Too Fat to Be the Next President?

Governor Chris Christie is getting a lot of press lately and it seems much of the focus is on his weight (he’s a big guy–probably well over 300 pounds).   Since he’s also a rising star in the Republican party and there’s speculation he may run for President in 2016, folks are wondering whether his weight could be problematic if he does decide to run in 2016.  I have somewhat mixed thoughts on the topic.

1. We ought not assume that people who are overweight are necessarily so simply because they choose to be– some have underlying physical conditions that predispose them towards gaining weight. Christie claims to be the healthiest fat guy you’ve ever seen.  Statistically, it may be that being overweight isn’t as dangerous as it’s cracked up to be.
2. On the other hand, being overweight can reflect a certain lack of discipline or overindulgence in regard to food consumption, which may reflect on the person’s character.  Scripture speaks of gluttony as a sin (Proverbs 23:20-21, Proverbs 28:7, Proverbs 23:2).  Being over-indulgent in eating may reflect a certain lack of self-control in other areas. If voting for Christie, one must decide just how much “weight” to give the fact of his being overweight.
3. But if Chris Christie does his job effectively and his political philosophy is one a voter agrees with, maybe the question of his being overweight is not so weighty.
4. Since we live in free country, if the guy wants to eat a lot, it’s none of our business. If one thinks it will affect his ability to govern well, don’t vote for him.
5. Some think a fat guy has little chance of getting elected for President in our visually obsessed society, but again, if can do the job well, perhaps that factor ought to be given the most heft.
6. Maybe a fat president is just what we need to help us as a society not be so utterly obsessed with physical appearance.  Maybe the country will get tired of being scolded by the health police about what we eat and our weight.  Electing Christie could send the message– “I’m free, lay off”.  If Michelle Obama wants to encourage people to be fit that’s fine, but in the end, it’s our choice.
7. I really like that he told a doctor to shut up.

I have a strong feeling that if he did make a run for President in 2016, he’d probably lose a few pounds for the campaign.  What do you think about Christie’s weight and possible Presidential aspirations?