Obama’s Quitting Time

The Chicago Tribune reports that their home town senator and political wunderkind Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., will embark on two campaigns this week: one for the White House and the other for his health.  Obama told the paper he has (once again) resolved to quit smoking.

The Senator, 45, will formally announce his presidential plans this weekend and, in that introduction to the nation, the telegenic politician would prefer that ‘smoker’ not be a part of his resume.

"I’ve never been a heavy smoker," Obama told the Tribune, "I’ve quit periodically over the last several years.  I’ve got an ironclad demand from my wife that in the stresses of the campaign I don’t succomb.  I’ve been chewing Nicorette strenuosly."

No doubt Mrs. Obama will have some help in keeping her husband true to that pledge as hundreds of reporters and photographers follow Obama’s every move — and puff — on the campaign trail. 

To read the entire Chicago Tribune article, click here (warning: registration required).