Would you care

[BarbaraGordon]

My concern with a smoking president would be both the short-term and long-term health considerations.

But of course we don't really require a personal health history when electing our leaders, and it's foolish of me to try to judge future health based on one habit alone.

[Venkman]

A politician who smokes doesn't bother me in the least. A politician who says you can't smoke in a park or on a golf course does.

[YOhio]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

How about if he were 400 lbs and was seen with the occassional brautwurst in his mouth? Both show poor health and a lack of self control.

Good question, I don't know if I'd prefer my elected official to be a chain smoker or a compulsive eater.

There are definitely a few overweight politicians, but the funny thing is that overweight men seem to have less of a problem getting elected than overweight women. I can't think of any really overweight women that have succeeded in politics. Perhaps Barbara Mikulski, but she's just squatty.