Weighing In

Chris Christie is fat.  I know, such a profound statement. He's obviously has not let his weight stop him from having a successful political career and now there is talk of him being asked to lead the Republican ticket.

But can America accept a president that is over weight?  The media has always played up the healthiness, or lack there of - shall I mention the Clinton burger attacks - whenever the men in charge have played golf, had a penchant for running or riding on horseback. Especially with an obesity epidemic lazying all over the nation.

Chris Christie has been dismissive when politicians, reports or citizens question his lifestyle, the most infamous is when a constituent wanted to know why Christie didn't send his children to public school.  Christie released a force of words, that bottom line, that it was none of our, the public's, business.

And when it comes to his weight, if the question was asked, the questioner would get the same brusque response because no one wants have their personal choices questioned. But as the leader of United States of America your personal life becomes the property of every voter because that person is our representation to every country out there.  One thing that America doesn't want to show is our ugly side anymore and sully the reputation of our politicians even further.

Further, voters and Republican Party don't want have to plan contingencies of "What happens if the President's health is compromised to the point that the Vice President has to take office?"  With Christie's age and weight, his chances of having a life threatening episode increases dramatically.  The vetting process is a thorough one and I'm sure that there would be a full health exam completed but there is no guarantee that will catch everything that could cause someone to not be able to uphold the office of President.

Though to be honest, this would not be the nation's first President with a weight problem but now with the emphasis on health: Michelle Obama's garden and get moving campaign, Presidential Fitness Program and many other initiatives, can Christie be the face of these endeavors?

The argument of fatism has come up in many social situations such as social interactions with others, dating and getting a job, that people shouldn't be judged on their size.  And Christie does have a strong track record in his political dealings, leaning more middle of the road and is refreshing breath of fresh air when compared to the right wing Tea Partiers, allowing him to be a more palatable candidate for the Progressives that have been vacillating away from the Obama base.

He also is willing to stand up and lead when others have allowed minority groups to have power over the House, stymieing legislation that the American people need passed. Christie is his own force of nature, having a track record of cutting spending in New Jersey and isn't afraid of telling other politicians where they can take their pork and eat it.

But he's not the smooth talker like Perry and doesn't have the boyish charm of Romney. But when you're the size of mountain, not only are going to get seen, you'll be heard.