Obama still smoking?

December 8, 10:56 AMWellness ExaminerJoshua Futterman

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Obama explains his smoking goal to Tom Brokaw
(AP Photo/Meet The Press, Alex Wong)

We have seen President-elect Obama set a great example with regard to fitness and exercise.  Barack and soon to be first lady Michelle are regularly involved in workout sessions everyday.  But how can one set an example for fitness and health for this nation while continuing to smoke?

Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, interviewer Tom Brokaw asked Obama, "Have you stopped smoking?"

"I have," Obama replied,  "What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon."

Brokaw replied with "Wait a minute, that means you haven't stopped."

"Fair enough," Obama said. "What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances of making myself much healthier. You will not see any violations of these rules in the White House."

We can only hope Obama continues to walk his talk and quits smoking for good.  20% of all deaths are smoking related and if he is serious about reducing healthcare costs, he needs to not contribute his own dollars towards the tobacco industry.