Gov. Chris Christie tells former White House doctor to shut up about his weight

Everyone knows that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has a good sense of humor, especially when it comes to himself. However, enough is enough. Christie lashed out yesterday at former White House physician Connie Mariano after she made comments about his weight on CNN, which included her fear that if he decides to run for president in 2016, he runs the risk of “dying in office from a stroke or heart attack if he does not slim down.”

"It's almost like a time bomb waiting to happen unless he addresses those issues before running for office," Mariano said.

In response, the Governor angrily condemned her for making such remarks publicly without even examining him, and called her "just another hack who wants five minutes on TV."

"I find it fascinating that a doctor in Arizona who has never met me, never examined me, never reviewed my medical history or records, knows nothing about my family history, could make a diagnosis from 2,400 miles away. She must be a genius," Christie said, adding: "My children saw that, and my 12-year old son asked me if I was going to die.”

Mariano's comments came after Christie appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman and poked fun at his own size - producing a donut while Letterman was mid-joke.

"I'm basically the healthiest fat guy you've ever seen in your life," Christie said.

In turn, Mariano (who tended to Bill Clinton during his presidency) defended herself in a follow-up interview with CNN.

"I'm a Republican. I like Chris Christie. I want him to run. I just want him to lose weight," Mariano said. "I'm a physician more than I'm a Democrat or Republican. And I'm worried about this man dying in office."

She also stated that she and Christie had spoken by phone after the fact
"The words gracious and appreciative don't come to mind," she said, adding that Christie had asked her not to share the specifics of their conversation.

"You don't have to be a doctor to look at him and see that he has a problem with weight," she said. "I have patients who suffer with obesity, and it is not a laughing matter."