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Obama Admits Smoking Cigarettes in Last Few Months
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ShareJune 10, 2008 2:14 PM
ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Senator Barack Obama told reporters in St. Louis today that he has fallen off the wagon and smoked cigarettes in the last few months.
Watch the VIDEO HERE.
The presumptive Democratic nominee has been open about his smoking past: Once a heavy smoker, he publicly gave up the habit, per his wife’s request, to run for president.
Since quitting, Obama has indicated in the past that he has “fallen off the wagon” but before today was not specific about how recent his smoking was.
“Months,” Obama said of the last time he has smoked.
Obama regularly chews Nicorette while not at campaign events, and the recent release of a doctor's note from his primary care physician indicated that it has brought him a level of success.
“His own history included intermittent cigarette smoking,” David L. Scheiner, M.D. wrote in a letter released to reporters. “He has quit this practice on several occasions and is currently using Nicorette gum with success.”
The release of a scant one-page summary for 21 years of care brought some criticism to the Obama campaign – especially when compared to the thousands of pages of medical records released by McCain. Obama promised reporters that if there are additional health-related questions, his campaign would make that information available. “In terms of additional records, if there are particular things that people have questions about, then we’d be happy to give that information,” he said.
June 10, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (777)
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So what?
Posted by: A | Jun 10, 2008 2:28:42 PM
I guess his pick for VP should be a non-smoker to balance the ticket :)
Posted by: pt | Jun 10, 2008 2:29:09 PM
So did JFK...Bush doesn't smoke..Umm
Posted by: Jim | Jun 10, 2008 2:35:06 PM
Must be a slow news day to talk about someone's smoking habits...Too funny..
Posted by: newera | Jun 10, 2008 2:36:09 PM
Oh no, Obama smoked cigarettes? What'll be next? Wow, shocking news. Sure glad somebody wrote this one up. Thanks!
Posted by: Joan | Jun 10, 2008 2:37:12 PM
One thing I like in Obama, he is not a lier!
Posted by: Peace | Jun 10, 2008 2:37:51 PM
The smoking just highlights his obvious inner weakness. The same weakness that allowed him to sit in the pews of a racist church for 20 years. He doesn't have the strength to kick the habit.
Posted by: Mack | Jun 10, 2008 2:40:03 PM
Can't handle stress and needs a crutch. Wow, if he is stressed now - look out. Definitely a sign of a flawed character and illogical mind. He cannot process a simple "cause and effect" scenario.
Posted by: Jill Elliott | Jun 10, 2008 2:40:52 PM
And...
Many presidents and presidential candidates have smoked.
Should we write up how often they drink as well.
Who gives a darn about this?
Posted by: Whooop-id-e-do | Jun 10, 2008 2:41:40 PM
Compulsive addictive.
Pressure is getting to him.
I hope he does not handle stress the way his dad did.
Posted by: seah | Jun 10, 2008 2:42:19 PM
Where is the news? Silly, silly, silly, silly, stupid, stupid, stupid !!!!
Posted by: carl29 | Jun 10, 2008 2:42:32 PM
If it feels good, do it.
Posted by: Mack | Jun 10, 2008 2:42:48 PM
I do not smoke but if president will he have to smoke outside or off the grounds like the rest of the smokers?
Posted by: cissy55 | Jun 10, 2008 2:44:47 PM
It's so refreshing not to see Obama haters jumping on this ... yet. I bet the strain of that primary would make anyone want to sneak out back for smoke! These candidates are only human, no matter what our expectations. Not sure I'd want to face Michelle smelling like smoke, though, hahahahaha. Bet she gives him grief about it!
Posted by: louielouie | Jun 10, 2008 2:45:18 PM
Good for Barack. He is going to relate much more with the average Joe. According to research, blue collar people smoke more than white collar people. Go to factories and construction sites and you will find a lot of those men smoking. They understand what a struggle is to quit smoking.
Posted by: carl29 | Jun 10, 2008 2:45:47 PM
Should concern the public. If elected he is at risk for a early stroke. Black male,50,smokes,stress,probably high blood pressure = stroke.
Posted by: cissy55 | Jun 10, 2008 2:47:01 PM
He smokes, but he doesn't inhale.
Posted by: Rick | Jun 10, 2008 2:48:14 PM
Good one Rick
Posted by: cissy55 | Jun 10, 2008 2:50:06 PM
If he was in the private sector, his medical insurance premiums probably would have doubled or else he would have been flatly rejected.
Posted by: Mack | Jun 10, 2008 2:50:48 PM
It's probably Bill and Hillary's fault.
Posted by: Mack | Jun 10, 2008 2:52:09 PM
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