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'I Won't Smoke in White House,' Obama Vows

Obama working to stay on the wagon

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Dec 8, 2008 2:43 AM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama promised the nation yesterday that he won't be sneaking smokes at the White House. The president-elect, who has been trying to kick his habit, told Meet the Press that he'll respect the mansion's smoke-free policy. He admits having "fallen off the wagon" in the past, but seemed confident that he can follow house rules, reports the New York Daily News.

"I have done a terrific job under the circumstances of making myself much healthier. I think that you will not see any violations of these rules in the White House," Obama said. The president-elect plans to turn his new digs into a "people's house" and open it up for science seminars, kids groups and music, especially classical and jazz. But no one will be allowed to light up.

[Images (3)]

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The president-elect won't be changing the White House's smoke-free ways, he says. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President-elect Barack Obama listens to a reporter's question during a news conference in Chicago yesterday. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Obama says he's done well in trying to curb his smoking habits, given his circumstance. (AP Photo/Meet The Press, Alex Wong)

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Obama says he won't violate the White House's smoking ban. (msnbc)

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'I Won't Smoke in White House,' Obama Vows