Obama Could Be a Role Model - Quit Smoking

Mr. Obama's doctor released some information of the condition of the likely Democratic presidential candidate this week. Mr. Obama is as fit as he looks but he did not get a "clean bill of health" - the usual headline when a president is doing just fine.

Mr. Obama is a smoker, or maybe a recovering smoker, depending on the moment. He admits having this nasty habit and promised Michelle he would quit when he ran for this elevated office. He has said he is using Nicorette but he has said that for months now, and the usual regimen is to use this drug only to reset the new habit. If he is still using it, he either has had lots of relapses or is abusing the drug (OK, it's only nicotine).

Yet here is a chance for this young man who has captured much of the young vote to really set an example. He should quit cold turkey, announce that he has done so, while adding to the condemnation of this irredeemable habit. As it sits now, we hear whispers that he is "trying" to quit, still ingesting nicotine in another form, and probably sneaking off taking a puff or two or three when he thinks no one notices. That is a guess but a good one I think.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a former two-pack a day smoker, but quit cold turkey on April 15, 1982. I haven't had a cigarette or any other form of nicotine since then. OK, former smokers can be intolerable at times, but in this case - a presidential candidate and likely nominee should 86 the bad habit. For his sake as well as his family's sake.

If he smokes because of stress, he'd better swear off now so he gets some time under this belt, because the show is only going to get livelier.