In one of his election speeches, Senator Barrack Obama said, “Listen, I’m skinny, but I’m tough.”
He has the confidence to win and he wants to win badly. But, according to an article in Wall Street Journal, in a country where 66% voting population is overweight, some of them find it hard to relate Obama’s slim physique and perceived values to theirs. So, the healthy and fit image may backfire. Source
Once the news broke out reporting Obama going to gym 3 times within 24 hours period, his opponent has seized the opportunity to criticize him as being out of touch with man on street. McCain campaign has this new advertisement titled “Celeb” which compares Obama to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Indirectly, the campaign was probably telling people that Obama spent too much unnecessary time working out and probably too fit to be the next president of United States of America.
If we look at US history, the last overweight president was William Howard Taft in 1908 with 335 pounds (about 150 kilograms) whereas James Madison was 98 pounds with 5′ 4″ height, probably the smallest size of president. Abraham Lincoln was the tall and skinny type with 170 pounds and 6′ 4″ height.
Now, Senator Obama is about 6′ 2 and probably 190 pounds, slightly 10 pounds lighter than the average American man of his height. However, when he was a kid, he was chubby. He only started to slim down after he was playing basketball regularly during high school time.
Nowadays, the Illinois senator stays away from junk food and quit smoking. He only eats them occasionally. He works out in the morning at gym regularly, almost daily. According to someone who has seen him working out, he does not have a personal trainer (which I think he should have considered to get one). He wore gray shirt, black running pants, white sneakers, and white headphones. His workouts included triceps push down, shoulder press, overhead dumbbell extensions, and calf raise. He does not lift like crazy. Just that he has great self discipline to exercise consistently. Isn’t because after he saw his own shirtless picture being published sometime in mid 2007?
Actually, I doubt Senator Obama actually works out 3 times within 24 hours as reported. Reporters saw him going into those private gyms, but no one knows what has happened inside. I guess he is probably having special meeting or discussions with someone and using workout as a good cover up.
Here are few shots showing Obama was preparing working out and playing basketball.
Wonder why Obama was wearing long pants and tuck his shirts. Make him look taller?
On the other hand, Senator McCain is 5′ 7″ and 165 pounds. Senator McCain does not lift weights due to injuries he suffered as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He loves coffee and doughnuts from Dunkin’ Donuts. He admitted that he struggles with weight loss, which his supporters claim that therefore he is more “human”. Sometimes, a more down-to-earth image can help.
I do not think voters will and should base their decisions on physical appearance alone to cast their votes. Otherwise, Mr Universe like Arnold will be the best candidate. Just look at some other great leaders in other parts of the world, none of them have 6 pack abs. But certainly not obese till having difficulty to walk or being ill. I definitely want my country leader to be fit and healthy. In fact, exercising helps in destressing too.
So, how about your country leaders, do they have big tummy too or are they always tired till have to doze off during meetings?
Scroll down to leave a comment. I really want to know what you think.
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Tom Parker // Oct 4, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Nice post Mun. Although I don’t think that it’s essential for our leaders to be super fit, I do think they should maintain some form of exercise routine because it shows they are disciplined. If cannot maintain some degree of control over their own body shape how can they be expected to maintain control over an entire country?
Angie Tan // Oct 4, 2008 at 11:11 pm
It’s important that our leaders stay healthy - especially since there is so much uncertainty in the world these days and they need to be healthy to do their job.
Remember our previous PM, when he underwent heart surgery, the stock market took a dip due to uncertainty of the outcome of the procedure.
Hmmm… I would have to say that most of our “wise” leaders could use a good workout. Every year, I see that their stomachs (and egos) get bigger and bigger…
Yin Teing // Oct 5, 2008 at 12:53 am
Sensational post! And I agree with what Paul & Angie said. It’s true- if we cannot control our weight, how can we be expected to run the country- that is the general perception. As for William Tuck- maybe during his time being overweight was the ‘in thing’. A healthy president (no need 6 packs la) can send an effective message across and act as a good role model for people to live a healthy lifestyle. just that I hope Obama is not one of those who suffer from eating disorders(in order to stay thin when no time to exercise)… like many celebrities.
bakhtiar // Oct 5, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Wallaawwweehhhh…… last picture really makes me laugh reminiscing the old memories especially during a boring lecture time back in university. But wait till Obama starts running U.S (if he wins), those busy schedules + invitations (of course eat eat eaattttt), maybe he’ll gain weight like McCain.
But at least Obama shows a good attitude of having fitness as a lifestyle, rather than excuse of McCain on the Vietnm war. For leaders, I presume 2 level of exercises they should embark:-
1. Physical exercises
2. Mental exercises
From here we can see how fit & creative they are in dealing day-to-day problems with proactive solutions……….
Just my opinion…………
Zandria // Oct 6, 2008 at 4:08 am
I can’t believe that Americans would say they can’t relate to a possible President because he works out too much. It’s like, “Oh, no, he’s too much of a good, healthy role model! I can’t stand it!”
foongpc // Oct 13, 2008 at 10:25 am
I think Americans will vote based on the person’s ability to help them solve their problems whether it’s economic, social etc. Don’t think they will care about how fit the person is. But personally, I prefer the president to be fit and healthy so that he does not sleep in meetings. LOL
Sally // Oct 22, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I agree that people in these positions shouldn’t work their selves to the extreme. However, they should try to work some because it helps with focus and mental health. Everyone in the White House needs to start working out ! ! !
Sahil // Oct 30, 2008 at 2:19 pm
wow did NOT know that about bush… well at least his physical fitness is ONE thing he has done RIGHT
too bad for everything else…
but staying fit helps in every aspect of life. DUH
T.Murugiah // Nov 10, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Dato seri semi-value…another healthy lean body minister…!
Dickster Channey // Nov 25, 2008 at 9:48 am
Obama makes George Bush and John Mccain look like medel T Fords. Wait tell the rest of the world see’s what a real black man can do. He will whip the russian’s, stomp the chinks and hump the EU women late at night.