Comments on: Veto the junk food

By: AAD

AAD — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:46:55 +0000

While I agree that a politician should aspire to be healthy and fit to adequately fulfill his or her responsibilities as a public servant, I do have to wonder if, in our country (the U.S.), *looking* fit and healthy has become more important to the average voter, perhaps subconsciously, than say, knowing the difference between Sunni and Shiite, understanding the complexities of international political economy, or being able to navigate the checks and balances system. In other words… would I rather have a president who is fit, or a president who is educated, intelligent, and well-suited for his job? I’m not saying the two are mutually exclusive, but it’s something to think about.

By: Marshmallow

Marshmallow — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:10:33 +0000

Interesting thoughts… New Zealand’s Prime Minister is often ridiculed because of her looks (people cite that she looks like a man), though despite being an incredibly fit woman for her age (or for any age – for fun she climbs mountains and white water rafting!)

I guess its different here because we pick the party, not the person, who runs our country. Whoever ends up Prime Minister is just a side effect of all of the policy pushing that goes on.

By: lovelines

lovelines — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:23:45 +0000

It’s not just the fat though. We generally don’t elect anyone that doesn’t fit into a certain mold. White, male, of a certain socioeconomic class. Tall candidates win over short ones, as do more attractive candidates. The fat vs. thin thing is just one of those random unfair things about voting. Oh well. Guess I can’t be president quite yet then ;)

By: Chris H

Chris H — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:31:17 +0000

I have been trying to write a comment on this post for ages, and keep coming back to…. I agree with most of the above comments ! So why try and add to it? Life sucks when you are fat, and it is unfair, and awful, and that’s all there is to it!

By: Ali

Ali — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 21:09:39 +0000

What follows is my immensely biased opinion:

In 1998, Australia had an election. On one hand, a Liberal prime minister wanting to introduce a GST that nobody seemed to want. On the other had, a fantastic politician who happened to be rather obese.

Guess who won?!

By: Lose Weight With Me

Lose Weight With Me — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:49:14 +0000

Yet another example of the tremendous pressure our society puts on people to be slim and trim.

And I agree, I think that Hillary wouldn’t be able to get away with it.

Damn double standard, and even more pressure on women.

Brian

By: K

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:05:17 +0000

Well, I’ve just read a book which pointed out (among other things) that modern American presidents have all been taller than their closest rivals, and that there’s never been a bald president. So, no, I don’t think an overweight candidate would get a completely fair hearing.

Given how much work it takes to keep really fit, I don’t think any politician ought to spend too much time on it. Try to be healthy, yes.

By: Vamp

Vamp — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:29:43 +0000

I think it’s all about appeal, PQ. I remember watching a special on television about how Ronald Reagan was only allowed to be photographed from a certain angle (to hide the turkey gizzard neck) and how Mr. Roosevelt would lock his braces in place on his legs so he would be able to “walk”. It’s all smoke and mirrors. I just hope that we end up electing someone who’s true goal is to make sure the US is the best we can possibly be as a nation.

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:00:34 +0000

Image has been an issue since the first televised presedential debate. Nixon vs. Kennedy. Guess who won the debate based on TV viewers' perceptions? http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/K/htmlK/kennedy-nixon/kennedy-nixon.htm

By: marygrace

marygrace — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:25:02 +0000

hi! i am an avid reader of your blog and always find your posts to be insightful and interesting. however, i think that regarding the issue of obesity when running for public office, there is more to the issue than just how the candidate looks. it is undeniable that people in general tend to gravitate towards those who are good-looking and fit. aside from vanity or attraction, however, obesity is a huge (no pun intended) issue in america today. it is negatively affecting the well-being of a many americans, and is responsible for numerous health issues. america is getting fat at an alarming rate, and it is causing a lot of problems.

with all of this, i think that an individual running for public office should aspire to project a healthy body image. i am not a fan of president bush at all, however, i do find it commendable that he is portrayed as healthy and athletic, with the media often showing coverage of him jogging or riding his bike. as a leader, i think that a person in public office should encourage this basic idea of health that can really enhance a person’s quality of life. after all, a president or governor or senator is supposed to be a model citizen. (not that the actions of many of them support this, i know). to me, therefore, it would not only seem inappropriate, but somewhat depressing, to see a representative of the american people that was overweight and unhealthy. it is not an issue of looks, but an issue of health, well-being, and of setting a good example.