The Most Athletic-Minded Presidential Candidate

Uncertain who to vote for this election year? Instead of looking at the candidates' immigration, health insurance or tax policy positions, maybe you should consider which of the remaining pontificaters most closely resembles your athletic-minded lifestyle?

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Okay, I agree, you should approach this important election with a more serious and well-reasoned approach. But we still found it amusing to delve into the four finalists' healthy (or unhealthy) lifestyles.

Barack Obama

While Barack is an avid basketball player, and has been since high school, (I used to "ball" with him at East Bank Club while living in Chicago), he should heed his own message of "Change" and stop smoking the cancer sticks. During a 60 Minutes interview, Barack vowed to quit. And, Michelle Obama (his wife) rightly stated that a smoker shouldn't serve as a role model to millions and be the face of the free world in the 21st Century. I've heard that Obama's nicotine habit continues to get the best of him. What a pity that such eloquent words come out of the same mouth that Marlboros go in.

Hillary Clinton

Hills used to be an accomplished tennis player and dabbled in softball some. Now, I've heard that speed walking is her thing, but frankly, the campaign road hasn't been kind to her diet and figure.

I cringed when learning that pizza is often on her plate (out of convenience) and wonder if her husband's McDonald's cravings influence her eating habits too. We would happily share our expertise with Senator Clinton (or any of the candidates), who out of all four, could likely gain (or lose) the most from our advice.

John McCain

I know hundreds of 72 year olds still running marathons and Ironman Triathlons, so the "elder statesman" doesn't get a break because of his age. However, those same 70-somethings that we watch cross the finish lines have not endured years of POW beatings, so we have to cut McCain some slack. He is a notorious hiker--recently trekking through the Grand Canyon with his son from rim to rim. But, he's not a regular sweater although he's presently causing many Conservatives to perspire. A regular 20-30 minute routine on a bike would do the Senator some good--reduce stress, strengthen his heart, improve sleep, and keep him waking up on the right side of his bed--pun intended. PS - keep the hotdogs to a minimum.

Mike Huckabee
Agree with his positions or not, you have to admire The Huckster's well publicized 110-pound weight loss and complete lifestyle reversal. Never one to shy away from fried food and gravy, Huckabee ballooned to 280 pounds--morbidly obese for his 5'11" height--developed Type II diabetes, and began experiencing chest pains as recently as 2002. After some tough talk from his doctor, the former Governor of Arkansas removed fast food from his diet and began exercising. By 2005, Huckabee was no longer a diabetic and became a fitness convert.

He's run a 5K in 28:39 and finished the Little Rock Marathon in 4 hours 30 minutes (just over 10:30 pace). His mornings are familiar to athletic-minded travelers - 430am wake ups, 30 minutes on the bike while reading the newspaper and strength workouts several times each week.

He may not become President, and likely will even lose the Republican Primary. But sometimes losing is a good thing, right Mike (e.g., pounds)? I'm remaining silent about my choice in the California Primary, but Huckabee gets our vote for Most Athletic-Minded Candidate.