Obama: Still Smoking Cigarettes

by Terri Potratz | December 8, 2008 at 01:20 pm

4594 views | 11 Recommendations | 17 comments

On Sunday's Meet the Press, Barack Obama admitted to interim-moderator Tom Brokaw that he was still smoking cigarettes - though he didn't specify exactly how much.

Mr. Obama had said he quit smoking at the beginning of his campaign for president, in early 2007. But he later admitted to having “bummed” cigarettes from others, and last week he told Barbara Walters that he had “fallen off the wagon.”

On Sunday, Mr. Brokaw pressed Mr. Obama as to whether he had actually quit.

“What I would say is, is that — that I have done a terrific job, under the circumstances, of making myself much healthier,” Mr. Obama replied, suggesting that he had at least cut back while running for the most high-pressure job in the world.

As for whether he might break the ban on smoking at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mr. Obama said that “I think that you will not see any violations of these rules in the White House.” (Like a good politician, he left some wiggle room, not making an outright commitment to quit for good, suggesting merely that he would not smoke in the Executive Mansion.)

Just because Obama has said he won't violate the no-smoking rules in the White House, doesn't mean he's resolved to kick the habit for good. Here are some tips that might help Barack Obama, and other smokers, finally quit once and for all:

join a support group.
find nicotine alternatives - gum, patches, sprays, etc.
alternative therapies like acupuncture may reduce cravings; hypnosis may also help you quit.
distract yourself when you have an urge for a cigarette - take a walk, call a friend - and wait it out.
try picking up a new habit, such as knitting or (gasp!) exercise.
remind yourself of the reasons you want to quit - write them down, and keep this list with you. Read it when you feel like smoking.
identify times when you most feel like smoking, and then avoid those activities for the first couple weeks of quitting.

Consult some online resources with guides to help you quit:

Canadian Lung Association

American Cancer Society

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Garcia's Ghost (not verified)

at 06:50 on December 9th, 2008

He said "You will not see any violations..."

Don't give the weasel any more "wiggle room" than he needs - He can buy his own lies.

The more we learn about him, the more The Øne is reduced to just another typical phony politrickster, only as a socialist America-hater he is more dangerous.

technicax (not verified)

at 03:59 on December 12th, 2008

poor liberals they want to ban everything and expect the government to pay for there healthcare,housing,transportation,food,college,and even there death but then throw a tantrum once there rights are gone because they think that the unconstitutional laws they put into place dont apply to them .

generaldecay

at 05:27 on December 12th, 2008

poor liberals they want to ban everything

Er, I do believe it's the liberal who DON'T want to ban everything.

lefty_liberated

at 17:17 on December 8th, 2008

you try being the first black man ever elected AND quit smoking? Sheesh i dont thnk so. lol.

Linda Miles (http://fashiongreentbags.etsy.com) (not verified)

at 17:30 on December 8th, 2008

You may use the pics.

icalsol

at 23:36 on December 8th, 2008

cool

icalsol has contributed a photo to this story.

generaldecay

at 02:34 on December 9th, 2008

I'd smoke four packets a day if I had to take over that job!

Karen Hatter

at 04:00 on December 9th, 2008

Only four? LOL!

dfoigh (not verified)

at 07:20 on December 9th, 2008

Smoking and other uses of the tobacco drug represents a DRUG ADDICTION, not a mere habit. Smokers and other tobacco users are mentally ill from this drug use. Smoking and tobacco must be banned and the tobacco pushers must be executed for the murder and genocide of the human race.

Garcia's Ghost (not verified)

at 08:05 on December 9th, 2008

Satire is best served undercooked. Your recipe is over the top... either that or you believe what you typed, in which case you are the mentally ill one. If Øbama has a mental illness, it is liberalism; not tobacco addiction.

Garcia's Ghost (not verified)

at 08:12 on December 9th, 2008

Barbara McPherson

at 16:35 on December 9th, 2008

Let's hope he does quit and quits publicly as a good example. He probably will be able to tap into hint -- look for distractions, talk to a friend. He's always got the red phone.

dfaugust2k (not verified)

at 04:20 on December 12th, 2008

so when are the great-unbiased press-men going to grow the cahonies to report on this clown's use of cocaine? or his dabbling in homosexuality? -instead we get these "puff-pieces" with recommendations on how he might quit his nicotine habit, LOLOL.

Miriam Mannak

at 04:51 on December 12th, 2008

Come on guys - let the guy smoke his cigarette. Yes, it is a bad habit but it is wayyyy better then starting a preemptive war and sending hundreds of young men to their graves while killing thousands of civilians. Or bashing homosexuality. Or giving the go-ahead for executions (as governor).