researched smokers in the workplace. It stated that smokers are doers. The cigarette break is actually a concrete thing they do to make the most of the time and then are more focused to the task at hand when they return.

I remember a scene in a Sidney Poitier movie where he is smoking and a girl asks him why. He said "It helps me to think".

Light up if you want Mr. President.

[MrMostly]

I would point out to you that the story has a false head line. He DID NOT say that he would not....he said you will not see me violating those rules. To keep his word, all he has to do is not smoke in front of a camera.

Remember this guy is a lawyer.

What I would fault him on is not taking the opportunity to lead on the hazards of smoking and the difficulties in quitting. Many of his young followers who respect his opinion might have resolved never to smoke if he would have shared some of his struggles with the addiction. Nowhere did I get that sense. He basically trivialized the problem....it is not a trivial issue.

[hortonhearsawho]

either are the results of Nov. 4, 2008, by the way, got a light?

[GaiaTerra7]

Yes, considering we are on the brink of a financial meltdown and in the midst of a Constitutional crisis, I too think this is a VERY SERIOUS ISSUE! What if he said he was only going to eat lamb from now on? His business and his family. Not ours.

[rektruax]

I can't believe he still partakes in that highly immoral and illegal substance!

What? It's just cigarettes? All this over cigarettes? Are you kidding?

Next...

[hortonhearsawho]

Um Mr. President, can I bum a smoke...
.

[dcoxucla]

WE LOVE YOU OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!

[curiousasheck]

You have a choice . . . Be safe or be free. We cannot keep you safe if you're free.

Now, put out that cigarette this instant!!!!

[hortonhearsawho]

and go to your room...now.

[sugarmoes]

i'm sure the gop is already drawing up impeachment articles for lying about smoking.

[TheAlchemist]

Will someone please give our President Elect Allen Carr's Easy Way?

I know it's so smart it's dumb, but that thing works!

[Passing-By]

This is unimportant. But so are a lot of the other 'news' items, including the photos which I usually quite enjoy. It is one of those bio backgroud stories, supposed to give you insight into his personality, also invoking a smile or a chuckle. I like Barack Obama and also enjoyed the clip. Lighter side of news is not unwelcome.

[drd1044]

Why didn't the MSM ask Bush if he were drinking and/or using again? With his inability to articulate, memory lapses, poor decision making, inappropriate dancing and touching, etc., he either suffered significant brain damage from his using days and/or is using again. It was only years after Nixon left office that it came out he was drunk a lot of the time in the White House. Why did they give Laura a pass on her smoking?

[mjtaylor22]

BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUS THAT BUSH IS DRINKING AGAIN, DIDN'T U SEE HIM WITH THE VOLLEY BALL PLAYERS AT THE oLYMPICS, ADN HOW HE HAD TO BE CARRIED FROM THE STANDS.

[ariadne1]

and we talk about the wingnuts being sidetracked by social issues! this is nuts. group think at its best. the herd has been programmed. forget the economy, forget the wars, forget our lack of prestige in the world ... let's spend our time castigating the president elect for smoking.

how many of the smoking police could handle the stress that he is and will be under.

let's keep george; he doesn't smoke.


sheeeesh.

[Bebesgal]

For cryin out loud, who the F*C& cares? Give me a break! I lived all over the world and US is the only nation that takes an issue with this. I love that we always blame someone else for our faults. So, his kids are going to smoke becuase he smokes? Take some responsiblity people. I smoked because it was my choice. I quit smoking because it was my choice.

[RonCanada]

Can't you just see the President standing out in the cold on the south portico with his coat collar turned up.

[hortonhearsawho]

too cool...

[smag]

It is a Federal Building so is this such a newsbreaker?

[msjimmied]

A little OT, I love the picture with the article here!