‘There are times where I’ve fallen off the wagon,’ the president-elect said when asked in a broadcast interview whether he has kicked the habit.

‘I’ve done a terrific job, under the circumstances, of making myself much healthier,’ he said. ‘And I think that you will not see any violations of these rules in the White House,’ he said on Sunday’s ‘Meet the Press’ on NBC.” — The Associated Press

Directors are reluctant to film scenes that depict a star smoking, because kids tend to copycat the behavior of celebrities. President-elect Barack Obama transcends the realm of politics, he is the brightest star in the world. I’m gratified to learn that he won’t be smoking in the White House, because that would send the wrong signal to young people.

America is entangled in two wars and our economy is in horrible shape — Obama is going to be under tremendous stress. I know Obama is going to be tempted to backslide; I hope a Secret Service agent will be assigned the task of offering Obama a stick of chewing gum everytime he reaches for a cigarette.

I believe that Obama has the wisdom, patience and determination to solve the economic crisis, and if he can manage that miracle quitting smoking once and for all should be a breeze.