Hello OH Members!

When it looked like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie might run for president, the political analysts, columnist, and bloggers lit up the Internet with sometimes controversial comments and opinions about his weight and the effect his obesity would have on his ability to serve as president. (The Governor weighs close to 400 pounds.) Most officials running for office can hide their personal struggles with addictions. (And they do have them!) They can hide drug and alcohol abuse, nicotine addictions, sex addictions, eating disorders that cause weight loss, and so on. But an obese candidate seems to be considered an "open book."  What are your thoughts on this controversial issue? Please share your comments below!

Being obese does not make a person incompetent...being a politician might !!!

I think the American electorate expect their President to be tall, handsome and fit - don't they release the results of their annual physical, including their weight etc???
Perhaps Governor Christie will get a DS, lose 200+ lbs and run in 2016

I think it's pure prejudice against obese individuals. I think he should run and EVERY obese American vote for him to make a point.

I would never EVER vote for someone based on their physical appearance simply to make a point.

I think he should remain obese even after he is elected. (should he be elected) I am getting really fed up with all of these famous obese people caving into the media and losing weight. Oprah, Kirstie Alley, Carnie Wilson, etc. all have let me down. I want to see fat, obese people thrive! Not cave in to the public harrassment and lose weight! Come on!

 Well, I think he's an idiot for many reasons. I DON'T think he should run for ANYTHING and I don't even want him as governor either! HOWEVER, my sentiments have NOTHING to do with the fact that he is obese. I also think it's very unfair to use that against him. If he were otherwise a good candidate, then I don't think being obese should have any affect on his running. People may say because it could affect his health and set a bad example. Other people may have very threatening health issues that are just not so apparent. This doesn't keep THEM from running. Obesity shouldn't keep anyone from running either.

I was totally offended by the pointing out of his weight issues.  All of us here have experienced the
same prejudices associated with obesity and wish something could be done about those who
think they were being funny.  NOT FUNNY.  I am not a supporter of Chris Christy of being
a presidental candidate but felt his unexpressed pain for those UGLY REMARKS.  SHAME ON ALL YOU WHO THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY.

     

I try to teach my kids that it is wrong to make fun of people for any reason. ( i have 150 kids because I drive a school bus). I was so dissapointed when i seen grown up makeing fun of him. how can we teach our children to do right when we see things  like that on the news.

It's easier to hide other addictions - compulsive overeaters wear their addiction all day, every day. It's harder to avoid the elephant in the room when you ARE the elephant in the room.

I like Christie so far and I hope he runs in 2016. I think he owes those who elected him a full term, plus I want more time to see if there is anything I won't like about his policies before I vote for him for president.