According to first lady Michelle Obama, the president is no longer sneaking a drag here and there. Speaking at a White House luncheon to mark the anniversary of her "Let's Move" initiative to combat childhood obesity, Mrs. Obama said it has been about a year since the president last lit up.
"It's been awhile, and I'm very proud of him," she told reporters. "I haven't poked and prodded. When somebody is doing the right thing, you don't mess with them."
One of the key factors in his decision to give up cigarettes for good was his daughters, Mrs. Obama said.
"He has always wanted to stop. Our kids are getting to the age where he wants to look them in the face because they want to know, 'You don't smoke, do you, Dad?' "
On Twitter, the news that the commander in chief is going smoke-free was met with a variety of responses.
Some people offered their congratulations:
Obama quit smoking. Way 2 go!
Ellen Cagnassola
SweetSoaps
@jozzjonz President Obama's Smoking Habit Is a Thing of the Past! - OK ...: Way to go, Mr. President! Michelle O... http://bit.ly/fplaRJ
joseph
tweetzcelebrity
Others said they wouldn't begrudge him a few drags now and again:
If anyone deserves 2 smoke, its him @NewYorkPost President Obama Has Quit Smoking! : First Lady http://t.co/r1bZ2XP
Christina
Intensity38
The man has a stressful job. Let him have a puff in peace once in a while http://is.gd/fcUWbq #Obama
Zomg Trades
zomgtrades
And, of course, some couldn't help but offer a political slant to the news:
Best comment re: Obama's smoking: "The Republicans smoke too; they smoked the Dems in 2010" http://3.ly/ZTEG #tcot #tlot #teaparty
Scott
planstoprosper
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