Can a fat man be elected president?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Forget all the talk about the United States electing an African-American or a woman as president... what about a fat man?
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/11/30/art.barbour.christie.jpg caption="Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (L) and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R)."]
This idea comes to us courtesy of a Daily Beast column by Lloyd Grove, who talks about the "proliferation of tough, smart, and decidedly chubby Republican contenders." People like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, along with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Grove writes that the rise of these politicians could mean the "imperially slim presidential stereotype might be losing political currency."
Experts suggest that in the past, Americans have seen their presidential candidates as "lean, mean fighting machines." They point out there are plenty of studies that show people pick the best-looking candidates when they know nothing else about them.
But, in light of the staggering problems this country faces, maybe it's time to go for a new approach.
When Christie ran for governor of New Jersey, it was his opponent who made weight an issue. Democrat Jon Corzine ran a TV ad accusing Christie of "throwing his weight around," but in the end, it backfired. Christie said Corzine should "Man up and say I'm fat." Christie won the election.
As for Barbour, he likes to joke about his extra pounds, saying things like, "I don't sweat much for a fat boy." A Barbour spokesman says at some point people have to decide whether they're electing the candidate most qualified to lead the country, or if the election is a beauty pageant.
Certainly something to chew on. Pun intended.
Here’s my question to you: Can a fat man be elected president?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Look at William Howard Taft. Enough said!!!
I think sure its possible. It is certainly more important that a candidate be open and honest with the ability to lead the country than what he or she looks like. I also think it would be easier for an overweight man to get elected than for an overweight woman to get elected. There are too many critics in our country ready to pounce on every little quirk and blemish that a candidate has. Remember Clinton and Gore were no lightweights and lost a lot of weight before taking office. So I guess they felt it was a necessary thing to do to appeal to the American people. Hillary Clinton's critics jumped on every chance to call her some pretty horrible names citing her hair, face and pantsuits rather than getting her record straight. I hope most people would look at the man/woman's character and not their bodies when making a decision.
First off, in the literal sense, yes, a fat man can be elected president. Unless said fat man is under 35 or not born in the USA. There are no laws saying a fat man is an unlawful president. So with that out of the way, will a fat man ever be elected president? Possibly, but doubtful. Here's why: people perceive fat people as lazy and unmotivated. People will think that a fat president can't take care of his body. If they can't take care of their body then how are they going to be able to handle taking care of the country? While this may seem unfair and prejudice, it may be the truth. Also, if you think about it, all the presidents in recent years have all been gun ho on healthy living and exercise. It would be hard for a fat president to push these ideas without looking like a hypocrite.
Have you ever heard of William Howard Taft? The real question is can a woman or an atheist be elected President.
The same could be asked about "short"? Can you imagine Robert Reich standing a chance?
Can a fat man be elected president? Really?
Having an African American president was a huge step to show how far we've come socially. Having a woman come so close to the white house also shows dramatic improvement. About 50 years ago that thought would be ridiculous for both groups.
Now down to this idiotic question.
A couple key points. The first, with the alarming obesity rate I'm sure sooner or later we will have a "fat" president. And on another note, William Taft? Didn't he get stuck in his bathtub? Even Bill Clinton. If this is what passes for a story, I'm sure that my illegal Gardner could be a lead writer.
If this country elected Bush the Tin Woodman could run and get elected. A fat man should have no problems!
Does being "Fat" make you unable to make "Wise Decisions"! Think about it What about President Taft!!!.
I would hope that fat would prevail over stupidity.
growing up ,all i ever heard from my slim dad was fat ,lazy,stupid when talking about a lot of people.i was quite shocked one day when i realized that there really are some very smart fat people.getting over the fat,lazy description is taking a lot longer
I love these guys and would vote for either one of them.
Yes. His name was Taft. He was so fat he couldn't fit in a regular bathtub and a special one was made and installed in the White House just for him.
Yes. What about "Fatty" Taft?
Why not? Looks like the whole country is going fa
Taft. End of story.
Jack,
This is a stupid question. What we want right now is the know how to solve the problems of the country and not the feel good look good attitude. Being skinny or being fat has nothing to do with the ability to navigate this country out of oblivion. We need strong leaders not weight watchers.
Uh, William Howard Taft?
Yes,
A Fat person can become president. However, When I think of someone as president I prefer to see a person that is in shape and smart. I still hold the office in high respect and believe a person above myself should be president. Unfortunately, I am losing all respect for the other two branches that are full of thievies, non-paying tax rats, over spending bums, self entitled snobs and a lot of them are fat or at least have fat mouths.
So should I care or just concentrate on getting my own like everyone else?
Bill Clinton was over weight? Don't you remember all the jokes about him jogging to McDonalds?
What a short memory we have.
Ted
fat people rule !
I forgot to put city and state so I am resubmitting.
Yes. His name was Taft. He was so fat he couldn't fit in a regular bathtub and a special one was made and installed in the White House just for him.
David from San Antonio, Texas (a very fat city)
We will elect a fat man before an ugly woman. Good looks sell. So if a fat man is running for president, he should choose a year when other fat guys are running. Jack I bet you don't have thecourage to use either headline "Can a fat woman be elected president?" or "Can an ugly woman be elected president?"
I think we could have a fat one, sure.
Clinton was kind of fat wasn't he?
I will answer the question in three words: William Howard Taft
Weight didn't seem to hurt the preidential chances of William Howard Taft, 27th President of the United States...
You might want to ask President Taft if a fat man can be elected
Jack,
Only if he has a big white beard and a red suit. Oh, wait. He probably can't prove he was born here.
Weight is a major cause of health related issues, especially in this country. While a lot of overweight people are not overweight because they eat McDonalds everyday, the perception is clear that overweight people are that way because they do not take care of themselves. With Health Care as a hot topic on the political scene right now, how could an overweight President get enough support to tell Americans that hey, you know what, to reduce cost, take care of yourself. Unfortunately for weight, it's not something you can hide. Whereas Obama smokes, very unhealthy, but it's not like you see him smoking during a press conference or during his State of the Union...those photos are rare. Unfortunately, based on the perception set by our society, an overweight person will never be electec.
Bill Clinton makes me think of a lot of adjectives, but "imperially slim" is not one of them.
Just make sure you have some grease for the White House bathtub.
I don't care how much the president eats. As long as I can put food on my table, he or she can eat all he or she wants.
Norcross, Georgia
It's inevitable...soon we'll all be fat.
Why not? Someone who had absolutely no experience, no leadership qualities, who is totally clueless about how to run our country, and doesn't know 'jack', Jack, got elected in 2008! (oh, and in 1976, too!)
If you can elect a bumbling fool and a fascist then you can certainly elect a fat man.
Since obesity is now a larger portion (no pun intended) of our population, this would be a true representation of the American People.
Depends. Do presidents buy their own food while in the White House, or do we foot the bill? Putting one of these clowns in residence could greatly affect our deficit, if it’s on us.
More concerning is Barber’s quote. He’s delusional to think he may be qualified. MS is usually 50th out of 50. Wonder how many MS residents go to bed hungry. You’d think he would at least share.
Of course a fat man cannot be president. Stupid question. If a 'black' man can barely make it in, what chance is there of a heavy person making it in. We are way to judgemental to allow it. It's the truth, sorry.
Why not? We should be voting based on their records and policies, not their weight. Besides, most Americans are in no position to point fingers when it comes to being fat. This is a fat country.
No because American people are influenced by image. For most of them fat people sounds incompetent.
Jack! There an old saying “If you cannot control your weight you cannot control anything!”
Fat man?
Check out President William Howard Taft !!!
Me, I can joke – At age 81, I now weigh same as at Age 23 (175 Ht. 6')
Why not? A bunch of "FAT HEADS" got us into this mess, maybe it takes a bigger one to get us out.
In a word...NO. Running for any office, including the Presidency, has become more about physic and personality, than knowledge and awareness.
I'd lay odds if Abraham Lincoln were running for office today, he'd never be elected simply because he had a mole on his face!
Fat? Define fat, Jack! My Grandpa always told me I was "pleasingly plump," and I choose to accept that description. After seeing all the messes created by the last few Presidents–all slim by popular definition– I'm convinced they could all have benefited from a little more weight–especially in the brain!
No. Subconsciously our mind will tell us that the way this person treats their body is the way they will treat their presidency.
Yes, a fat man can (and has been elected) – but forget about it for a woman. The best thng going for Sarah Palin is her looks – it's CERTAINLY not her brains (what brains?!?!?) As obese as our nation is....it's just a question of time before fat hits and stays at/in the White House.
Frederick MD
Honestly, I do not care if the president is fat or not, I do not care if he or she is Black, White, Asian, Latino, etc. I do not care if he or she is gay, straight, bi, etc. I do not even care what religion the president is. The only thing that should have to do with a president being elected is what he or she stands for. If the next guy to run for president was the hottest man on Earth, I would not vote for him if he was corrupt. I vote based on the facts of what they stand for, not for what they look like.
Well, it wouldn't be the first time the country has been lead by a man of impressive girth. However in modern time we are placing a little more importance on our collective health and angry that the obesity epidemic happened in the first place.
The Irish Minister for Health Mary Harney is a prime example of a someone who is not respected by her constituency: any man or woman that is in a position of leadership – much less leadership over Health matters – should presumably themselves lead by example.
Do we really want our children to look up at our leaders and think that leading an unhealthy life will work out for them?
Yes, I f a white man can be president " WHY NOT A FAT MAN"
Why not, Jack? We've sure proven that we can elect a lot of fatheads.
I think you're missing a number of fat (at the very least, not trim) presidents. Taft had a custom made bathtub, though nearly a century ago. Grover Cleveland was a very large man himself. Franklin D Roosevelt was wheelchair bound most of the time, and therefore not the most in-shape character to be found. More importantly, these men were elected at times when America would have most cared about the "lean mean fighting machines" you mentioned. Moreover, many of the presidents who weren't fat certainly weren't in any state to be fighting due to old age.
-Julian from Chicago, IL
Have we become that shallow??If the public thought that way during the Second World War I guess Winston Churchill would not have become Prime Minister of England and we would all be doing the goose step now!!!
Fatness is gluttony. The last thing we need right now or even in the future is a person who cannot control their appetite controlling our government spending!
If "Sarah Palin" and "run for president" can be uttered in the same sentence I'll take chubs all day long. I'll buy him a donut.
A fat rich white guy can do anything he wants. Look at Donald Trump and many more fat rich white guys success.
I'd vote for a fat gay black woman if I thought she could do the job.
So far I like Christie. An east coast in-your-face kind of guy who tells it straight and cuts government is fine by me.
Taft weighed as much as 350 lbs when he was in office. So why not. It's not like any president is going to put in his domestic agenda to fight against obesity of the American public.
Only if they were a Republican since the vast majority of their "fat cat" constituents could relate to a large girth.
Yes an obese person could be elected president. There's enough time and coverage during a presidential election for the majority of voters to get past that issue. In the end, weight is not really the issue. The question that is important is "why is that person over weight?". Is it a symptom of something like lack of self control, low sense self worth, or just plain laziness? Those are questions that shouldn't be ignored for fear of upsetting the gods of political correctness for these questions can tell us a lot about what kind of person we're dealing with when the camera's are off.
Why not? President Clinton wasn't exactly a bean pole when he was in office although I don't think he was quite as heavy as either Governors Barbour and Christie. I don't think someone's weight should preclude them serving as President. Although with today's in-depth press coverage of Presidents, short of their bowel movements, someone like President Taft would never have been elected because he was too much of a health risk.
I am a democrat. If the Democratic candidate was obese i would vote republican.
Can a fat man be elected President? Yes, of course--and has been. W. H. Taft. All it takes is the right political machine.
Fat? Who cares, at long as his health is not an issue in his job performance let the best man or woman win.
P.S. I'm a Democrat and Christie even has my interest! The Democrats better get their you know what together.
Jack,
A fat man can ABSOLUTELY be elected President in this country. Atmosphere and environment will dictate what the people want, and right now, they want JOBS. In '08, America elected a black man with the middle name "Hussein", and proved that the only COLOR that matters is GREEN. If a fat man or woman can convince America that they can fix this economy, then we'll prove the only size that matters is the one that can fit into our wallets.
–Princella from Arkansas
Serously, if you can't take care of your body how can we expect you to take care of a country?
Teddy Roosevelt was heavy set, but was very active as a bird watcher and horseman.
If he/she is smart and has a good track record. I would vote for that person. Plus the Governor of New Jersey is a smart and could have been named the sexiest man alive!
I hope not! A person who does not have the self control to lose weight would not be my choice for President. The President must be health conscious in order to set a good example for our already overweight populace, especially our young people.
William Howard Taft was elected president.
Maybe if you're talkin' about Jeb Bush. If you're talking about Charlie Rangle, forget it...
weight has nothing to due with elections or handle a elective office. health may be a factor but not weight.
Jack,
I think a fat man or woman would propel this country into a whole new healthy way to view our presidency. After all, everything we have been bombarded with is is based primarily on looks, looks, looks! We need someone who is down to earth, has a reasonable approach to solving problems and kicks this political dead horse stereotype out of the white house barn.
Sure Jack, we have elected a liars like Nixon and George W., adulterers like Clinton and a socialist like Obama. Give me girth I am willing to try anything. the fatter the better.
Is this really worthy of discussion? We have a person who ran for VP without even knowing the constitutional job description for the job and yet is now perceived as a leading candidate for the top slot. There are too many voters who will vote for someone they think is "just like them" instead of someone competent. I wonder if they would pick a surgeon for themselves using the same criteria....
The negative connotations regarding a man's girth went out the window, just like they did regarding facial hair. We've seen so many pretty-boy crooks and idiots in Washington and on Wall Street, I think America would embrace an ugly guy that gets the job done and is honest.
Signed,
A smart ugly fat guy
Yes Jack, a "fat" person can serve as President, as long as he does not have an obese ego.
Why not, Jack? The electorate likes their politicians to be just like them. Many voted for Bush because they could imagine having a beer with him, and I am sure many Palin supportors are tickled that she knows as little as they do. So why not a fat man, too? However, there will never be a fat woman as president because of the double standard.
Most men or women who desire to be President will do anything to attain such a postion and getting in shape is the least they can do. An individual who can't control his or her weight would not get many votes other than from others in the same position. Then again, the way this country is going with it's losing war on obesity, a chubby guy might just be a shoo-in.
Definitely a fat man. A fat woman? Never, ever, ever.
Jack lots of famous people were fat. Oprah Winfrey who helped get Obama elected. Anna Nicole Smith weighed in at 224 pounds and then went on to pose for playboy. Queen latifa, Chris Farley, Rossane Barr, Al Roker, i mean i could go on all dayJack about famous fat people. Hell yes a fat person can be president. Most voters in America are fat now.
Jack,
A fat man can ABSOLUTELY be elected President in this country. Atmosphere and environment will dictate what the people want, and right now, they want JOBS. In '08, America elected a black man with the middle name "Hussein", and proved that the only COLOR that matters is GREEN. If a fat man or woman can convince America that they can fix this economy, then we'll prove the only SIZE that matters is the one that can fit into our WALLETS.
–Princella from Arkansas
No. Appearance and image are so ingrained in our 24/7 media society that people flock to those who are more attractive, except, of course, if there is nothing between the ears, as in the case of Sarah Palin.
i, personally, could not vote for a fat person, male or female. To me, obesity shows a lack of discipline and control, and is irresponsible.
can a 'fat' man be elected president?....It depends on what you call fat....sure, just like electing a white dude, black dude, , actor, peanut farmer, slave owner, disabled person or con artist.....we do not discriminate when it comes to electing our officials...but be sure once they are elected we will pick him/her apart like a stuffed turkey.....
If we are going to allow gays who cost a fortune in aids money in the future paid by us in the military there is no reason not to allow a fat , smart person in any position. They won't be so spending all that time looking in the darn mirror.
What a funny question, Yes a fat man can be elected the President of the United States. Are we to judge a candidate by his/her body size , and not on his/her ability and intergrity to hold the office.
William H. Taft was our 27th President. He weighed over 340 pounds and had a 54-inch waistline. I'm pretty sure that qualifies as "fat." So, yes, a fat man can be elected president.
Jack, obviously the issues are most important. But if you presented 2 candiates that were equal on every issue except one of them was 50 pounds overwieght, I'd choose the thin canidate. Why? being physically fit shows you care about your health and yourself. It shows you know self control and have your act together. Whats trulyy sad is the lack of midget senators and congressmen. Fat people can do something about their wieght problem, short people can't do much to change their height other than putting on some platform shoes.
Why of course Jack, you should see all the fat men at my
Weight Watchers class! Just as long as its not Sarah.
We've already had fat Presidents. Grover Cleveland comes to mind. If you want someone more recent, look at Bill Clinton.
These guys would just be fatter presidents. Anyone else notice Palin's been packin' a few lbs lately?
Possible? Yes. Likely? No. We all need to go on a diet!
The electorate decides to elect those "larger than life" lacking a degree of realness. The bigger the lies the more probable of candidates getting elected. Yet, with the lack of reality nothing real is achieved!
I do not know if a "fat person" will get elected but I can say that I personally vote for whomever is real and has credibility even if they aren't "perfect".
When we learn to accept one another instead of petty ego-driven arguments, there will be a lot less problems to solve.
And probably considerably less obesity!
-M.A. Johnson
Wood River, Nebraska
It is possible for a fat person to be elected president. Presidential candidates are elected based on their values and the need of the country at the time of the election. Bush would have lost the elections to Gore if the people elected their presidents based on good looks.
Yes, it's happened seven times: Hayes, Arthur, Cleveland, Harrison, Cleveland, Taft, and Harding.
No. Appearance and image are so ingrained in our 24/7 media society that people flock to those who are more attractive, except, of course, if there is nothing between the ears, as in the case of Sarah Palin.
i, personally, could not vote for a fat person, male or female. To me, obesity shows a lack of discipline and control, and is irresponsible.
(resubmitted with my location)
Has America had a fat presidents before, yes. Does it matter ,no. as long he can do the job elect him or her. Can't be any worse then what we have had.
If they cant take care of themselves, why would i think they can take care of me? They'd probably have a massive coronary half way through their term.
Resubmit: From Lafayette, Louisiana.
Yes Jack, a "fat" person can be elected as President, as long as he/she does not have an obese ego.
Fine with me as long as his Ears aren't fat too !!!
I don't recall ever reading anything in Article II of our Constitution requiring the president to be thin. The mere fact that you have to ask this question, that it is relevant to today's political climate, is a sad testimony on American politics.
I would vote for a larger person to be president. I'm much more concerned by their heart, soul, and patriotism. Ten years from now we might find out that fatty foods are good for logicial thinking.....
Immature question – as others have point out on here Jack the country needs solutions – and who our leaders are should be determined by their content not their size or skin color.
From Tommy: "I prefer to see a person that is in shape and smart". Wow, since when does weight mean a person is not intelligent? You are an example of what is wrong right now in this country. You equate good looks with intelligence and capability. Well, take a look at some of the people out there and you'll see that simply isn't true.
As for Taft, that was back in the day when every single "news" agency plastered photos and video all over the place. Also, people were less judgemental about a person's looks and worried more about whether or not they'd be able to actually run the country.
Yes, if a fat person can be elected President then a fat person should be allowed to join the military; a fat Commander in Chief and fat military personnel.
The 27th president William Howard Taft was over 300 pound and later served as chief justice. Why can't we do it again?
Yes a fat man or woman can be President. While nobody wants to be unhealthy and certainly the office is sometimes looked upon to set the example, it could also set the example of tolerance. Not all fat people are going to remain fat so what a great public way to slim down in 4 years and show America that in time all great leaders excel. They can excel at many things the American people need and that includes taking better care of themselves.
I'd rather have a fat man in office that can get things done that one that plays games and exercises for the optics of being fit.
Given that the obesiety rate in America has topped 30% and continues to climb, your question should have been, "Can a fat man NOT be elected President?" It seems inevitible to me.
How heavy is fat?
What a riduculous question!
It's OK to say 'fat man' and elect one president.
Good thing you added 'fat woman' verbally, but it would not be politically correct to have it in print.
Harry
Tampa
Wouldn't this be profiling, Christy would be the best thing for this country maybe Christie/Barbour Ticket for 2012 that would be the way to go.
I wish you wouldn't use the word "fat." I prefer weight-challenged, overweight, or something less crass than "fat," which carries such negative connotations.
Are Americans really that shallow that they'd turn down a president based on weight? I sure hope not. Sheesh. Looking back the long line of men who've held this job, there's maybe one or two that could be considered lookers. All the others? Well, let's just say that nobody is hanging pin-ups of Richard Nixon or Calvin Coolidge on their walls.
Depends on who the fat man is?
Bill Clinton never seemed to miss a meal...........
Jack, Yes, a fat man can be president as was two term President Grover Cleveland, and one term President William Howard Taft.
However, Governor Chris Christie would eat the country into a deeper recession and we could not afford the 'extra steak dinners' on the tax payers' dime...
Sure, as long as his name isn't Rush Limbaugh.
A fat man or woman can be elected President when the American people start judging their candidates by experience and what they stand for. Not by what they look like. If Sarah Palin is elected President we will know that we still vote on appearance alone. Shameful.
A short person is hardly the same as a fat person. I don't mean any ill will towards fat people, we all come in different shapes and sizes. To an extent that is.
That being said, a short person has no interaction with their "shortness" nor does it in any way reflect upon their likely tendencies. Not so with fat people. I know and love MANY fat people that would probably argue this to their last labored breath but fat or "being" fat DOES hint at these things and they ARE involved with the fact that they are fat. Simply you don't need a person that clearly lacks proper self control and self responsibility AND self love in the driver seat.
Of course,size has nothing to do with the position.The knowledge and experience are needed.From Florida
Americans have done dumber things than that. Some would actually vote for someone who thinks they can see Russia from their kitchen window. Oops! same party, I betcha...
We need to look at the character and experience of our candidates; not on their apperance. I'd like to think that Barak Obama (first black president) and Ronald Reagan (our oldest president in his 70s) were voted for based on their merits, not their appearance. Character, Experience & Leadership is what matters, not vanity.
Mike Misquez
Fontana, California
Jack, You must have the same memory loss that most voters seem to have. Remember, we elected Bubba-Twice!!
I would vote for a larger person to be president. I'm much more concerned by their heart, soul, and patriotism. Ten years from now we might find out that fatty foods are good for logicial thinking.....
Danville, IN
It may have worked for Taft and definitely works for Santa but wide does not = wise. These relative unknowns might not get a second glance based upon their appearance and I think the GOP would do best to not give (pretty) Palin any more lame stuff on which to tweet.
What are you talking about?? ! Taft was like 300 lbs? This has already happened. Anyways, why should I feel bad for fat people anyhow.... exercize, diet, then run for president. In that order.
Taft was elected president and then got stuck in his bath tub. Now that is fat. What a stupid question.
Fat, Thin, Bald, Hairy, Man or Woman makes no difference to me. What is most important they do whatever is best for our country. I personally wish we could get back to the fundamental basics which our country was founded. Back when a good ole hand shake was a persons word, Prayers was allowed in schools, In God we trust was printed on our money, kids would fight but no weapons or killing one another, the list goes on and on. I for one believe "In God We Trust"!
The real question is can a short man be president, Bush Jr. was the only President who ever won that was shorter then the Candidate he opposed
Well Jack, I'd invite you and everyone to drop the labels entirely. Its how we've devolved into the cantankerous state of affairs we witness today. How someone worships, their skin color, their gender, and waist size are all completely irrelevant. I'd go as far as to say that even the party labels are sorely outdated and don't accurately represent the diverse level of thinking on the conservative or liberal side. The truth of the matter is both sides have great ideas and they all get drowned out thanks to labels.
I'm only interested in what their ideas are for moving this country forward. Period.
Grover Cleveland wasn't a light weight.
Forget fat, facial hair is just as much, if not more of a disqualification nowadays.
Taft was the last president with facial hair, and he was fat too, go figure.
I will be willing to vote hundred times for Chris Christie, that voting half a time for Sara Palin.
All a fat person would need are programmers for all the electronic voting machines.
Yes, a fat man can and will be elected in this nation (once again.) Our nation is too overweight as it is....and it's just a question of time before fat hits and stays at/in the White House. But a fat woman will NEVER be elected!
Weight has nothing to do with the problems we face today, and, you insinuating so is ridiculous.
Many who are overweight are not as healthy, and, fat cats, which many are are heavy with their actions or should I say lack of actions.
Taft would not be elected today if he ran, the media and communications are worlds ahead of what he had to contend with in his time.
The question was not is it legally possible, of course it is, the obvious intent of the question put forth is would one be elected by the current US voting public.
Absolutely not. The stress of the job of being President is overwhelming in itself. Add obesity to this equation and the job becomes almost physically impossible, and a massive liability to our nation.
If President displays questionable judgement regarding how she/he eats and exercises, what kind of judgement would this individual make on crucial issues core to the body of our nation?
Weight should not matter, as long as he/she is Republican.
I saw Christie last year while he was campaigning against Corzine, and I support Christie, but he was a big sweaty mess when i saw him, he was literally dripping with sweat, his clothes were soaked and he looked extremly unhealthy. I think Christie is doing a good job in NJ, but I was pretty shocked at how large the man was, and I really have to wonder how healthy the man is, he really did not look good that day. If people wondered about John McCains health during the election, wait til they see Christie on a warm summer day. His health will definitly be an issue if Christie makes a run for the Oval Office, no doubt about it.
I think if Martin Luther King were to answer this question Jack, he would say something about judging a person by their carachter, not by the color of their skin or the size of their belt.
Not able to manage your body means not able to manage a country!
in the left corner – Pelosi and Obama – skinny nightmare
in the right corner – Palin – skinny nightmare
America needs either one of these Fat Men – a little "Santa Claus sizing" might be just what the doctor ordered!
Jack, Are you serious? You must be running out of topics. I don't care if a president is fat, skinny, bald or whatever. That's part of our problem. Elections have become popularity contests. Do you believe Obama would have been elected if he was fat and ugly. Wouldn't it be great if we would elect someone based only on experience, knowledge and integrity. Unfortunately, it's probably never going to happen.
What, you wouldn't consider Karl Rove fat?
I think when someone gets up with a plan to get Americans back to work again shows up on a ballot no one will care what they look like. We wanted change instead we got more debt. What we want are jobs and a future not more lies.
Hi jack,
In the New Jersey election pitting incumbent Corzine against Christie, any Republican, being obese, skinny, black, Pacicfic Islander, would have won that race with the anti-incumbent sentiment involved. Hefty had absolutely nothing to do with it. Anybody not named Corzine would have won that race and for it to be couched as fat verses slim is utterly simplistic and absurd. Even you would have won Jack!!!!
President 27, William H. Taft ring a bell?
...mmm, Jack... here's a news flash for you... we've already had a few!
Probably not. We are far too media dependent to let something like that happen. While it should not matter, in the core of our animal brains it seems to. This is the only way I can possibly explain Palin to myself.
The humor of the question, though subtle, bespeaks the fact that in America anybody and their sister can be elected President. After being bombarded by a slim, good looking beauty of uneven intelligence like Sarah Palin, what's wrong with electing an average looking, very overweight but very intelligent male or female. I understand the "popular" vote carries some weight down in the states, but shouldn't brains be worth something more than the fleeting fame of superficial beauty.
Fat man yes, Fat woman no....
Can we elect a fat President? As President Obama would put it, yes we can.
Millard Filmore, Martin Van Buren, James Buchanen, Ulysis S Grant, Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland, William Howard Taft, Rutherford B Hayes and even Teddy Roosevelt were not considered skinny. William Howard Taft probably tops the list.
Can a fat man be elected President? Yes. Will it happen? Hard to say. Too many people judge others solely on what they look like. If Jesus came back to Earth as a fat guy, we'd have people looking down their noses at Him.
-Jason B.
Park City, KS
A chubby man can become President as long as he has a lot of hair. Hair is the deciding factor.
When fat is the deciding factor, you get what you ask for. Are the prettiest deserving of the priviledge? If you can play and win the game, it doesn't matter what you look like. The truth is that America is superficial and because of that, you get what you deserve. For example, American Idol, Dancing with the stars, etc... get millions of votes on a weekly basis, but the turnout for a national election is laughable. Educate every American on the ramifications, (look it up if you need the definition) of your actions or inactions.
IMHO, we just went through 8 years with having a fat-head as president. OK, I guess its not quite the same.
I ha ve met Haley Barber. He has a belly, but he really is not that big of a man. I am sure the office of president would slim both of these guys down.
Jack,
Electing a fat president is a complete recipe for disaster and a defeat in our effort to alleviate the growing obesity in our country.A fat president will put a strain on the white house cooking staff and accelerate the electric bill at the white house due to incessant food preparation.I assume such fat president will raise our taxes;in order to satisy the rapacious behavior.
Sure, why not? People have gone on for years about a "healthy" president only to find that their job isn't as healthy as their looks. We need to give up on the "beauty aspect" of the office and focus on the job at hand, something out leaders until recently have forgotten about.
"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public." – Henry Mencken
It is not really a question of fat or not fat, it is a question of what the media will push as a perception of body mass as a symbol for the politics and policies of the candidate.
I, for one, will get tired very quickly of the fat jokes that will flood the airwaves once a corpulant candidate is nominated.
I also note that Taft was elected before the 24/7 news cycle.
As the rate obesity is increasing, I don't think we'll have much of a choice in the near future.
Viewers keep mentioning Taft. He was president way before we became a 24/7 media and appearance driven society. Things changed with the Kennedy/Nixon debate in 1960. And, Clinton was hardly obese.
Jack,
For the beauty pageant that the Republicans and Democrats have every four years, probably not – and we all want "world peace", too. If we ever develop enough gumption and sense to tackle real questions of government, then I imagine the waistline of the candidate(s) would matter a bit less. Hope we get to discuss some real issues soon.....
The voters elected a man without proven credentials in 1993 because he ate at McDonald's, They Elected a Greenwich Connecticut blue blood because he masqueraded as a Texas/NASCAR everyman, They elected a thin black previously unknown who had been in the Senate for less than one term and had little other relevant experience because he said the word "change" more than any other candidate. You tell me. Do the voters really want experience or window dressing?
Harry Snyder Whiting, Maine
William Howard Taft was around during the information age. A lot of people who voted back then never seem him. For all those who keep referring to William Howard Taft think again. A fat man will never be voted president because of perceived health issues. People don't want a president who could potentially die while in the white house.
Times have changed since Taft. Obesity is a strong signal that a person can't control themselves. I don't want self serving gluttons running any country.
In the age of TV.... Fat man – doubt it. Fat woman – never. Wheelchair or disabled – not likely. We can, however, vote in white trash, the totally stupid, sex maniacs, neurotics, criminals and thiefs. Go figure....
Wider podiums. Just think of all the jobs it would create for the Carpenters Union.
One word...NO!
Using Taft as an argument is completely beside the point. Changing dynamics in public perception and modern technology have brought increased scrutiny to candidates. It seems unlikely that a fat, or even a short, person could ever be president.
Taft was a big man (400 lbs), but that was back in the days before the media created the notion that intelligence, ideas, and ethics take a back seat to appearance and image.
Being FAT is an indication of whether or not someone values their health – and ours. Fat is unhealthy, not just unattractive.
Why not? If the stuipd ones can why can't a fat one?
President Taft was a huge man. Compared to him, very very few people are as fat. Fat is only slightly less acceptable now then back 95 years ago.
Haven't you heard? Fat people are the majority now!
Pound for pound, we would win by a landslide!
@Susan: "In God We Trust" didn't appear on U.S. Currency until the 1930s and the words "one nation under God" were added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954. If we're going to get back to "fundamental basics" let's get back to the point where we were so caught up in paranoia, self-righteousness, and sanctimony that we had to invoke God's name to make ourselves feel better.
A corpulent Commander in Chief is certainly possible if he or she is qualified and has a strong moral compass.
First of all: Jack, really? That's a really stupid question. I cannot even believe I read the stupid article. I agree with "Rider" comments from Norcross, GA. As long as I can put food on my table... This whole "fat" thing is so discriminating!!! Whoever started judging people's character by their waist is probably a person on the same lines as Stalin, Hitler, Marx... You all are saying it... obesity is a society problem... A problem created by society... how dare anybody judge a person's ability to LEAD us based on their physical appearance. I look at myself in the mirror... I don't look anything like the Obamas, or the Bushes, or the Clintons or the Reagans... somehow they were LEADING us but it wasn't base on their physical.... none of them were cute (at least while in Office) with a Bally Body.
In a nutshell yes a heavy man could be elected.
Honestly, I could care less what a candidate looks like. Ask the unemployed. They could care less as long as they get a job.
It is about his character, inclusiveness across the board, and his willingness to work with the other party instead of saying 'NO' that attracts me.
And with the two dudes that you mentioned, I know inclusiveness, character and willingness to work with the other party aren't in their repetoire. So they won't get my vote.
It's funny to see so many people bring up Taft when the times and circumstances were so much different. Once upon a time being fat was seen as a sign of success and wealth. Not so today. The chances of a fat guy being elected today are very slim.
We had a mentally challenged one for 8 years so why would this hurt?
Let's be honest, a fat man will never be elected to run America. We are a social loving country with ties in superficial images and looks. And frankly speaking, who wants to look at a fat person as a leader.
BTW people, Taft was 100 years ago.....He is talking about today, in this political and social climate. I think he even says that at one point. Although its funny how everyone feels the need to mention Taft and funny little ancedotes about him because it makes them feel smart about presidential history.
I see Taft mentioned a lot. He's also the last President with facial hair. Maybe it's time to see a 'stash or beard make its way back into the Oval Office!
And what about bald? The last bald President was Gerald Ford, who wasn't elected. Before him we go back to Eisenhower. Prior to Ike, the last bald man elected President was Martin Van Buren.
Let's have another fat, bald man with facial hair! Wilford Brimley, anyone?
If the obesity is caused by psychological problems, then no. If it's just sloth and gluttony, let him be president and let God deal with her/him later.
Sure, why not? Being overweight for a man can also mean good. It can symbolize masculinity, strength, power and like a football player.
Sure, as long as it's not Limbaugh
Steve
NJ
Not only Taft; but Arthur, Cleveland, and Van Buren were on the porker side, as well. Granted, since 1913 presidents have tended to be on the fit side, but then again, Clinton had his own battle of the bulge.
A majority of comments are indicating that a fat man could be elected president because of Taft's electoral success. However, these comments fail to take into account the changing means by which a candidate is elected. Taft was not under the scrutiny of cameras when he was elected. He was not subjected to the 24 hour news cycle. Yes, he had to contend with muckrakers and yellow journalism, but the picture of the president completes the package for most Americans. In our time a fat man would have great difficulty appearing as erudite or charismatic as a man like President Obama. As the face of America it would be appropriate that a fat man represent an ever fattening country, but it is unlikely that such an individual would be able to overcome the scrutiny that the beautiful media would undoubtedly generate.
For a fat man to win will be difficult but not impossible. It would depend on what a candidate can articulate. That said, the better they look the more attention they can draw. I.E. S Palin
A fat president mean a lazy president,Taft was fat,chubby and lazy.