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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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4

Quit Smoking? Yes We Can!

President-elect's struggle with nicotine could help others kick the habit

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(Newser) – Barack Obama is about to become the nation's smoker-in-chief, and anti-smoking advocates are hopeful he'll become a powerful example for other smokers if he finally manages to kick the habit. He has quit several times but so far has always gone back to smoking up to eight cigarettes a day, reports the New York Times.

He refers to himself as an "intermittent smoker" and has been using Nicorette gum to help satisfy his cravings for a year, longer than recommended. Some 21% of Americans smoke, down from 28% in 1988. “It takes the average smoker eight to 10 times before he is able to quit successfully,” said an expert. Obama's transition team refused to answer any question about the president-elect's smoking habits.

Anti-smoking activists hope President-elect Obama will encourage the 21% of Americans who smoke to quit by quitting himself.
Anti-smoking activists hope President-elect Obama will encourage the 21% of Americans who smoke to quit by quitting himself.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr, FILE)
Hidden from the cameras, President-elect Obama smokes up to eight cigarettes a day and has tried to quit several times.
Hidden from the cameras, President-elect Obama smokes up to eight cigarettes a day and has tried to quit several times.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President-elect Barack Obama after a workout at the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base in Kailua, Hawaii. Experts say regular workouts may help him quit smoking.
President-elect Barack Obama after a workout at the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base in Kailua, Hawaii. Experts say regular workouts may help him quit smoking.   (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
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4 comments
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DeniseVB
Dec 29, 08 12:15 PM CST
Bad timing to quit smoking taking on the most stressful job in the world! Reply
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Mr.C
Dec 29, 08 12:18 PM CST
"He has quit several times" FAIL Reply
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alienvv
Dec 29, 08 3:06 PM CST
I stopped smoking overnight after more than 20 years of pack a day cigarettes. I was challenged by my kids and stopped without any pills, keeping a pack in front of me on my desk...Did not gain weight, nor lost my cool when tension in work or home piled on... It is all about willpower! Obama ran his campaign on Change, where is his willpower to remove just one of his own bad habits.? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Hobblescotch
Dec 29, 08 6:07 PM CST
Agreed - it IS all about will power. I smoked a pack a day for 7 years, and I'm now smoke-free for nearly 2. I really thought it would be hellish. My only regret now is not quitting sooner. The bottom line - he'll quit if he wants to quit.
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